Discover what to do when someone hits your car and leaves. Explore your rights, gather evidence, and seek justice in this helpful blog guide.
What to Do After a Hit and Run on Your Parked Car in California
If you are a driver in California, you know that the potential for damage to your car is high. What can be particularly astonishing is when another driver does that damage, and then simply leaves the scene. These scenarios are known as “hit and runs.” Unfortunately, they happen far too often. A sense of betrayal marks them — after all, we trust that other drivers will do their best to avoid hitting our cars. It can be frustrating, confusing, and even scary when they don’t and then attempt to simply drive away.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation. Here’s what to do if you are the victim of a hit and run:
First and foremost, try to remain calm. It can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you are not the first Californian to be involved in a hit-and-run car accident. There are procedures in place to deal with these types of accidents so that you can get the compensation you deserve and are not left with an enormous repair bill.
Once you have recognized that you are the victim of a hit and run, call the police. Immediately inform them of the situation, including any details about the other driver that you may have been able to gather. The police will then come to the scene and begin their investigation.
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it’s important that you do not move your car from the spot where it was hit. This is especially important if there are any visible tire marks or other evidence that can be used to identify the other driver. If you must move your car for any reason, be sure to take pictures of the evidence before you do.
Once the police have arrived and begun their investigation, be sure to cooperate fully. Answer any questions they have and provide them with any information or evidence that you may have.
The police will then compile a report, which you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. In some cases, the police may be able to help you track down the other driver. However, even if they are not able to do so, you should still file a claim with your insurance company to ensure that you are not left with the entire repair bill.
If you have to visit the hospital or your doctor as a result of injuries sustained in the hit and run, be sure to keep all documentation of your treatment and expenses. This will also be important when you file your insurance claim. These are sustained injuries that you did not cause, and you should fight to ensure that you are not liable for the cost of treatment.
Finally, contact an attorney who specializes in hit-and-run accidents. Having a legal team to back your claim can be incredibly helpful, especially if your insurance company is being difficult in understanding the situation or is not offering you a compensation amount that accurately reflects the damage done to your car or the cost of your medical treatment.
No one deserves to be a hit and run victim, but unfortunately, these accidents do happen. If you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
FAQs About Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left in California
If someone hits your parked car, you should first try to remain calm. Then, call the police and inform them of the situation. Once the police have arrived, cooperate fully with their investigation. After that, you should file a claim with your insurance company and contact an attorney who specializes in hit and run accidents.
The penalty for hit and run can vary, depending on the situation. For example, if the hit and run results in property damage, the penalty may be a fine. However, if the hit and run results in injuries that required medical treatment and may alter the victim’s quality of life, the penalty may be more severe to reflect the seriousness of how the crime has impacted the victim.
If you hit a parked car, you should first try to find the owner of the vehicle. If you cannot do so, you should leave a note with your contact information and a description of what happened. You should also call the police to report the accident to protect yourself from any potential legal liability or being accused of a hit and run.
Yes, you should call your insurance provider immediately after the accident. This will appear favorably to them when you file your claim by demonstrating that you are taking proactive steps to ensure that the damage is covered. They will carefully review your policy to determine your coverage and how much you will be reimbursed.
Even if you cannot find the driver who hit you, you should still file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will likely have a process for handling hit and run accidents. They may be able to help you track down the other driver in collaboration with the police. However, if they are not able to do so, you should still file a claim to maximize your chances of being reimbursed for the damage.
Conclusion
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. An experienced car accident attorney will fight to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the damage done to your car and any injuries you may have sustained. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and see why we are the best at what we do for Californians.
