What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car: Legal Compliance (2025)

Steps to Take After Hitting a Parked Car

So what happens if you hit a car and leave? Depending on your state, you could face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. The consequences of a conviction could include incarceration, a fine, and driver’s license suspension. Thus, knowing what to do if you hit a parked car is essential for safeguarding your rights.

Also important to note is that leaving after hitting a parked car could result in serious injuries or even deaths. The collision could injure anyone sitting or sleeping in the car you hit. Your own passengers might also suffer injuries. By leaving the scene, you might delay necessary medical care for all parties involved.

Your obligations after hitting a parked car depend on the following two factors:

• Was the car occupied?
• Was anyone injured or killed?

Generally, the driver has greater responsibilities and faces stricter punishment if the collision causes injury or death.

What to Do if You Hit a Parked Car and Injure Someone

If someone gets injured other than the driver, the law usually imposes the same requirements whether the car is moving or parked. Specifically, most states require drivers to:

• Stop at the scene
• Render assistance to those injured
• Exchange insurance information
• Report the accident to the police
• Remain at the scene until satisfying all these steps

In many states, these obligations apply even if the injured person is in the driver’s vehicle. For example, if a passenger gets injured in a collision with a parked vehicle, the driver must stop and call the police. Trying to drive the passenger to the hospital might violate at least some states’ laws.

What to Do if You Hit a Parked Car and Can’t Find the Owner

Drivers must also take steps to comply with the law after hitting unattended cars. Even if there are no injuries, the driver must stop at the accident scene. Knowing what to do if you hit a car in a parking lot in these circumstances can save you from potential criminal charges.

In general, if you hit a parked car, you should always leave a note and notify the local police. Additionally, states may also require you to try to find the owner.

Some states, like Virginia, modify a driver’s duties if they suffered an injury in the collision. In this scenario, a driver is only required to make the required notifications “as soon as reasonably possible.” An uninjured passenger might also be required to notify the police if the driver cannot or will not do so.

The Role of Insurance

Property damage liability insurance is another key consideration in these accidents. Every state except New Hampshire requires such insurance. This coverage pays a vehicle owner for the damage you caused. This means your insurance company will probably handle any claims against you for hitting a parked car.

If you bought collision coverage in your auto insurance policy, it should cover the damage to your vehicle. Insurers pay benefits under collision coverage regardless of fault.

On the other hand, suppose your car was hit in a parking lot. You have several options, depending on the other driver’s insurance status. If the driver fails to leave a note, your insurer can consider them an uninsured driver, allowing you to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Likewise, if the driver left a note but has no insurance, you can file an uninsured motorist claim.

If the other driver has insurance, you can file a claim under their property damage liability coverage. A lawyer can also file a car accident lawsuit against the other driver.

ConsumerShield Can Help After a Collision With a Parked Car

If you hit a parked car, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights. A criminal defense lawyer can help you tell your side of the story and, in some cases, negotiate a just resolution of your case.

If your vehicle was hit, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. Auto lawyers can help you track down the driver and pursue an insurance claim or car accident lawsuit against them.

ConsumerShield has extensive experience helping people find the lawyer they need. Contact us for a free case review and an attorney referral today.