Accidents involving parked cars are more common than you might think and can be extremely frustrating. Whether the driver leaves a note or simply drives off, you’ll need to handle the situation carefully to protect your rights and finances. Let’s see the steps of what to do when someone hits your parked car.
At Schmidt-Salita Law Firm, we have helped many victims of car accidents and supported them to recover their rightful compensation. A Minnesota car accident lawyer will walk you through the justice-seeking process so your rights and interests are safeguarded.
Steps to Take on the Accident Scene
When someone hits your parked car, the first thing you should do is stay calm and assess the situation. When people can’t track down the party who hit the car, they tend to make impulsive decisions. But if you stay calm, you can think rationally and follow the necessary steps.
If the driver left their contact information, take note of their details, including their name, phone number, and insurance information. However, if they didn’t leave a note, take down the license plate number if possible. The Minn. Stat. §169.09, Subd. 7 (a) requires police report filing for accidents that cause $1,000 or more property damages, injuries, or death. This report can come in handy when dealing with the insurance claim later.
Importantly, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area to document the incident scene. Make sure to capture any detail that helps to prove the damages, such as broken glass, skid marks, or other evidence that might indicate how the accident happened.
Lastly, it is recommended that you call a Minnesota car accident lawyer immediately and have them talk to your insurer about the details of the accident. Your car accident lawyer will also help you deal with the other driver’s insurance provider in case they sped off.
How Should We Gather Evidence?
Gathering evidence is essential when you’re involved in any type of car accident. Start by taking photographs from multiple angles, capturing both the damage to your car and the accident’s location.
Also, you may have to look for security cameras in the area and request footage from a nearby business or home. This footage may provide additional evidence of how the accident occurred.
If there were witnesses who saw the accident, obtain their contact details and statements about what they observed. Remember, the more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be when you’re filing a claim with the insurance company.
How Does Insurance Respond to a Parked Car Accident?
When it comes to a parked car accident, insurance companies will often examine the available evidence to determine fault. If the driver is identified, their insurance should cover the cost of the damages.
However, if the driver unlawfully fled the scene without leaving any information, you might need to rely on your own insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage to cover such situations. Having a car insurance lawyer in Minnesota can help you negotiate with the insurer, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Discuss Your Situation with a Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer
If your parked car was hit, it’s important to seek legal advice on the next steps to take. A Minnesota car accident lawyer from Schmidt-Salita Law Firm can review your case and walk you through the claims process. We will discuss your situation and see how we can help you recover compensation for the damages. Call us at (952) 473-4530 to schedule a consultation today.