Finding your car damaged while it was parked on the street can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Whether it’s a minor scratch or significant damage, knowing how to handle the situation effectively can save you time, money, and hassle. Similarly, if you’re wondering, “My car was hit while parked on the street”, you deserve insurance pay.
But receiving it is a different story. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to take if your car was hit while parked on the street, helping you navigate the claims process and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Parked Car Is Hit
When you find that your car has been hit while parked on the street, it’s essential to act quickly to gather valuable evidence and information. Here are the key steps you should follow:
1. Assess the Damage
The first thing to do is assess the damage to your parked car. Take a thorough look at the affected areas and document everything with pictures. Photographs are valuable evidence that will support your claim with the insurance company.
2. Look for a Note or Witnesses
In some cases, the person responsible for the accident may leave a note with their contact details and insurance information. If no note is present, look around for any witnesses who might have seen the accident happen. Ask for their contact details and if they are willing to provide a statement about what they saw.
3. Gather Information
If there is no note, look for any witnesses or surveillance footage from the surrounding area. Nearby businesses or homes might have cameras that recorded the accident. Ask around to see if anyone saw what happened and if they can provide any information about the moving vehicle that hit your car.
4. Call the Police
Contact the police to file an official accident report. This report is crucial for your insurance claim, especially in hit-and-run cases. The police report will document the accident scene and provide an unbiased account of the incident.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the gathered evidence, including pictures, witness statements, and the police report. This will initiate the claims process and get the ball rolling on your compensation.
6. Consult a Lawyer
If you encounter difficulties with the claims process or if the other driver’s insurer disputes your claim, consulting a lawyer can be beneficial. A lawyer specializing in car accidents can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
- Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is essential in a car accident involving a parked vehicle. If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover the damage to your car. Ensure you get the other driver’s insurance information to facilitate this process.
- Collision Coverage: Collision coverage is part of your car insurance policy that covers damage to your car regardless of fault. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle, minus your deductible.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the person who hit your car doesn’t have insurance or if it was a hit-and-run accident, uninsured motorist coverage can help. This coverage pays for damages caused by an uninsured driver or if the responsible party cannot be identified.
In some more bizarre cases, your parked car may get hit by a stolen car, which changes everything. Therefore, we recommend connecting with an experienced attorney to get more details.
Filing a Claim If Your Car Was Hit While Parked On The Street
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve notified your insurance provider about the accident, they will guide you through the claims process. Be prepared to provide them with all the evidence and information you’ve gathered.
2. Provide Necessary Documentation
Submit all relevant documents, including the police report, pictures of the damage, witness statements, and any other evidence that supports your claim. The more comprehensive your documentation, the smoother the claims process will be.
3. Get an Estimate
Your insurance company may require you to get an estimate for the repairs from a certified auto repair shop. Some insurance companies have preferred repair shops that they work with, so check with your provider.
4. Wait for the Adjuster
An insurance adjuster may be assigned to your case to evaluate the damage and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. They will inspect your vehicle and review all the submitted documentation.
5. Receive Compensation
Once the adjuster has completed their evaluation, your insurance company will provide you with the compensation for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle. If you have collision coverage, you will receive the amount minus your deductible.
Dealing with a Hit-and-Run If The Car Was Hit While Parked On The Street
1. Report the Incident
If your parked car was hit and the driver fled the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run accident. Report the incident to the police immediately and file an official accident report. This report will be essential for your insurance claim.
2. Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In a hit-and-run situation, your uninsured motorist coverage can come to the rescue. This coverage will pay for the damages to your car when the responsible party cannot be identified.
3. Provide Evidence
Submit all the evidence you have, including pictures, witness statements, and the police report, to your insurance company. The more detailed your evidence, the better your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Protecting Your Parked Car
- Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park your car in well-lit and busy areas. This reduces the likelihood of your car being hit and increases the chances of someone witnessing the accident if it does happen.
- Avoid Illegally Parked Spots: Illegally parked cars are more likely to be involved in accidents. Make sure you park in designated spots and avoid areas where your car could be towed or hit by passing vehicles.
- Install a Dash Cam: Consider installing a dash cam in your car. Many dash cams have parking mode, which records any movement or impact while your car is parked. This footage can be invaluable in identifying the responsible party in the event of an accident.
- Use a Parking Garage: If available, use a parking garage instead of street parking. Parking garages provide added security and protection for your car, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.
Legal Considerations
- Determining Fault: In any car accident, determining fault is crucial. If someone hits your parked car, they are typically at fault. However, if your car was parked illegally or in a hazardous spot, you might share some responsibility.
- Document Medical Bills: If you or any passengers in your car were injured as a result of the accident, keep detailed records of all medical bills and expenses. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a personal injury claim.
- Follow Up: After filing your claim, stay in touch with your insurance company and follow up regularly. Ensure that your claim is being processed and that you receive timely updates on the status of your compensation.
- Seeking Legal Advice: In some cases, it might be beneficial to seek legal advice. If the insurance company is disputing your claim or offering inadequate compensation, a lawyer specializing in car accidents can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Recovering Your Damages for a Car Hit While Parked On The Street
Recovering damages after your car has been hit while parked on the street involves several steps. Here’s what you need to know:
- Document Your Damages: Keep detailed records of all your damages. This includes repair costs, rental car expenses, and any other costs incurred as a result of the accident.
- Medical Bills: If you or any passengers were injured in the accident, keep records of all medical bills and related expenses. These should be included in your claim.
- Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, document your lost wages. This can be included in your claim for damages.
- Pain and Suffering: In some cases, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. An attorney can help you determine if this applies to your case and how to quantify these damages.
Conclusion
Finding your car damaged while it was parked on the street can be a frustrating experience, but knowing how to handle the situation can make a significant difference. By taking immediate action, documenting the damage, and understanding your insurance coverage, you can navigate the claims process smoothly and get the compensation you deserve.
Get Coverage for a Car Hit While Parked On The Street with BLG
Remember, your insurance provider is there to help you through this process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek legal advice if needed. Our professionals at Bourassa Law Group with the right steps and knowledge, you can turn a frustrating situation into a manageable one.
FAQs
What should I do if my car is hit while parked on the street?
First, assess the damage and look for any notes left by the responsible party. Gather evidence, such as pictures and surveillance footage, and contact the police to file a report. Notify your insurance company and provide them with all the necessary information.
Will my insurance cover the damages if my car is hit while parked?
If you have collision coverage, your insurance will cover the repair costs minus your deductible. But if the responsible party is identified, their insurance company should cover the damages. In case it was a hit-and-run, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
What if the person who hit my car didn’t leave a note?
If the person responsible didn’t leave a note, gather evidence, such as pictures and surveillance footage, and file a police report. Check for witnesses who might have seen the incident and report it to your insurance company.
Can I still get compensation if my car was parked illegally?
If your car was parked illegally, it could complicate the claims process. While the person who hit your car is still at fault, your compensation may be reduced if your illegal parking contributed to the accident.
Should I seek legal advice if my car was hit while parked?
If the insurance company is disputing your claim or offering inadequate compensation, it might be beneficial to seek legal advice. A lawyer specializing in car accidents can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.
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