What Actions to Take If Your Parked Car Gets Hit

Returning to a damaged parked car is every driver's nightmare. But being hit while sitting stationary is surprisingly common, with hundreds of incidents occurring every day across the country. 

In an instant, you go from being at ease to being thrown into confusion and concern. But taking the right steps after such a collision is vital so you can protect your rights and get the resolution you deserve.

The following article outlines the critical actions to take if misfortune strikes and some careless driver damages your parked vehicle.

The Surprising Frequency of Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lot accidents are a significant public issue in the United States. 

According to available data, approximately 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries result from parking lot collisions each year. That means parking facilities are the location for many accidents that lead to loss of life or harm.

Research also shows that around 20% of all car crashes occur in parking lots. With so many vehicles and pedestrians crossing paths in parking areas on a daily basis, it underscores why they can present safety risks. 

According to Gitnux, one in five auto accidents happen in these congested spaces where drivers are navigating aisles, backing into spots, and watching out for others.

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The statistics highlight parking lots as a common place for accidents despite their generally lower speeds than roadways. Even at slow speeds, collisions can still happen when visibility is limited, attention lapses, or congestion leads to conflicts. 

Reducing distractions and taking extra precautions like signaling and scanning the surrounding area can help lower the chances of becoming a parking lot accident statistic. However, with so much activity, hazards will always exist to some degree in busy areas.

Handling a Parking Lot Fender Bender: Your Next Steps

While on the scene, recording all of the incident's details meticulously is crucial. 

Stay at the location and look for any witnesses who can provide their contact information as a source. Note the exact time and address where it occurred. Take multiple photographs of your car from different angles, as well as any visible evidence, such as paint transfers or debris left behind.

Check the area for security cameras belonging to nearby businesses that may have recorded footage of the crash. Request to view and get a copy of the relevant clips before they are overwritten. Calmly exchange insurance and contact information if the other driver is still present. But if they leave without providing details, attempt to observe their license plate or other identifiers discreetly.

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, and also consider filing an official police report. Even if the other motorist left a note, an incident report creates an objective record of the circumstances. 

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Preserving evidence through documentation and involving authorities promptly can help protect your rights through the claims process. Remain composed and carefully gather all pertinent information before leaving the scene of a parking lot accident.

What Are the Insurance Possibilities for Parked Car Mishaps?

When your parked vehicle suffers damage, several insurance types may apply, depending on the circumstances:

1. Third-Party Property Damage Liability: If another driver hits your parked car, their insurance should cover the damages.

2. Your Own Collision Coverage: This protects your vehicle if you're at fault or in hit-and-run scenarios.

3. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Covers damage caused by uninsured drivers in some states.

4. Comprehensive Coverage: Safeguards against non-collision occurrences such as robbery, vandalism, and natural calamities.

According to Bankrate, comprehensive insurance safeguards against various non-collision risks. For instance, it would cover storm damage from a fallen tree branch or window repair after a break-in, minus your deductible.

Collision coverage repairs your car if you hit another vehicle or object, including parked cars. It may also apply in hit-and-run cases if UMPD isn't available.

Property damage liability, often mandatory, pays for damage you cause to others' property, including parked vehicles.

UMPD, available in some states, covers damage from uninsured drivers who hit your parked car. It may have a state-mandated deductible and typically matches your property damage liability limit. In hit-and-run cases where the driver is later identified as uninsured, UMPD usually applies. However, if the driver remains unidentified, you'd likely need to use collision coverage instead.

For example, with $15,000 UMPD coverage and a $200 deductible, if an uninsured driver causes $5,000 in damage to your parked car, your insurer would pay $4,800. This leaves you responsible for the $200 deductible. 

Connect with a Skilled Auto Accident Attorney

According to Keith Law Group, numerous complicated legal matters must be addressed after an accident. If injuries or wrongful death are involved, it's especially important to have knowledgeable guidance.

Let us take a look at a real incident to understand the importance of lawyering up.

In April 2023, a car accident occurred in Fayetteville, Arkansas, involving multiple vehicles. One of the cars collided with several other cars on College Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. The impact caused a chain reaction, leading to substantial damage to the vehicles involved. After the initial collisions, the vehicle veered off the roadway, losing control.

The car then entered the parking lot of a nearby Mexican restaurant called Flying Burrito. Rather than coming to a halt, the car continued its path of destruction, ultimately crashing into the building itself. The collision with the restaurant caused severe property damage and raised concerns about potential personal injuries to both patrons and staff inside.

Such a serious incident, marked by extensive property damage and the risk of injury, would undoubtedly necessitate legal assistance.

A local Fayetteville car accident lawyer can assist victims in collecting evidence and requesting public records. They can also help determine if negligence or defects were factors.

If injuries less than death occur but medical bills and lost wages follow, an advocate is equally important. They understand insurance law and can recover the full and fair amount a victim is legally owed.

In vulnerable moments after a crash, it's difficult to think clearly about complex legal issues. An attorney provides guidance and takes the burden of navigating paperwork, filings, deadlines, and negotiations. They work to bring a sense of resolution and closure amidst difficult circumstances. Their representation makes a meaningful difference for serious injuries or wrongful death cases.

FAQs

1. How should I handle accidentally hitting a parked vehicle's mirror?

A: If you accidentally damage a parked car's mirror, it's important to act responsibly. First, try to locate the vehicle's owner. If unsuccessful, leave a detailed note on the windshield with your contact information and a brief explanation of what occurred. Document the incident by taking photos of the damage and surrounding area. Finally, inform your insurance provider about the situation.

2. Can my insurance rates still go up if an accident occurs and I am not at fault?

A: Although it may seem unfair, filing any type of claim can potentially impact your insurance premiums. It includes claims where you're not at fault. Insurance companies often view clients with claim histories as higher risk, regardless of fault. This perspective may lead to increased rates, even for non-fault incidents.

3. What does a $1,000 deductible mean in car insurance terms?

A: The initial sum you must pay out-of-pocket for a specific covered medical incident is known as the deductible. This amount must be paid before your health insurance coverage takes effect. For instance, let us say you have a $1,000 deductible and experience $3,000 in covered damages. In this scenario, you would need to pay the initial $1,000 out of pocket. Your insurance policy would then cover the remaining $2,000 of the expenses.

At last, being involved in any vehicle collision, whether your car is moving or parked, can be an unsettling experience. Your immediate priorities should be documenting the incident and informing the necessary parties. It is also important to consider your longer-term legal rights and protections. 

You may ensure accountability and thoroughly understand all available options for recovering losses by consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer. They know how to provide a compelling argument for you in light of the situation. They'll commit their time, expertise, and resources to getting the best outcome possible.