Whether you were in the car when it happened or you came back to your vehicle to discover that it was hit, you need to consult with an experienced lawyer if your insurance is hard to work with.
Knowing your options if your car was hit while it was parked is important. While you might be able to resolve your case directly with your insurance carrier, this is not always a smooth and easy process. If someone runs into your parked car, you may have the right to file a suit to get damage recovery, especially if you're having challenges with your insurance company or if your vehicle was seriously damaged.
Some of the biggest challenges in a case in which someone ran into your parked car is determining who did it. If they left the scene of the accident and did not leave their name and contact details, this presents numerous problems for you. If someone runs into your parked car, you need to evaluate the full scope of your options and rights so that you have clarity on how to proceed and can avoid many of the common missteps and issues linked to this process.
For more information, read below or contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Action Steps to Take if Someone Runs Into Your Parked Vehicle
If someone strikes your vehicle while it is parked in a street or in a parking lot, you should treat this entire incident as if it's an accident. See if there are witnesses in the immediate area who might be able to provide details or help you take pictures. Do not move your car or leave the accident until you've had an opportunity to make a report and collect photos or videos that illustrate how your car was parked and how the accident may have happened. If the individual who hit your vehicle is still in the area, communicate with them to exchange information.
Even if the accident is minor and did not lead to any serious injuries, you may need to contact the police to file a report. If you ultimately discover that the damage done to your vehicle is severe, you need to contact your insurance company and file a claim. You'll want to balance the possible benefits of filing a claim with the deductible required and the potential impact on your car insurance rates.