Should You Leave a Note When You Hit a Parked Car?
Sometimes when collisions take place in parking lots, the owners of vehicles struck are not around. In these situations, sometimes the simple act like leaving a note can make a significant difference in the outcome of an incident. Whether you left a note on a car you hit or found a note on your own vehicle, discuss your accident-related expenses and options for recovery with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.
When to Leave a Note and What to Say
Leaving a note is not only the right thing to do but it could be your legal obligation. If you knowingly hit a parked car, leaving the scene without providing your information is considered a hit-and-run, which is a criminal offense in Florida.
Even if the damage seems minor, leave a note. Small damages can lead to more significant issues for the owner if not addressed promptly. Do the courteous and legal thing, leave a note so that the owner is able to address the situation and file an insurance claim if needed.
Providing the following information to the vehicle owner will smooth the resolution process.
- Your contact information. Clearly write your name, phone number, and email address. This allows the owner to get in touch with you to discuss the incident.
- Details of the incident. Briefly describe how the collision occurred. Be concise but include enough information to give the owner a sense of what happened.
- Your vehicle information. Provide the make, model, color, and license plate number of your vehicle
- Date and time. Specify the date and time of the incident so the owner correlates the information with any potential security camera footage or witness statements.
Of course, there is also the possibility that you return to your car and it has been struck in your absence. In these situations, there are steps you can take if no note has been left behind.
If Your Car Was Hit
Discovering that your parked car was hit and finding no note can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to recover from the event. For instance, you should take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. Also, note the location, time, and any details that may help identify the responsible party.
Next, you can ask around to see if anyone witnessed the incident. If the incident occurred in a location with surveillance cameras, check for footage that may capture the collision and the vehicle involved.
If you are unable to locate the responsible party, file a police report. Provide them with all the information you have and inform your insurance company about the incident. Depending on your coverage, they may be able to assist with the repair costs. Seeking advice from a Delray Beach personal injury attorney could also be an avenue to explore recovery options for accident-related costs.
Should you try to find the person who hit your vehicle? With over 30 years of experience, the lawyers at Earnhart Law are available to discuss recovery options with you. Schedule your no-cost consultation today, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.
