Check For Security Cameras
Nowadays, security cameras are in almost every public space, and they can play a vital role in such scenarios. Therefore, if your vehicle was inside a parking garage, a busy street, or a parking lot, there is a high probability a nearby security camera captured the incident. The video footage can show what happened and even help the police identify the other vehicle.
If you dont see any security cameras or you are in a new area, you can still ask around. The nearby building or business owners can help you spot the strategically placed cameras.
Should I Call My Insurance If It Wasn’t My Fault
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involved injuries or property damage. A common myth is that you do not need to contact your insurance company if you were not at fault. … In order to use any of these, you are required to notify your insurance company.
My Parked Car Was Hit And I Got Injured
Unless the at-fault driver who hit your car is from New Hampshire or Virginia, the individual responsible for hitting your parked vehicle and causing you bodily harm should have some amount of state-mandated liability insurance, which includes coverage up to a certain amount for bodily injury to third parties.
For example, Maine drivers are required by law to carry $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability, while Massachusetts drivers must carry only $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
If the other driver doesn’t have liability insurance or perpetrates a hit-and-run crime, auto insurance companies offer two products that will pay for your medical bills:
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Scenario # : The Driver Leaves A Note
You may find that someone has hit your parked car and caused damage, but you notice a note on your windshield from the other driver with their contact information. Sometimes accidents happen, but at least the other driver was honest and left you with contact information, which gives you some recourse to have your car repair costs covered by the other drivers insurance company. This situation may elevate your blood pressure a little, but you should call this person in order to obtain some personal and insurance policy information. After speaking with the driver who hit your parked car, you need to contact your insurance carrier to report the accident. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage and submit them, along with the policy details of the other driver, to your insurance carrier. If no police report has been written at the scene, you will probably be asked to describe the scene and the incident over the phone, on a form provided by the insurer, or both.
Scenario: What If Youre Injured In Your Parked Car
If you were in the parked vehicle when the accident occurred and suffered an injury, call the police right away so they can assess the accident. Depending on the injury, you may need medical assistance or an ambulance. As with all other incidents, take photos, exchange information, look for witnesses and notify your insurance company.
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Exchange Information With All Drivers
Get the names, contact information, and drivers license numbers of all drivers involved in the accident. Youll also want to obtain all drivers license plate and vehicle identification numbers. Remember, asking to see a drivers license and vehicle registration is an excellent way to verify a drivers information.
While gathering information, its beneficial to get the names and contact information of other passengers and any witnesses at the scene.
Can I Sue Someone For Hitting My Parked Car In Nevada
Yes, you can sue someone for hitting your parked car in Nevada. Nevada law allows the victim of a parked car accident to bring a claim against the responsible driver for their damages. Hitting a parked car in Nevada is a tort. If you were illegally parked or otherwise creating a danger with your parked car, the other party might have a defense to the claim. However, generally, you can sue someone for hitting your parked car in Nevada.
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Final Thoughts On Reporting Damage To Your Parked Car
Accidents are not pleasant to deal with, but how you respond is crucial in determining the best possible outcome. Be sure to take pictures and gather details that will be helpful in determining damage, coverage and cost of repairs. Remember to contact your insurance carrier immediately to report the accident and to review the auto insurance coverage you have in force. Plymouth Rock Assurance delivers industry-leading claims service and Door to Door Valet Claim Service® to make your life easier. If you have questions about your current policy and want to review your coverages, contact us today!
Plymouth Rock Assurance® and Plymouth Rock® are brand names and service marks used by separate underwriting, managed insurance, and management companies that offer property and casualty insurance in multiple states. Insurance in Pennsylvania is underwritten by Palisades Insurance Company, Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company, High Point Preferred Insurance Company, and Rider Insurance Company. Each company is a separate legal entity that is financially responsible only for its own insurance products. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by each separate company.
Collectible Damages In No
New York State requires all drivers to have no-fault insurance, which, according to the New York State Department of Financial Services , covers basic expenses. If you are injured while in your parked car, you may be able to make a claim for these basic losses under your own no-fault insurance policy.
