What to Do if You Are Involved in a Hit and Run With a Parked Car – Guest Post

Hit-and-run accidents are a grave issue in the USA. In 2024, Florida logged the highest number of hit-and-run crashes, with a record 85,089. With which happened in Florida, the hit-and-run crashes were responsible for 17,584 injuries and 205 deaths. In the US, 

Over six million car accidents take place every year. Most alarming is the fact that there are more than 11 accidents occurring every minute in this country.

It is important to know how to go about resolving matters of automobile accidents, one such being a hit-and-run with a parked car.

This article teaches you how to handle a hit-and-run very well by ensuring the safety of all involved parties.

Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety

After the hit-and-run accident, check yourself for any injuries and find out if anyone around you is injured.” When there is any injury, it is advisable to call an ambulance immediately.” Position yourself away from traffic; do otherwise if you do not want to be put at risk in case something does happen.

According to a personal injury attorney from Cheney Galluzzi & Howard Law Firm, you should use hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. If it is safe to do so, check for bystanders who could assist in managing the situation. 

If your vehicle is drivable, steer it onto the roadside to avoid obstructing incoming traffic. 

Gather Information About the Incident

Photos of the parked car, damage, and surrounding area should be taken, along with the time, date, and weather conditions.

Exchange contact details with any possible witnesses. Write down the color, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle that hit the parked car. 

If possible, a quick sketch of the area will help in showing the positions of the cars concerned. Keep this information well organized and accessible. In the event of legal action, this information will prove beneficial.

Report the Incident to Authorities

Immediately report the incident to authorities. The report will serve as an official record of what happened. 

Make a complete record of all pertinent details and call your local police. Be very specific in your report to the police – time, place, and description of any other vehicles that may have been present. 

 If there are any witnesses, take care to mention them in your report. The police may either ask one to come to the police station to file a report or send someone to take one at the site of the accident. 

Be prepared to answer the questions given by the police and to back them up with evidence collected by you, witness statements or photographs will suffice. This would help determine who the guilty party was, and might even prove useful in corroborating or denying the claim later on in the investigations. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as you report the hit-and-run incident to the authorities, you should inform your insurance company. Call your agent or go online to their portal to file a claim and give each detail relevant to the hit-and-run accident.

Present any police report information as well as testimonies from witnesses. 

Be willing to discuss your coverage and any deductibles. Your insurer may need to conduct an investigation, so it is advised to stay in close contact and be available for any questions.

Follow Up on Claims and Repairs

Follow up on claims and repairs while waiting for the processing of your insurance claim. Stay in touch with your insurance adjuster to get updates regarding your claim; ask for the documentation needed and the time frame for approval.

Call your body shop-of-choice to discuss your estimate and schedules for your vehicle repair. Provide relevant information that would speed up the process.

Maintain a detailed record of all communications. This will help maintain your records of documents and evidence in one organized way. Taking the initiative reduces anxiety and the likelihood your car will be promptly repaired.