What to Do If Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left?

Dawn Pinnisi

November 14, 2024

Finding your parked car damaged and realizing the responsible driver has vanished can be incredibly frustrating. It’s a situation that leaves many feeling anxious and unsure about what to do next. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. we know that hit-and-run accidents can bring a wave of unexpected emotional and financial stress. But don’t worry; there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your wallet. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the common causes of these incidents and what actions to take if someone hits your parked car and drives off.

Main Causes of Accidents

Incidents involving parked cars happen more often than you might think, and many drivers panic, choosing to leave the scene without taking responsibility. While this is illegal, it’s important to understand the common reasons behind these events to be better prepared:

1. Distracted Driving: Many hit-and-run incidents occur because the driver was distracted—whether by their phone, GPS, or other passengers—and didn’t realize they struck your vehicle.
2. Limited Visibility: Poor lighting or adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can make it difficult for a driver to notice obstacles, including parked cars.
3. Driver Impairment: Unfortunately, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to leave the scene of an accident due to fear of legal consequences.
4. Reckless or Inexperienced Drivers: Speeding, illegal parking, or drivers with little experience can lead to collisions with parked vehicles. These individuals may flee the scene to avoid fines or increased insurance premiums.

Understanding these causes can help you take precautions, such as parking in well-lit areas or using security cameras. Despite this, accidents can still happen, and knowing how to respond is fundamental.

What to Do if Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left?

You should follow these steps immediately if someone hits your parked car and leaves to ensure you have the best chance of recovering damages:

1. Stay Calm and Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to your car, the surrounding area, and any potential evidence, like tire marks or parts from the other vehicle. These photos will be essential when you file a police report and an insurance claim. Additionally, you must know that taking pictures from multiple angles can help capture relevant details for your insurance company or police investigation.
2. Contact the Police: In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information is considered a hit-and-run and is illegal. Contact the Paramus Police Department to file a report. This official report is meaningful for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
3. Check for Witnesses and Surveillance Footage: If the incident happened in a public area, like a parking lot at Garden State Plaza, witnesses may have seen it. Speak to anyone nearby and gather their contact information. Likewise, check if any businesses or homes nearby have security cameras that might have recorded the situation.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company: Once you’ve filed a police report, reach out to your insurance company to begin the claims process. They will ask for the police report number, photos, and further evidence you’ve gathered. Even if the driver who hit your car is not found, you may still have coverage under your insurance policy.

Will My Insurance Go Up After This Accident?

Whether or not your insurance rates will increase depends on several factors, including your policy, the extent of the damage, and whether the driver responsible is identified. In most cases, if the accident is determined to be a hit-and-run and you were not at fault, your rates may not increase immediately, especially if you have comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage.

According to ValuePenguin, most auto insurance policies do cover hit-and-run events involving parked cars, but you might need to file a claim under your collision or uninsured motorist coverage, which could still lead to a deductible or potential rate increase.

How to Claim Compensation After a Hit and Run?

You can use your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or collision coverage to claim compensation after this situation and sometimes take legal action. Here are your main options:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your UM coverage may cover the damage if the driver isn’t found. New Jersey auto policies include UM for hit-and-run incidents, so check your coverage limits.
• Collision Coverage: This can cover repairs regardless of fault, though you may need to pay a deductible. Weigh the cost of the deductible against the repair expenses.
• Legal Action: If the driver is identified later, you can file a lawsuit for damages or pursue compensation through their insurance.
• Small Claims Court: If the driver is found to be uncooperative with insurance, small claims court is an option for minor damages.

Hit-and-Run in Paramus?

Don’t let the driver who fled the scene getaway. Contact Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. today for expert legal representation. We’ll help you recover compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

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