What Happens If You Unknowingly Hit a Parked Car?

Published October 13, 2022 by Scott Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney

Accidentally hitting a parked car is a mistake even the best drivers can make. But the things you do after a collision can have serious consequences. In fact, if you fail or simply forget to leave your contact information, you could be left facing fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances.

Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney can explain what to do and what not to do if you hit a parked car. Contact us today if you need to speak with an experienced New York car accident lawyer.

What To Do If You Hit a Parked Car

New York law requires any person operating a vehicle that damages another vehicle to provide that vehicle’s owner with their:

Name
Address
Insurance carrier, identification number, and policy dates
License plate number

If you cannot locate the vehicle’s owner, leave a note on their windshield under the wiper with the same information and report the accident to the police. Take photos or videos of the scene and the vehicles. If you left a note, take a photo of the note on the windshield in case you need proof that you did your duty to provide your contact information.

What Not to You Do When You Hit a Parked Car

Now that you know what to do after hitting a parked car, it’s important to know what you should not do:

Do not flee the scene – Do not leave the scene of the accident without leaving your contact information. This could be considered a hit-and-run accident, which carries steep penalties.
Do not put yourself in an unsafe situation – Do not stand around your car in the way of traffic, where you could be at additional risk. Instead, move your car out of the way and stand in a safe area.
Do not hide the accident – You are required to report the accident to your insurance company. Failure to do so could result in your insurance denying coverage.

When Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

You can discuss your options with an attorney, even if you don’t think you need one. The aftermath of a collision can be an overwhelming and confusing time. It can help to have legal advice from a trusted source. A good car accident lawyer will be honest with you and tell you whether they can help you, given your situation.

How Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney Can Help

If you were involved in a car accident and you are concerned about the consequences, Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney wants to hear from you. He has helped many clients get the compensation they needed after a car accident and can put this experience to work for you. Contact Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney today for a free consultation.