I Unknowingly Hit A Parked Car: 7 Steps You Should Take

Unknowingly Hit A Parked Car - What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car But No Damage - If You Hit A Parked Car And Can't Find The Owner

What should you do if you unknowingly hit a parked car? 

In this article, you’ll learn about:

  • what to do (the exact steps to take)
  • what to do if there is no damage
  • what to do if you can’t find the owner
  • what are the consequences (i.e., charges, fines, litigation, etc.)
  • what if you left the scene

Let’s dig in.

Table of Contents

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What To Do If You Unknowingly Hit A Parked Car?

Let’s say you unknowingly hit a parked car.

It is important to follow the proper steps to address the situation responsibly and ethically.

(And legally.)

Here’s what you should do if you unknowingly hit a parked car:

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
  2. Assess The Damage: Check both your vehicle and the parked car for any signs of damage. Take pictures to document the scene and the damage.
  3. Look For Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. They may be able to provide additional information or support your account of the incident.
  4. Leave A Note: If the owner of the parked car is not present, write a note with your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what happened. Place the note in a secure and visible location, such as under the windshield wiper or on the door handle.
  5. Report The Incident: Depending on your local laws, you may need to report the accident to the police or your insurance company. In some places, failing to report a collision, even a minor one, can result in penalties.
  6. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the incident and provide them with the details, photos, and any witness information you’ve collected. They will guide you through the claims process and let you know what to expect.
  7. Cooperate With The Other Party: If the owner of the parked car contacts you, be honest and cooperative. Share your insurance information and follow any necessary steps to resolve the situation.

What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car But There’s No Damage

If you hit a parked car but there’s no damage, follow these steps:

  1. Stay calm and assess the situation.
  2. Examine both vehicles closely for any signs of damage, even minor ones.
  3. Take photos of both vehicles as documentation.
  4. Consider leaving a note with your contact information and a brief explanation of the incident.
  5. Be prepared to take responsibility and cooperate with the other party if they contact you.

There may be no visible damage, but you should still act responsibly and ethically.

You can do this by:

  • documenting the incident 
  • being willing to communicate with the other party

What If You Hit A Parked Car And Can't Find The Owner?

If you hit a parked car and can’t find the owner, follow these steps:

  1. Document The Scene: Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and their positions.
  2. Look For Witnesses: If any, collect their contact information for future reference.
  3. Leave A Note: Write a note with your name, contact information, and a brief description of the incident. Place it securely on the parked car, e.g., under the windshield wiper.
  4. Report To Authorities: Notify local police about the accident, providing necessary details.
  5. Contact Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company, sharing relevant information, photos, and witness details.
  6. Cooperate With The Owner: If contacted, be honest and cooperative to resolve the situation.

By following these steps, you demonstrate responsibility and integrity.

And you minimize potential negative consequences.

Read More: What Will Collision Insurance Cover In The Event Of An Accident?

What Are The Consequences Of Unknowingly Hitting A Parked Car?

Even if you unknowingly hit a parked car, there can still be consequences. 

These consequences vary depending on:

  • the circumstances, 
  • the severity of the incident
  • the laws in your jurisdiction

Here are some potential consequences you may face:

  • Legal Consequences: In many states, it is a legal requirement to report an accident, even if you unknowingly hit a parked car. Failing to report the incident or leaving the scene without providing your contact and insurance information may result in fines, penalties, or even criminal charges, such as hit-and-run charges.
  • Financial Consequences: Depending on the extent of the damage and your insurance coverage, you may be responsible for paying for the repairs to both your vehicle and the parked car. And your insurance premiums may increase as a result of the accident.
  • Insurance Claims: If you report the incident to your insurance company, you may need to file a claim and cooperate with their investigation. This process can be time-consuming and may require providing documentation, such as photos, witness information, and a detailed account of the incident.
  • Impact On Driving Record: Depending on your jurisdiction and the circumstances of the accident, the incident may be recorded on your driving record. This can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential difficulties in obtaining coverage in the future.

What If I Hit A Parked Car And Left?

Here’s what to do if you hit a parked car and left:

  1. Go Back: If possible, return to the incident location. If the car is still there, assess the damage, leave a note with your contact information, and look for witnesses.
  2. Report It: Contact your local police to report the incident. Be honest and explain that you initially left the scene but now want to take responsibility.
  3. Inform Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company to report the incident. Provide necessary information, including details of the accident, photos, witness information, and that you left the scene.
  4. Be Ready For Consequences: You may face legal and financial consequences like fines, penalties, or increased insurance premiums.

Your Next Steps

If you unknowingly hit a parked car, fill out the form on this page.

We have the experience to guide you through this process. 

We can help you take the right steps so you don’t commit a hit-and-run (per the law).

Talk soon.

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