Finding your car damaged while it’s parked is frustrating and stressful. Whether the driver sticks around to take responsibility or leaves the scene without a word, you need to know the right steps to protect yourself legally and financially. Many people don’t realize that parked car accidents are more common than they think, and how you handle the situation can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally. Check the area for safety before approaching your vehicle. Look over the damage and take note of any surrounding hazards, like broken glass or leaking fluids. If the other driver is still on the scene, this makes things simpler. But if they’ve already left, you’ll need to handle it differently, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Gather Evidence Immediately After the Car Was Hit While Parked Accidents
No matter the situation, documenting everything is critical. Use your phone to take photos and videos of your car from multiple angles. Capture close-up shots of the damage, along with wide shots that show the position of your car in the parking space or street. Look for paint transfers, skid marks, or broken car parts that may have come from the other vehicle.
If the driver is still present, photograph their license plate and their vehicle. If they’ve left, check for any nearby businesses or homes that might have security cameras pointed toward the parking area. Many cases are solved thanks to video footage.
Exchange Information If the Driver Is Present
If the person who hit your parked car is still around, exchange contact and insurance information. Get their name, phone number, driver’s license, license plate, and insurance details. It’s always a good idea to remain calm and avoid admitting fault or arguing at the scene.
Sometimes, drivers will try to offer cash instead of going through insurance. While this may sound tempting, it can backfire if the repair costs end up being higher than expected. Protect yourself by documenting everything and involving insurance.
File a Police Report
For both regular parked car accidents and hit-and-runs, contacting the police is a smart move. In Florida, having a police report strengthens your insurance claim and protects you legally. When officers arrive, they will document the damage and, if possible, investigate the responsible driver.
If it’s a hit-and-run, the police report becomes even more important. It’s often the only official record of what happened and may help you recover compensation through your own insurance coverage.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve gathered evidence and filed a police report, contact your insurance company. If you know who the other driver is, their insurance should cover the damage. But if the driver fled the scene, your options may depend on the type of coverage you carry.
Collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage may apply in hit-and-run cases. Your insurance representative can walk you through the next steps, but having photos, witness statements, and a police report will make the process much smoother.
Driver Leaves the Scene: Hit-and-Run Parked Car Accidents
Unfortunately, many people return to their parked cars only to find damage with no responsible driver in sight. This type of situation is considered a hit-and-run, and it comes with its own set of challenges.
Look for Witnesses
Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened. Witnesses may have noticed the car, written down the plate number, or even recorded video on their phones. Get their names and contact details, as this can be valuable when filing a claim or pursuing legal action.
Check for Security Footage
Look around for businesses, homes, or traffic cameras that might have caught the accident. Many parking lots and streets are covered by security systems, and this footage can be critical in tracking down the driver who hit your car.
File a Police Report Right Away
Even if you don’t have information on the other driver, file a police report. This creates an official record of the accident. Police may also be able to investigate further if you have a license plate number, vehicle description, or camera footage.
Whether insurance covers a hit-and-run on a parked car depends on the type of policy you carry. If you only have liability coverage, your damages usually won’t be covered because liability pays for the other driver’s losses, not your own. To get repairs paid for, you typically need collision coverage, which helps cover damage regardless of who caused the accident. In some states, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may also apply if the hit-and-run driver can’t be identified. It’s always smart to review your policy details and speak with your insurer right away if your parked car was struck.
Legal Options in a Hit-and-Run
If the at-fault driver is identified later, you may be able to pursue a claim against them directly. Florida law holds hit-and-run drivers accountable, and victims may be entitled to compensation for damages, repair costs, and related expenses. In these cases, working with a car accident lawyer can make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.
Some Common Parking Spaces Where Accidents Happen
Someone Hit My Car in a Parking Lot
If you come back to your car and find it damaged in a parking lot, start by checking if the business has security cameras. Many shopping centers and grocery stores record their lots. Ask store management if they can provide footage. File a police report, and speak to witnesses if anyone saw the crash.
Even if the damage seems minor, having an official record protects you when filing an insurance claim. If the driver is gone, treat it as a hit-and-run and notify your insurer. Many drivers search for help by saying “someone hit my car in parking lot” because these accidents happen so often, and knowing the right steps to take can protect your legal and financial interests.
Street Parking
Street parking is another area where cars often get sideswiped or clipped. Drivers misjudge distances when passing, or they may hit a vehicle while parallel parking.
If your car is hit while parked on street, follow the same steps: document the damage, look for cameras or witnesses, and call the police. Because streets often have higher traffic, there’s a better chance that someone saw what happened or caught it on camera.
Preventing Future Issues
While not every accident can be prevented, there are ways to lower the risk of damage when your car is parked. Parking in well-lit areas, choosing spots near security cameras, and investing in a dash cam with parking mode can all help protect you. If something does happen, you’ll have stronger evidence to support your case.
Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
If your parked car has been hit, especially if it was a hit-and-run, you don’t have to deal with the stress and costs alone. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our team has experience handling all types of car accident cases, including complex hit-and-run claims. We can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation from the responsible party.
Call us today at (844) 643-7200 to speak with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer and protect your legal rights.
FAQs on Parked Car Accidents:
1. What happens if I can’t afford repairs after a hit-and-run on my parked car?
If you don’t have collision or uninsured motorist coverage, you may be responsible for repairs. However, a lawyer can sometimes help you explore other recovery options, such as city claims or third-party liability.
2. Can I be held responsible if someone hits my parked car?
Generally, no—unless your vehicle was parked illegally or in a way that blocked traffic. In that case, liability could be shared.
3. Do I need to involve my insurance company if the damage looks minor?
Yes. Even small dents can hide structural issues. Reporting protects you if the other driver later claims more damage or if repair costs rise.
4. How can I prove who hit my car if I didn’t see it happen?
Surveillance footage, witness statements, and digital evidence like nearby dash cams can help identify the driver. Acting quickly increases your chances of finding proof.
5. What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim for a parked car accident?
You can appeal the decision, provide additional evidence, or consult with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer to challenge unfair claim denials.
6. Will my insurance rates go up if someone hits my parked car?
It depends on your insurer and state laws. Some insurers raise rates even if the accident wasn’t your fault, especially if you file a collision claim.
7. How long does it usually take to settle a parked car accident claim?
If the at-fault driver is known, it may take weeks to months. Hit-and-run claims can take longer, especially if more investigation or legal steps are required.
8. Should I repair my car before the insurance claim is settled?
It’s best to wait. Repairs without insurer approval may not be reimbursed. Instead, document the damage thoroughly and get an estimate first.