Fender benders happen - they're an inevitable part of driving your car. And while we've talked endlessly about the different types of car accidents and how to react to them, we've never really discussed what to do if you hit a parked car. This type of car accident usually doesn't have tons of damage involved with it (as it usually happens in parking lots at slow speeds), but there are certain steps you should take should you find yourself in this situation. See what our Orlando Toyota body shop experts have to say about it!
Stay at the scene of the accident. Did you know that it's illegal to leave the scene of a car accident where you hit an empty parked car? It's a major offense (considered to be a hit and run) and not only that, you could get slapped with some hefty fines for fleeing the scene. It may sound like no big deal, but leaving after hitting a parked car can result in your license being suspended or revoked, your car insurance going up, and even your work being affected if you work in a position where you're behind the wheel. And just because you think no one saw you doesn't mean that a surveillance camera nearby didn't catch you, so stick around.
Leave a note. But let's stay you stick around and although you've waited a decent amount of time, no one comes. What should you do? To avoid being charged with a hit and run, leave a note. You'll want to tell the other driver what happened and leave them information like:
Your name
Contact information
Your insurance information, if you have it on hand
An explanation of what happened
And ask them to contact you so you can work out the repairs. Stick it under the person's wiper or in another conspicuous location where they'll see it and if it's raining, find a way to keep it dry.
Take lots of pictures. Be sure to photographically document the car accident and take tons of pictures. Be sure to get pictures of damage to your car and the other car, as well as the location where the accident happened. Further, write down everything in detail so you remember it correctly when you have to recall it. You'll want to jot down the make, model, and color of the other car as well as any distinguishing characteristics of it, the location and time where the accident happened, and the details of what went down.
Contact your insurance company. We know, it sucks to have to bring your car insurance into things. But hopefully, you have collision coverage that will cover the damage to your car, and your property damage liability coverage will cover the other person's car. You'll have to pay your deductible, but trust us - it's a lot cheaper than paying out of pocket, especially if the damage is bad.
Have questions or need repairs after hitting a parked car? Toyota of Orlando always has your back after a car accident. Call us to schedule repairs and book your rental car - we're open and waiting at (407) 298-6006 and you can visit us in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.
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