According to a car accident attorney in Stockton, if anyone nearby witnessed the incident and took the time to record the offending car’s registration for you, you might be able to use that evidence to your advantage. Some vehicles are equipped with dashcams, and some areas are covered by CCTV, so the incentive may be recorded.
I Was Hit While Parked; What Should I Do Initially?
It’s best to start by seeing whether there’s a note. In the event that you were not there at the time of the accident, the driver is obligated by law to leave contact information.
According to RAC Insurance, only 9 percent of drivers who hit other vehicles stop to provide any sort of contact information. Returning to see damage and a note on your automobile puts you in the minority.
If the incident occurred in a public place, such as a busy street, you could ask passersby if they observed what happened, but only if you feel secure doing so. If the incident took place in the neighbourhood, you could inquire among your neighbours.
Do Not Forget To Take Photos
Don’t forget to document the damage in as many images as possible.
Check that every photo is crisp and high-resolution. Since you’ll probably be taking pictures with your smartphone, it’s a good idea to include a geotag as well as the current time and date.
Call Some People And Make Some Decisions
The most important choice you face is whether to bear the cost of the damage yourself or file a claim with your insurance company. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option, but first, you should know that there are other things you may do.
Give the other driver a call if you have their number that hit your car.
It’s possible that someone else opened their car door into yours or ran into your parked vehicle. They might even offer to foot the bill for the repairs. Then it’s time to receive an estimate for the maintenance.
However, if you have no leads, a report should be filed with the police. In any case, the third party committed a crime by disappearing without leaving any identifying information.
A Parked Car Was Hit And The Offender Got Away; Should I File An Insurance Claim?
Consider the possibility of losing your no-claims discount and paying an excess if you file a claim on your auto insurance. If you can’t track out the original perpetrator, you’ll have to foot the bill for repairs. That’s why it’s smart to compare repair estimates before making a choice.
Any kind of damage, no matter how slight, should be reported to your auto insurer, even if you don’t plan on filing a claim. Notifying your insurance company of any damage may be required by your policy.
Final Thoughts
It’s fair that you’d be annoyed if someone hit your parked car and drove off without leaving a message. Avoid putting other people in that position. Don’t be a jerk about it if you hit a parked car and no one was around to see it; leave your information. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. If you don’t comply and get caught, you’ll lose driving privileges and have to pay a hefty fine. Ignore the warnings; don’t take the chance!
Last but not least, the fact that incidents like these occur at all demonstrates that no motorist is completely safe on the road. Having full coverage auto insurance is not only required by law, but also highly recommended.
