If your car was hit while it was parked, it has suffered damages. You will need to take it to a qualified technician to get a written estimate for repairing the damages. The laws can vary from one state to another in this situation and it can also be dependent on what your insurance policy says.
If you find that your vehicle was hit while it was parked, you should check your vehicle to see if the driver of the other vehicle left a note.
This note might include the insurance details and contact information for the other driver, so you can pursue a claim against their insurance provider to recover damages and get your vehicle repaired.
What if the Driver Left the Scene?
If the driver left the scene of the accident and did not provide details in a note, you should ask around to determine if there is an eyewitness to the accident. As an example, if your car was parked in front of some shops along the street, you might want to check with the shop employees to see if they saw what happened.
If you were in a parking garage or some kind of parking lot, check with the lot attendant to determine if the incident could have been caught on camera. You will want to contact local police, so they can come out to the scene and complete an accident report.
The police will conduct a preliminary investigation and try to determine who the driver of the other vehicle was and their contact details. You should take photos of the damages to your vehicle. Get photos of your vehicle where it was parked, which could be helpful to any investigations regarding your car being hit while parked.
Contact your Insurance Provider
You will need to contact your insurance company regarding the next steps involved with filing a claim and getting your vehicle repaired.
This is only applicable if you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage. If you only have liability coverage, your damages are not covered by your insurance carrier. Comprehensive coverage will allow you to file a claim for a third-party’s physical injuries and damages to the vehicle.
You can also use comprehensive coverage if you are at fault for your damages. Comprehensive coverage offers fire and theft coverage. So basically, any kind of damages you might suffer from a motor vehicle accident are covered by comprehensive insurance coverage.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you need help getting a claim approved when your car is hit while parked, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Your lawyer will not be paid until you are compensated for your damages.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details shared with an accident injury lawyer in your area. A statute of limitations applies, so make sure you get your claim on the right track.
