Were you visiting the famous Coney Island and hit a parked car? Here is what to know about hitting a parked car in New York City. Getting into car accidents or collisions can be very scary and stressful. If you hit a parked car, there will probably be a lot of ideas racing through your head. This article will detail what you should do in a scenario like this as well some tips to help you if you ever end up in a system like this one.
If you hit a parked car that is parked legally, then you will be at fault. Here are the steps you should take:
- Do not Hit and Run - When you panic, you might make some destructive decisions due to higher levels of anxiety and fright. The first thing you should do in this situation is not to flee the scene. The cost of repairing the other person's vehicle if it gets damaged is significantly lower than the cost of a hit and run. Participating in a hit and run is an offense that could get you jail time. A surveillance camera could have your car's information, or someone could've taken a picture of your license plate. Fleeing the scene is simply not a good idea. If it happened to you, you wouldn't want the person to run away.
- Find the Owner of the Car - The next thing to do is find the owner of the car you just hit. If you're parked outside a store, go into the store and talk to customer service. Explain to them what happened and give them a description of the car. They will then give an announcement, and if the owner of the car is in the store, they'll come out to meet you. If it's not a store, but a parking garage, ask people nearby if they know the owner of the car. If you can't find the owner of the car, you'll move to the next step.
- Leave a Note - If you're unable to locate the owner of the vehicle, the next step is to leave a note. Leave a simple short message that contains your name, your phone number, and a brief summary of what happened. Fold the note, then place it in a spot that they will see but will also be safe from the weather. If you hit a parked car Brooklyn NY during the day, you can place it under the windshield wiper or stick it in either of the side-view mirrors.
- Inform the Police - In some states, you will be required to call the police. If the damage the car has sustained is significant, then you should contact the police regardless of the state you live in.
- Have Evidence - You should take pictures of the damage you caused. This is important, so you don't end up paying for damages you didn't cost. Take photos or close-up videos that you can show the police and your insurance officer. If you place a note on the car, take a video of the written note and ensure the video shows you placing the note on the car and walking away.
- Witnesses - If there are people around, you should talk to them so they can prove you didn't run away after hitting the car. If your state requires the presence of the police, then you can wait and let them interview the witnesses.
- Contact your insurance company - If you hit a parked car, your insurance rates will go up. When you hit a parked car Brooklyn NY, your rate goes up because you're marked as a higher risk than you were before. Call them and inform them that you hit a parked car. They will ask for proof, and then you will send them the videos and pictures that you recorded.