Holding a Hit-and-Runner Liable for Damages to Your Parked Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever experienced a hit-and-run accident where someone hits the back of your parked vehicle, but they fail to leave their contact information or insurance details? This article will guide you through the process of holding them accountable for the damages.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

It is crucial to inform your insurance company about the incident, even if there were no witnesses. In such scenarios, the insurance company will bear the responsibility for the repair costs of your vehicle.

Using Witnesses and Evidence

Unfortunately, in the absence of witnesses, it is challenging to hold the responsible party liable. However, if you can identify the vehicle or the person involved, there is an increased chance of recovering your damages. This could include:

Witness accounts CCTV footage (camera) Eye-witness testimonies

If you find your vehicle or the vehicle that hit you in a regular parking lot like an employee parking lot, an inspection of their vehicle might reveal signs of matching damage. The hit-and-run individual is likely to park their car at the furthest spot in the lot to avoid being noticed, as they try to distance themselves from the scene.

Using Dash Cam Evidence

If you happen to have a dash cam installed in your vehicle, it might capture the incident. Many dash cams now come with a feature that records while the vehicle is parked. With video and audio evidence of the vehicle, you can report the incident to the police and your insurance company.

Lost License Plate or Color Match Analysis

Another potential lead is if the vehicle hit your car and lost its license plate, or if the color of the damage on the hit vehicle matches the color of your vehicle. These pieces of evidence can be used to identify the vehicle in question.

Providing Solid Proof to Authorities

For a successful case, you need to provide solid proof such as:

The time and date of the incident The make and model of the vehicle The driver's identity (if possible) A video and audio camera shot, if available

Turn over all such evidence to the Law Enforcement Agency. Waiting too long might result in potential evidence being lost, and thus, you might be required to file a claim directly with your insurance company.

Calling the Police and Submitting a Claim

No matter the circumstances, calling the police and filing a police report is the best course of action. This report, along with any evidence you have, should be submitted to your insurance carrier. Your insurer will then handle the case and work with the police to seek justice for you.

Remember, any accident, especially one that involves damage to your parked vehicle, should prompt you to call the authorities. Neglecting to do so might leave you on your own to bear the costs of the repairs.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering damages caused to your parked vehicle by an unidentifiable hit-and-run driver. Always seek legal guidance and be proactive in gathering and preserving evidence.

Should you need further assistance or advice, consider consulting with a legal expert.