Legal Steps to Take if Someone Hits Your Parked Car
                     What Are My Legal Rights If Someone
Hit My Car While Parked?
So, you're in the shopping mall, spending a perfect day out with your friends, and
everything's going great until you reach the parking area and discover that someone
has damaged your car's taillight and bumper while it was parked. If you're fortunate,
you might  find a small  note attached to your car's mirror  containing the contact
details of the person responsible for hitting your car! Otherwise, finding the person
who hit the car can be intimidating, with no details at hand. 
While experiencing a parked car accident can be distressing, knowing you have legal
rights is vital to handle the situation smoothly. By familiarizing yourself with your
rights, you can improve your chances of recovering losses for your damaged vehicle
and healing from any injuries. 
Let's dive into this blog to learn the rights you have and how seeking assistance from
an  experienced auto accident attorney in Sacramento can benefit your hit-and-run
accident case. 
What are Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run incident unfolds when an individual  fails  to stop and fulfill  their  legal
duties, leaving the accident scene. When a parked car is hit, the motorist must take
reasonable action to identify the car's owner and issue a written notification. Traffic
rules and regulations governing hit-and-run occurrences are different in each state. If
your parked car has been hit,  you must not leave the place and obtain as much
information as possible. It will help you in your case if you plan to file a lawsuit.
What To Do When Someone Hit My Car While Parked
It can be understandably frustrating to see your car hit while parked. Here are a few 
steps you can follow after this to increase your chance of getting compensated by 
the at-fault party:
 Assess the Damage
Check your car for visible damage. Take photos from different angles to 
document the extent of the damage.
 Look for Witnesses
If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their 
testimony can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims.
 Note the Details
Pen down the time, date, and location of the incident. Note the other vehicle's 
make, model, color, and license plate number.
 Contact the Police
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to file a police report.
It can be crucial for insurance purposes and where legal action is needed.
 Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. 
Provide them with all the details and evidence you've gathered.
 Seek Legal Advice
If the damage is significant or there are disputes with the other party or insurance 
company, consider consulting with an expert personal injury lawyer in Sacramento 
specializing in auto accidents and hit-and-run cases. 
 Follow Up
Keep track of all communication and documentation related to the accident. 
Follow up with your insurance company and any legal proceedings as needed.
By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and navigate the complex process 
of dealing with a parked car accident more effectively.
File an Insurance Claim
If you know who caused the damage to your car, obtain their insurance company
information and file a claim with them. It will allow you to receive compensation for
the damages under the other driver's policy. If you can't find the person who hit your
car,  you may have to  file  a  claim with  your  own insurance company.  Uninsured
motorist coverage usually pays for hit-and-run accidents, but this coverage is not
mandatory  in  all  states.  Therefore,  it's  recommended  that  you  check  with  your
insurance company to  determine which  type of  coverage will  protect  you in  the
event of a hit-and-run accident.
Final Thoughts
Parked  car  accidents  are  inevitable  and  happen  quite  often!  Hence,  it's  best  to
prepare for every worst situation by taking a comprehensive car insurance policy and
getting acquainted with your legal rights! Follow the above-cited steps to handle the
situation calmly and hassle-free. Inform your insurance policyholders and collect as
much  information  as  possible.  If  the  party  who  caused  the  damage  refuses  to
compensate, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them with the assistance of
an experienced attorney. 
----- Article Source -----
https://www.doinjurylaw.com/what-are-my-legal-rights-if-someone-hit-my-car-while-parked/