Discovering that your parked car has been hit can be frustrating, stressful, and confusing, especially if the driver didn’t leave a note or contact information. Whether the damage is minor or severe, you may be wondering what your rights are, who’s responsible, and how to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to know if someone hits your parked car.
Understanding California Hit and Run Laws
California offers various protections in hit and run cases and outlines specific rules to ensure everyone involved is held accountable and justice is served. Under California Vehicle Code §20002, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without identifying themselves or offering assistance. In addition to leaving the scene after damaging a parked car, this includes injuring a pedestrian or crashing into another driver.
Anyone who flees the accident scene can face up to 6 months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. However, depending on the severity of the accident, additional penalties may be applied, especially if there was fatality involved in the hit and run.
What You Should Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car?
If someone has hit your parked car, it is vital that you take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected and your chances of recovering compensation is high.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Before taking any action, stay calm and make sure it’s safe to approach your vehicle. Check for visible damage, take photos from multiple angles, and note your surroundings. Look for paint transfer, debris, or skid marks, because doing so can help prove what happened later. If the person who hit your car is still there, exchange information, including:
- Name, address, and contact number
- Driver’s license and insurance details
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
If they left a note, keep it, because it’s vital evidence that will help later on.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Even if the damage seems minor, contact local law enforcement, because a police report provides an official record of the incident, which is important when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
In California, leaving the scene of a collision without providing contact information can be considered hit-and-run, which is a criminal offense. Police can use surveillance footage or witness statements to help track down the responsible driver.
3. Gather Evidence
Documentation is your strongest ally. Collect as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photos of the damage and surrounding area
- The exact location (address or landmarks)
- Date, time, and weather conditions
- Witness names and contact information
- Any nearby security or traffic cameras
The more details you collect, the easier it will be for insurance companies and your attorney to establish fault and determine degrees of liability in the event of multiple at fault parties.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible,because your insurance policy may cover the damage through different types of coverage such as:
- Collision coverage– Covers your vehicle damage regardless of fault.
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)– Applies if the other driver is unknown or uninsured.
- Comprehensive coverage– May apply if the damage was caused by something other than another car (e.g., vandalism or a falling object).
While every accident is different, your insurer will explain your deductible and guide you through the claims process.
What if the Driver Fled the Scene?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving parked cars are common. If you can’t identify the driver, file a police report immediately and provide any available evidence, such as:
- Security camera footage
- Witness statements
- Partial license plate numbers
If the responsible driver can’t be found, your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for repairs. If you don’t have that coverage, you may have to rely on your collision policy or pay out of pocket.
How to Prevent Future Incidents
While not all collisions can be avoided, you can reduce the risk by parking strategically:
- Choose well-lit areas with surveillance cameras.
- Avoid tight or high-traffic spaces.
- Back into parking spots to make your vehicle more visible.
- Keep dash cams or rear cameras running if possible.
These precautions can help deter careless drivers and provide valuable evidence if another accident occurs.
Contact Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today
If someone hit your parked car, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Whether they stayed at the scene or fled, you deserve justice and at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you file a claim, communicate with insurers, investigate the accident scene, and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
With decades of experience, we’ve helped countless clients navigate property damage and personal injury claims with compassion and skill. By having our attorneys by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your case is in the right hands.
Call us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.