These damages may include:
- Payment of medical and rehabilitation expenses resulting from the collision
- Partial payment of lost income if you are unable to work
- Reimbursement of a limited amount of reasonable and necessary expenses, such as the cost of transportation to and from medical treatment or household
help that is necessary due to your injuries.
We can help you file a claim against your no-fault insurance policy, and can also investigate whether you have other coverage, called Supplemental Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage that may enable you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering even if the responsible person has no coverage.
Additionally, we may be able to pursue compensation through New Yorks Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation in situations where the driver who struck you was uninsured, and you have no SUM coverage.
After a parked car collision, you likely will need help filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages. While you focus on recovering from the collision, we can handle the legal details when someone hits your parked car.
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Should I Make A Claim On My Insurance
Though you need to tell your insurers when someones hit your parked car, its up to you as to whether you make a claim on your car insurance.
If you make a claim, you might have to pay your excess, and you might lose your no claims bonus. So get a quote on the price of repairs. In the long-term, it might prove less costly to pay for the repairs yourself than to claim on your insurance.
Scenario # : A Motorist Hits Your Car And Leaves The Scene
You walk out to find someone has hit your parked car and left the scene! There is obvious damage, but its apparent the other driver has taken off without leaving a note. The first thing you should do is to call the local police to report the incident and have a police report created to document what has occurred. Its against the law in Pennsylvania for a driver to damage property and leave the scene of the accident. A police officer will write up an official accident report and assess if there is an opportunity to gather more information by doing investigative work to try to locate the other driver.
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S To Take If Your Car Gets Hit While Parked
It’s important to know what to do if someone hits your parked car, so you can take steps to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Here’s a checklist of actions to take immediately:
- In a hit-and-run accident, it is important to call 911. If the police come to the scene, make sure to note the police department jurisdiction and the officer’s name to help obtain a police report later, if necessary.
- Document the damage: You may want to take your own pictures of the accident, too. If it is safe to do so, use your smartphone to take pictures from all angles. Document each scratch, dent and any debris left behind at the scene.
- Contact your insurance agent or Travelers representative: Let your insurance agent or insurance representative know what happened by providing the details of the accident. Your agent or representative can help you in the event you . If the person that hit your car left a note, your agent or representative will be able to guide you through the process of dealing with the other driver’s insurance provider.
Try to stay calm and follow these steps in this order. This may help you expedite your claim experience so you can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Document The Types Of Damages You Suffered
If your personal injuries and appropriate regard for safety allow, you should begin documenting your accident-related damages, expenses, and losses right away. This process could involve:
- Taking pictures and video of your vehicle and the surrounding area before moving it from the spot where it came to rest after the impact
- Taking photos of the license plates and, if possible, window registration stickers of all involved vehicles.
- Getting names and phone numbers of all witnesses
- Noting and taking photographs of any cameras or other surveillance in the area
- Seeing a doctor to document any injuries and begin treatment as soon as possible
- Keeping a file of related expenses with receipts and bills
- Getting an estimate for your car repairs
- Giving your account of the accident to law enforcement at the scene
The recoverable damages in your case will depend on the losses and expenses you endured, among other factors. Some common examples include:
- Rental car costs or other expenses
- Replacement of damaged property
- Pain and suffering damages
If the accident involved injuries and they were serious, our personal injury legal team will help you navigate the process and handle your claim while you focus on healing. As soon as you call us, you will be provided a courteous, patient, comprehensive, free consultation to get started. We will answer your questions and address your concerns so that you make informed decisions about how you wish to proceed.
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What If The Other Driver Left A Note
If the other driver left a note, you should get their contact details and their insurance information in it. However, even after getting this information, youll still need to contact the police, document the accident, and contact your insurer. Share the details from the note with the police to handle it extensively and with your insurance provider.
