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If your parked car has been hit and the driver has fled the scene, it’s crucial to know the steps to take to protect your rights and gather evidence. This guide outlines essential actions to take after a hit-and-run accident and highlights the importance of seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney near you to navigate the claims process effectively.
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Discover essential steps to take if someone hits your parked car and leaves, including gathering evidence and filing a claim. Learn how to navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident and consult with an attorney near you to maximize your recovery.
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personal-injury/common-personal-injury-cases-legal-implications/motor-vehicle-accidents-protect-your-rights/what-to-do-after-car-accident-protecting-rights-securing-compensation/your-essential-guide-handling-car-accident-immediate-steps-key-actions/what-to-do-if-someone-hits-your-parked-car-hit-and-run
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A parked car with visible damage to the bumper and taillight, surrounded by symbolic elements like a police report, a camera, and a witness, emphasizing steps to take after a hit-and-run accident. Muted shades of purples, yellows, and greys highlight the seriousness and urgency of documenting the incident.
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Jan 28, 2025 08:36 PM
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What to Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car and Leaves
Introduction
You're relaxing on a Friday evening with your friend at a shopping center. Things were going great until you found your car in a parking lot with a broken taillight and damaged bumper. It turns out someone hit your parked car and left. What do you do now? This article provides tips and information on handling property damage from a hit-and-run accident.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when someone leaves the accident scene without stopping to meet legal duties. When a driver hits a parked car, they must make a reasonable effort to identify the vehicle's owner and leave a written notice. Every state has its own traffic laws covering hit-and-run accidents. If someone has hit your parked car, stay at the scene, and gather as much information as possible.
Things To Do Immediately at the Scene
As soon as you find your vehicle damaged, follow these steps to preserve evidence and protect your rights:
- Stay at the Scene: It may be tempting to immediately drive off to catch the person who hit your car. But you may lose important evidence by doing so. So, don't leave the scene until you have gathered all the necessary information. If possible, attempt to get the license plate number or any other identifying information of the perpetrating car as it drives away.
- Talk to Any Witnesses: Look around for any witnesses and get their names and contact information. See if there are any security cameras nearby that may have captured the incident. If you find any, ask the property owner for a copy of the footage and to preserve the video until your attorney can request it.
- Call the Police Department: Some states require you to file a police report, even if there is a written note from the other driver. The official accident report can be used to preserve any evidence found at the scene.
- Record the Time and Location: Make a note of the time and location of the auto accident.
- Take Accident Photos: You should take photos of the accident scene. Get multiple pictures from various angles, including general views and close-ups. If there's evidence of the other car's painting or marks, take a close-up photo of that as well.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: You should notify your insurance company that you've been in an accident. By contacting them as soon as possible, you can help expedite your claims process.
File a Claim: Handling a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you can identify the driver who hit your car, get their insurance company information. You should then file a third-party claim with their insurance company. This way, you will be able to recover damages under the other driver's policy.
If you cannot find the person who hit your car, you'll have to file a claim with your own insurance company. Generally, uninsured motorist coverage compensates drivers for hit-and-run accidents. However, not all states require you to have uninsured motorist coverage. Check with your insurance company to find out which type of coverage will cover you for hit-and-run accidents.
Legal Advice
Handling the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident can be a challenging and stressful experience. The immediate shock and frustration are often followed by confusion and uncertainty about the next steps. However, it's best to stay calm, gather as much evidence as you can, and act quickly and responsibly.
Even if the driver took off after hitting your car, you can recover damages as long as you follow the proper procedures. Speak with an experienced car accident attorney who will be able to guide you through the claims process to maximize the damages you recover.
Conclusion
If you suspect negligence or are involved in a hit-and-run accident, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is vital. ReferU.AI is the only platform that leverages AI to efficiently and accurately assess each user's unique legal needs and objectively recommend attorneys based on their proven success in similar cases according to actual court records. By providing smarter results, users gain easier access to better representation and outcomes. Visit ReferU.AI to find an attorney near you today.
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