What to Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Tens of thousands of car accidents occur in parking garages and lots every year, resulting in property damage and even injury if you’re inside the vehicle when it happens. So, when someone hits your parked car, knowing how to react is important. 
While being the victim of a parked car accident can be stressful, you have rights. Taking the time to learn your rights can make all the difference in healing from your injuries and recovering losses for your damaged vehicle. At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our Nevada car accident attorneys can help you receive fair compensation and minimize the hassles.

What do I do when someone hits my parked car?

When someone hits your parked car, there are specific steps you should follow just like in any other car accident. Here’s what to do when someone hits your parked car:

• Call the police
• Seek medical treatment if you were in the vehicle when it happened
• Collect witness contact information
• Exchange contact information with the other driver
• Take pictures of the damage and your injuries 
• Record relevant details like weather conditions and time of the accident
• Look for traffic cameras or video cameras
• Notify your insurance company
• Contact a car accident injury lawyer 

What happens after someone hits my parked car?

After someone hits your parked car, the police will get details about the accident from you and the other driver and create a report. If the other driver leaves the scene, the police will obtain as much information as possible from you and any witnesses to identify the driver. 

What do I do if someone hits my parked car and does not leave a note?

If someone hit my parked car and left and didn’t leave a note, what do I do? This is a question many victims face. You should always call the police. They can help document the accident for your insurance.

My car was sideswiped while parked; what do I do?

If your car was sideswiped while parked, it can also be a hit-and-run. In this case, you should follow the same guidelines as if your car was hit while parked. 

Someone hit my parked car and fled, so who pays for my injuries?

One issue that arises in some car crash injuries is when the person at fault flees the scene. If this is your case, you should still contact the police, file a police report, and seek medical treatment if you sustained injuries. Instead of filing your injury and damage claims against the other person’s insurance, you file against yours.

Do I have to pay if someone hits my parked car?

Hit-and-run car damage can be expensive. In at-fault car accident states like Nevada, you shouldn’t have to pay if someone hits your parked car. However, it largely depends on whether the other driver flees the scene or stays, the circumstances of the accident, and the type of insurance coverage you have.

Losses above your coverage limits may come out of your pocket. Filing a personal injury claim against the other driver and their insurance company can help you recover losses for your injury and property damage. 

Does insurance go up if someone hits your parked car?

Insurance rates generally increase when your insurance company has to pay out a settlement for an injury or property damage. If you park illegally or your car obstructs the flow of traffic, you could be found partially at fault for the accident, and as a result, your insurance rate can go up. 

I hit a parked car; what should I do?

If you hit a parked car, you should stay at the scene and attempt to find the driver. Leave a note with your contact information if you cannot find the driver. Take pictures of the scene and the damage. This protects you from any other claims the driver of the parked car might make against you.

If you hit a car and leave, what happens?

It is a crime to hit a parked car and leave the scene under Nevada statute 484E.040, and you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run penalty for a parked car. In Nevada, the law requires everyone to call the police when they are in a car accident, whether they hit a bicyclist, pedestrian, or another vehicle — even when it is parked.

The hit-and-run penalty for a parked car is a misdemeanor charge. If someone is hurt or killed in a parked car accident, you could face felony charges.

Can I sue when someone hits my parked car in Nevada?

Yes, you can sue someone in Nevada for hitting your parked car. If you were illegally parked or otherwise creating a danger with your parked car, the other party could have a defense against your claim. However, generally, you can sue someone for hitting your parked car.

What is the average settlement for non-injury car accidents?

According to consumer rights watch group Consumer Shield, the average car accident settlement for claims without injury increased from $3,231 in 2013 to $5,520 in 2023. Also, the average claim severity for bodily injury rose from $15,441 in 2013 to $26,123 in 2023. The average settlement for non-injury car accidents will vary based on the extent of the property damage. 

How do I get compensation if someone hits my parked car and drives off?

If someone hits your parked car and drives off, you may still receive compensation through your own insurance company. The insurance company may process the claim as though the driver is uninsured or underinsured.

However, to receive compensation, you must call the police and notify your insurance company without delay. 

Can I be held partially at fault for a parked car accident?

Nevada has a modified comparative negligence law that determines fault when someone hits your parked car. Your settlement from the other party is reduced by the percentage you are determined to be at fault. For example, your car was sticking out into the street, which resulted in it getting hit.

As such, you might be partially at fault for the accident. Still, even if you are partially at fault, you can still seek compensation for your damages and injuries if you are less than 50% at fault.

When is the right time to call a Las Vegas car accident attorney for a parked car accident?

If you were injured while in a parked car, seek experienced legal guidance from Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys will help you understand your legal rights and options so you can recover the compensation you deserve.