Above All Be Cautious
No matter who hits your parked car or why its your responsibility to contact the authorities, your insurance company, and file an insurance claim that will allow you to recover damages as soon as possible.
Were here to help with that:
At Insurance Geek, auto insurance is one of our specialties. We strive to help our clients connect with the most efficient insurance carriers which is why weve developed a tool that allows you to compare cheap auto quotes pretty much instantly!
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S To Take If Someone Hit Your Parked Car
There are several steps you need to take after an accident involving your parked car. It is very important to follow them in order. These steps are:
If all goes well, your insurance company will work with the other partys insurance company to settle any claims needed.
Should I File A Police Report
The next step to take after someone hits your parked car is to contact the police to file an accident report. Even if there is only minimal damage to your vehicle, you should still treat it as an accident. If someone hits your parked car and drives away without leaving any contact information, then the accident could be considered a hit-and-run crime. Under Florida Statute 316.065, drivers are required by law to report if it caused more than $500 in damages. It may be difficult to know how much the damage will cost unless you are a mechanic, so it is advised that you report the accident, even if the damage appears minor. This could save you legal issues down the road.
When you report the accident, an officer will document the incident and create an official accident report. They may come to the scene to investigate, and if the driver responsible is present, they may investigate whether they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol ” rel=”nofollow”> DUI)
You will most likely require this accident report in order to later file your claim with your insurance company. So make sure that you request a copy of the accident report and that you take the name and badge number of the officer filing the report.
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What Are My Options If The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, but you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, youll need to lodge a claim with your own insurance company.
If you dont have coverage for damage caused by an uninsured driver, or you do but the maximum claim amount is less than the amount you need to repair or replace your car, you may be able to commence legal proceedings against the other driver.
Legal action can get expensive, so make sure all your avenues are exhausted before launching a civil matter.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance
This type of uninsured motorist coverage pays for the cost of your medical expenses when the at-fault motorist has no bodily injury liability coverage of their own. Your uninsured bodily injury policy will pay for your medical expenses up to a certain dollar amount.
Like PIP, some states require their licensed drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage: For example, Maine mandates $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, while Vermont stipulates $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects against hit-and-run drivers.
While PIP will pay out regardless of who is at fault, UMBI will pay out only when the other motorist is at fault. UMBI pays for many of the same items as PIP, but you should speak with your insurance company to find out what your policy covers and doesn’t cover.
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What Should I Do If I Hit A Parked Car
Here are the first things you should do in this situation:
- Don’t leave the scene. It’s a crime to leave, and you could be charged with a hit-and-run.
- Wait to see if the person returns to their car and exchange information.
- If the person is not at their car, leave a note with your name, contact information, insurance company, and an explanation of the accident.
- Notify your insurance company so they’re aware of the incident before the vehicle’s owner files a claim.
Looking for more information about auto insurance? Our car insurance resource center has you covered.
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If No One Arrives Leave A Note
Keep it simple. “Nobody wants to ,” Siegel says. “Everyone’s afraid.”
But if you backed into a car or sideswiped it in the parking lot, do it anyway. Most states require that your note include this information:
- Explanation of accident
If you were driving someone elses vehicle at the time of hitting a parked car, you are required to leave the name and address of the cars owner as well.
Behnke recommends that your note include your insurance information if you have it handy. Don’t say too much, such as explaining how you weren’t paying attention when you hit their bumper. Anything you leave in the note can be used against you later when insurance companies are settling.
After being a responsible citizen and writing the note, tuck it securely under the windshield wiper.
According to the California Motor Vehicle Code, the note must be in a “conspicuous location. And no matter how tempted you are to write it with a felt-tip pen and leave it to ruin in the rain, don’t do it. In New York, per the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, failing to leave contact info can result in a $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.
Though you might try to tell yourself that the other drivers insurance will foot the repair bill if you leave the scene, think again. You dont know whether or not the vehicle has collision insurance. Even if the other owner has uninsured motorist coverage, their insurance company is unlikely to cover them unless it can verify that you are uninsured.
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