My Car Was Hit While Parked on the Street: What To Do

My Car Was Hit While Parked on the Street: What To Do

When your car was hit while parked on the street, it’s normal to feel upset and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a parked-car accident can protect your property, ensure that you comply with Arizona law and help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Happens if My Car Was Hit While Parked on the Street?

Even if you weren’t driving, a crash involving your parked car is still considered a traffic accident. Here are the steps you should take.

Contact the Police

Under Arizona law, you must report any accident that causes injury or more than $2,000 in property damage. Even if the damage seems minor, call 911 and ask for an officer to respond.

The police report will include the time, date and location of the crash, along with details about the drivers involved. If it’s a hit-and-run accident, that report can help police locate the other driver.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

If the other driver is still there, exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and insurance details. If the driver isn’t the vehicle’s owner, get the owner’s information too. Arizona law requires drivers to share this information after a crash. If the driver refuses or leaves, try to get the license plate number and vehicle description, and give that to the police.

Gather Evidence

Take photos of everything—the damage, tire marks, debris and the area around your car. Step back and show the full picture of how and where your car was parked.

Also, make sure to write down the current time, location and weather conditions. If nearby security cameras might have recorded the crash, ask for a copy of the footage.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require you to report accidents quickly. While Arizona law doesn’t set a deadline, insurers often expect notice within 24 to 72 hours, and no later than 30 days. If you wait too long to report the accident, your insurer could deny the claim.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Speaking with an experienced attorney after your car was hit while parked on the street can help you understand your options and protect your rights, especially if the other driver is uninsured or their insurance company refuses to cooperate. A lawyer can review your case, handle communication with insurers and make sure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

What Should I Do if the Person Who Hit My Car Left a Note?

Discovering a note on your windshield after your car was hit may feel like a relief because the other driver took responsibility. However, even if the note lists the driver’s name and insurance information, there’s no guarantee the details are accurate. Therefore, you should treat the situation the same way you would if no note had been left.

Take photos of the note and your vehicle, file a police report and contact your insurance company to start a claim. Reporting the accident and preserving evidence protects you in case the at-fault party changes their story or the damage turns out to be more extensive than it first appeared.

Does My Liability Change If Someone Hits My Illegally Parked Car?

Usually, the driver who hits your car is responsible because all drivers have a duty to avoid obstacles in the roadway. However, Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning fault and damages can be divided between both parties. Here are two common situations that can affect how liability is determined:

• Car Visible But Illegally Parked: If your car was illegally parked but still visible, the moving driver may still bear most of the responsibility for the crash.
• Car Blocking Traffic or Hidden: If your vehicle was parked in a way that blocked a lane or wasn’t clearly visible, you could be assigned a portion of the fault.

Ultimately, how liability is assigned depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. That’s why documenting the scene, collecting evidence and consulting an attorney can make a significant difference in protecting your claim.



Does Insurance Cover Someone Hitting My Parked Car?

Whether your insurance or the other driver’s policy pays depends on who’s at fault and what coverage you have.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. If the other driver can’t be found or doesn’t have enough insurance, your collision coverage can help. You’ll have to pay your deductible first, and your insurer may later seek repayment from the at-fault driver.

Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

Uninsured or underinsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage pays for damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It’s optional in Arizona but valuable. If you have it, your insurer covers repair costs up to your policy limit after you pay your deductible. Without UMPD or collision coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket if the other driver can’t be found.

Get Legal Help If Your Car Was Hit While Parked on the Street

When you discover that your car was hit while parked on the street, it’s normal to feel frustrated. Between tracking down the other driver, dealing with unresponsive insurance companies and repairing your vehicle, the process can quickly become overwhelming.

At Sargon Law Group, we know how stressful these situations can be, especially when you did nothing wrong. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys takes the time to understand your circumstances and protect your rights from the very beginning. We’ll investigate the crash, work directly with insurers and fight to make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.

Speak with a trusted car accident attorney at Sargon Law Group today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward after your parked-car accident.