If you’ve bumped into a parked car in Fort Lauderdale, you may be wondering what to do and what the consequences are for your actions. In this article, we’ll explain what actions you should take. If you were injured in the collision, aFort Lauderdale car accident lawyer may be able to help.
What To Do If You Bump a Parked Car?
Knowing what to do if you bump into a parked car can be tricky. Your immediate actions, though, matter. Here are the steps to take:
Stop Your Vehicle and Assess the Damage
While many of these crashes occur in parking lots, some also happen in areas with a constant flow of traffic. Ensure that you can safely do so and are not obstructing traffic in any way. You can park your car if needed. Remember that you will get into much more trouble for a hit-and-run accident.
If possible, exit your vehicle and check to see what damage was caused to both your car and the vehicle you hit. If anyone has been injured, call 911.
If the other driver is not in their vehicle, you arelegally required to wait for them to arrive on the scene before you can leave.
If the damage exceeds $500 or someone is injured, call the police to file an accident report. Even when it is not legally required, having an official police report can protect you against future disputes or exaggerated claims.
If you are unsure whether the parked car belongs to a private individual or a commercial or government entity, documenting your attempt to notify the owner can help minimize potential liability. You should also take time-stamped photos of the damage and the surrounding area, especially if visibility was obstructed or the parked car was illegally positioned.
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver
Ensure that the other driver has your name, contact info, and insurance policy information. You should also get the same information from them.
If there are witnesses, it can be helpful to ask for their names and numbers as well.
Be aware that statements like “I didn’t see the car” or “I was in a rush” may later be interpreted as admissions of fault. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means any admission can reduce your chances of recovering damages in the event you were also injured.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, such as damage to both vehicles, if there was an obstruction in the road, or any other reason why you may have been unable to see the parked car; take a photo of that as well.
In Some Cases, Notify the Police
When property damage exceeds $500 or anyone is injured, you are legally required to call the police andreport the accident. However, even if the damage is minor, it can still be helpful to call the police, as a crash report can be helpful if any legal disputes arise later.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company and notify them. Be honest about the accident and explain any extenuating circumstances, such as limited visibility.
Your insurer may want a recorded statement. It’s important to understand that these statements can be used to limit your liability. If you’re unsure how to proceed, you may want to speak with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer first.
In some cases, your collision coverage may cover repairs to your vehicle after you pay the deductible, even if you were at fault. If the parked car’s owner files a property damage claim against your liability coverage, your insurer will handle the negotiations.
Understanding Potential Legal Consequences
Even a minor bump can escalate if it is not handled correctly. Leaving the scene without leaving your information can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums.
Florida’s laws treat failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving unattended property as a second-degree misdemeanor. Convictions can result in penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. This is why documenting your actions is vital, especially if the owner cannot be found.
If you believe the parked vehicle was illegally parked or obstructing traffic, this may serve as a partial defense. However, you will still be required to take reasonable steps to notify the vehicle’s owner and report the accident if damage is significant.
Injuries and Unexpected Medical Claims
While most incidents involving parked cars result only in property damage, injuries can still occur. If you were injured during the impact, perhaps due to airbag deployment or sudden braking, you may be eligible to file a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Florida’s no-fault insurance system covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. If another factor contributed to the crash, like an improperly placed construction barrier, poor lighting, or a defective vehicle, you may have grounds for a third-party liability claim.
You should also consult a physician after any impact, even if symptoms seem mild. Some conditions, like whiplash or concussions, may not appear immediately but can worsen over time. Keep a detailed record of symptoms, medical visits, and any work or activities missed due to injury.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand that even a minor incident like bumping a parked car can have serious consequences. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers provide trusted guidance through every step of the legal process.
We have secured:
- $3.85 million for a truck rollover accident
- $5.25 million wrongful death settlement
- $925,000 for negligent security in a complex liability case
Whether you need help responding to a property damage claim or filing a personal injury case, we tailor our strategy to your needs. We examine police reports, surveillance footage, and road design factors to determine if another party contributed to the accident.
We operate on a contingency fee model, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Our team is available for free consultations to assess your options and protect your rights.
What if Someone Was Injured?
If someone was injured, the accident may become much more complicated. While Florida is a no-fault state, you could still have a claim filed against you when injuries are significant.
Additionally, if you were injured and believe the other driver or a third party was at fault, then you may make a personal injury claim. For example, if you hit a parked car because you had to swerve out of the way of a vehicle veering into your lane, the veering motorist may be at fault for the accident. AFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you file an accident claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
If injuries were involved, a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can help you investigate to prove negligence. Atthe Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our legal team is here through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today by calling (954) 633-8270 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.