What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car

What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car


Published: April 1, 2023
Author: Revive Auto Body & Paint
Category Tags: Auto Tips,Bozeman Area


There are a number of reasons why you might hit a parked car. There are several places this might happen with being in a business parking lot the top spot. During the winter a number of side streets in Bozeman get very narrow because of how the snow is plowed and some vehicles are parked for an extended amount of time.

Hitting a parked car is a common situation. If you have an accident and hit another car, then follow these steps.

1. Don't Leave the Scene of the Accident

Hitting a parked car is a common accident and of course you are going to be upset with the damage created, but don't make things worse. Hitting the car is an accident, but leaving the scene of the accident is against the law and considered a hit and run. Your simple mistake which will be taken care of by insurance will then escalate into a criminal offense and a hefty fine.

2. Is It Possible to Locate the Owner?

If the accident happens in a parking lot then you might want to just wait 15 minutes to see if the owner comes out. If the accident happens on a side street, then you can try knocking on the door of the closest home to see if the vehicle is theirs or if they know who the owner might be.

3. If No One Is Around, Then Leave a Note

All that is required to remove yourself from a criminal offense is to leave a simple note with your contact information. Include your full name and phone number with a very brief explanation of what happened. There's no doubt the vehicle owner is going to be upset, but with a contact note and an apology they will hopefully understand things happen and you'll help get things sorted out.

4. Take Some Photos

Your insurance is going to want photos to clearly show the damage as it happened at the scene. Take photos of the damage on both vehicles, but also include photos of the surrounding area to help show the circumstances which may resulted in the accident.

5. Call Your Insurance Company

Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your property damage liability coverage will pay for the parked car's damage and your collision coverage will cover your car after you pay your deductible.

Bozeman Accidents Happen: Contact Us for Repairs

Revive Auto Body & Paint is a top auto body repair shop in Bozeman, Montana. We provide collision repair for all makes of vehicles. Contact us today for a free estimate to fix your vehicle back to new. 

 







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