Have you ever hit a parked car before? If so, you know just how stressful it can be - just as stressful, in fact, as getting into a car accident with another vehicle that's moving. However, fender benders are just a part of life when you drive a car and you're bound to end up in one sooner or later. Check out this quick guide to what you should do after you hit a parked car from our Toyota of Clermont body shop experts.
What to do after this type of car accident
First, stay put. Leaving the scene of a car accident - even if it's with a parked car with no one in it - is illegal and is a major offense, as it's considered legally to be a hit and run car accident. If you leave, you could have your license suspended or revoked, face insurance premium increases, or even face community service or jail time. Plus, if driving is part of your job, you could have trouble at work. And even if no one was in the car and there weren't any witnesses, surveillance cameras are everywhere - don't try to leave the scene. Stay and wait for the other driver to return.
But what if they don't return? Sometimes it can take hours for the other driver to make their way back to their vehicle. In these instances, you're not expected to wait around. You can't just leave, however - you'll need to leave a note for the other driver so they can contact you regarding the car accident. Include details like:
Your full name
Your phone number
Your insurance information (if you have it with you)
A brief explanation of what happened
And ask them to get in touch with you so you can move forward with fixing both vehicles. Make sure to put the note in a conspicuous location (like under the windshield wiper) so they see it, and if it's wet outside, make sure you have a way to keep it dry and legible.
Next, it's time to document what happened for your own records. You should write down the details of the accident, including:
The make, model, and color of the other car, as well as any unique characteristics of it
The date, time, and location of the accident
What happened during the accident
And get contact information from any witnesses who saw it happen. On top of that, take tons of pictures of your car, the other car, and the location where the car accident happened.
Finally, get in touch with your car insurance company. You have a property damage liability aspect to your coverage that should pay to fix the other person's vehicle, and your own collision insurance should cover your car's repairs. You'll likely have to pay your deductible, but it'll cost a lot less than covering repairs out of pocket.
Schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Clermont today
Have more questions? Need auto repairs in Clermont? Contact us! The Toyota of Clermont body shop is open and waiting at (352) 404-7001 and we're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike on Highway 50 at 16851 State Road 50.
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