Someone Hit My Parked Car. Now What?

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we fight for the rights of the people of Delaware. If you’ve been involved in an accident, contact us today. We offer free initial consultations in our Wilmington, Newark and Seaford offices.

There’s nothing more frustrating than coming outside in the morning to see your car was hit by an unknown vehicle overnight, or returning to your car after a great night out to find it dented up in the parking lot – without even a note. As you probably already know, situations like these are called “hit and run” accidents and they can be tricky to deal with. These steps can help make the process less confusing, and your car accident attorney can help with the details.

If your parked car was hit

In order to gather the most information for authorities, insurance companies, and your attorney, take the following steps:

• Remain at the scene and notify proper authorities. If your car was hit at a shopping center, for example, there may be security footage available. Ensure you’ve filed reports and gathered information before you leave the area.
• Call the police. The police will provide you with a formal accident report, which gives the insurance companies official proof and notification of the accident.
• Check for witnesses. If the damage/accident occurred in a public place, find out if anyone nearby saw anything. If it happened on your street, ask neighbors if they have security cameras that might show something.
• Note exactly where and when you discovered your vehicle. You’ll need this information for paperwork and other reports.
• Take photos. Taking pictures of your vehicle – as well as the scene around it – is an excellent way to establish the extent of the damage. You’ll need these photos for insurance claims and any possible claim you may take against the person who hit your car, in the event they’re tracked down.
• Contact your insurance company. Contact your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, it’s always a prudent idea to talk to a car accident lawyer before signing or making a statement about anything.

If the hit and run driver is identified

If you’re lucky enough that the reckless driver is identified, your attorney can pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance company. Your car accident attorney works to prove the driver caused the collision and the resulting damages, and have the other party’s insurance company pay for repairs.

If the hit and run driver is not identified

Even if the driver is never identified, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages. Typically, your car insurance company will step in for the other driver’s insurance company using your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

It’s still important to have an attorney to protect your rights with the insurance company, even when it’s your own. Insurance companies are interested in their own bottom line, first and foremost, and will do all they can to reduce the amount they have to pay out for any claim. To them, it’s just business.

If your vehicle was damaged in a hit-and-run, talk to the accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We’ll help you work with the insurance companies to ensure you get full compensation for your damages. Our skilled lawyers have offices in the Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark areas. Call 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form today.