Hitting a parked car can happen to anyone. Whether you misjudge the space, lose focus for a second, or are knocked into it by another car. You must know what to do in these situations to ensure the issue can be resolved swiftly. After hitting a parked car, you should check for any passengers and injuries before exchanging details and taking photographs to help with your insurance claim. To ensure you are never left unsure of what to do when you hit a parked car, we have broken down everything you need to do below.
Step-by-step guide after hitting a parked car
When you hit a parked car, you need to ensure that anyone in the car is safe and has their injuries addressed before you move on to exchange details and complete the necessary paperwork with your insurance company. You can follow our step-by-step guide below to ensure that you act responsibly after hitting a parked car.
Step 1 - Check for passengers and injuries
First, you need to check if anyone was in the car when you hit it. If there is, you need to check if they have sustained any injuries and call 000 if someone is hurt. You will need to wait for emergency services to arrive, trying to remain as calm as possible. Most of the time, when we hit a parked car, we don’t travel too fast, especially if we are parking too, which can help to reduce the severity of any injuries.
Step 2 - Exchange details
Next, you will want to exchange details with the car owner. You should provide them with the following details:
- Name
- Contact number
- Residential address
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance provider and policy information
If you can’t find the owner, leave a note with your details in a visible spot, like under their windshield wipers. It's also worth taking photos of the damage and accident scene for your insurance purposes.
Step 3 - Take photos
Regardless of whether the owner is there or not, you need to document the damage to the vehicles. Photos and videos where you can see any damage to the vehicle are essential. Try to take them from different angles and distances, too, to help the insurance providers see the extent of the damage. Take photos and videos of both cars and the area surrounding the accident, too. If there was a lack of signage, a pothole, or other road issues that potentially caused your accident, make sure you have documentation to show your insurance provider. Likewise, if the parked car was parked improperly or in a poorly lit area, this should also be documented.
Step 4- Check your car is safe to drive
It can be tricky to do, but before leaving the accident site, you need to ensure your car is safe to drive. Even the smallest dents and scratches can hide serious internal issues. If your vehicle is unsafe or unroadworthy, you need to speak to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will arrange for it to be towed, and you will need to sort out alternative transportation.
Step 5 - Call the policy if necessary
In some situations, the police need to be contacted to assist with the accident. Typically, you need to call the police in one of the following situations:
- There are hazards, including a blocked road, leaking fluids, major debris, or structural damage to property
- Someone is injured, trapped, or has lost their life
- Your vehicle has sustained significant damage
The rules for calling the police for an accident vary depending on your state, but if you are unsure, our local authorities can help ensure you follow the right procedures.
Step 6 - Speak to your insurance provider
As soon as possible, we recommend speaking with your insurance provider. Details can be forgotten over time, so it is best to report the accident while it is fresh in your mind. You will need to submit the details of the accident to your insurance provider, who will assess the claims based on who was at fault and the cover you have. They will cover the cost of any repairs and ensure that you and the other car have vehicles to use until yours are repaired. There might be an excess charge depending on your insurance, and your provider will inform you of this when you complete your claim.
Step 7 - Seek legal advice
In some cases, you will need to seek legal advice from a car accident lawyer. It is important that you do so as soon as possible to ensure you get access to the necessary support and guidance during your claim.
Find your car accident lawyers in Brisbane today
Being involved in a car accident is scary, and you can easily find yourself unsure what to do. With the right legal advice, you can move through this process easily, ensuring that you are making the right choices. Smith’s Lawyers is a group of experienced car accident lawyers in Brisbane who can help you navigate your car accident with a parked car with minimal disruption to your life.
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