Hit a Parked Car? Here’s the Right Way to Handle It
It happens to careful drivers too: a tight parking lot, a blind spot, a moment’s distraction, and suddenly you have bumped a parked car. What you do in the next few minutes matters, both legally and financially. Here is how to handle it the right way in Utah.
If you hit a parked car, stop and try to find the owner. If you cannot, leave a note with your name and contact information in a visible spot and report it. Driving off can be treated as leaving the scene of an accident, a much more serious problem than the dent itself.
What to do right away
Stop and stay
Pull over safely and do not leave. Leaving is the single biggest mistake you can make.
Try to find the owner
Check nearby stores or ask around. If the owner is not present, move to the next step.
Leave your information
Write your name, phone number, and a brief note, and secure it where the owner will find it.
Document and report
Photograph both vehicles and the scene, and report the incident as required. Notify your insurer.
Why leaving is a serious mistake
It can be tempting to drive off when no one is around, but leaving the scene of an accident, even one involving only a parked car, can lead to criminal penalties, fines, and license consequences that far exceed the cost of the repair. Cameras and witnesses often identify the driver later, turning a minor claim into a legal problem.
If your parked car was hit
- Document the damage with photos before moving anything.
- Look for a note, witnesses, or cameras that may identify the driver.
- File a police report, especially if the driver left.
- Notify your insurer: uninsured motorist property coverage may apply if the driver is not found.