Accidents do occur, and it is very smart to be prepared for unforeseen events. It may happen to bump a car that is parked due to different reasons; distractions, low visibility or malfunction of the essential car parts such as transmission or brakes. No matter what has caused an unfortunate event, you need to be prepared and familiar with the things to do. Due to this particular reason, we are presenting a Step by step guide on how to act in those events so that others and you are protected.
Contents
1. Do not panic
Source: Portal Vale Seguros
First and foremost is not the give in into panic. Any sort of distress can lead to even more damage that has already been done. So, if you have crashed into the car that is parked, use the break, and secure your car so do not move and cause additional damage. In addition to this, take all the safety measures and eave all lights on it so it is visible to others, especially if this happened during the night. Also, before moving on, check if you are hurt and that all your functions are untacked. After assessing yourself and making sure that you are not injured, you can slowly leave your car and check the damage. Be sure to call emergency numbers if there are people who are injured. If there was a person in the car you have hit, do not try to move them from the car unless there is an imminent threat for them to stay. Call the ambulance and inform them about the condition of the possible patients.
2. Stay put
Source: Dale R. Rose
Do not be one of those people, and just leave the scene, no matter the extent of the damage. By hitting another car and leaving it like that without any report is by law considered as hit and run, and in some cases will lead to very grouse consequences. With modern technologies, it is easy to identify and pursue the one who has made the damage so just stay at the crime scene and behave according to the law. If this occurred in the area with people walking around, you can ask them if they have seen the owner, or check in the nearby objects. Whatever you do, do not move from the car at a big distance, since the owner of the car you have damaged may appear.
3. Leave personal info
source: turbaklaw
If you cannot locate the driver or are in the hurry you can leave your contact information on the car you have hit so the owner can contact you and you can agree on further steps. This is very important since you should do the right thing, and take responsibility for your actions. Not only that this is a responsible thing to do, but it can save you from being pursued in a hit and run kind of event. The note you are leaving should contain personal data, such as name, address and contact number. You can include a short description of events, so the owner knows how you hit it, but make sure not to leave personal and apologizing texts. Be punctual and brief, and have in mind that you have done all in accordance with the law.
4. Call the police
Source: The Balance
Depending on the country you are in, some will by law need you to report the crime to the police no later than half an hour after it has occurred. This means that the police should be notified if the law requires as well as if you fail to contact the owner of the car that you have hit.
5. Take photos
Source: moneywise
This can be very convenient since you would like to have proof of what has happened and the damage that has been done. Not only that but by taking photos of the damage, you will have evidence of the severity of the damage that can be used in the settlement so no additional charges and fees can be added to the settlement. Not only that you should record the damage of your car, as well as the car that you have hit. This is a good thing to do due to insurance companies and repairs. In addition, if you are leaving the note, be sure to take a photo of it.
6. Talk to the people that saw the event
Source: michiganautolaw
People that have seen the accident are valuable since they can confirm you have been searching for the owner, leaving the note and they can confirm the development of events.
7. Call the insurance company
Source: AdobeStock
This Is very important, since the company you are paying the insurance for the car may have a few options for you. This should be done in any case, no matter if you have reported this event to the police, or had an agreement with the driver of the other car.
8. Consult a lawyer
Source: Pinterest
Even though it might not be necessary for legal sense, it might be wise to contact a lawyer and have a consultation about the event that has happened, since you will be given a piece of advice about what you can do next and what to expect.
This is especially important if there are people that are hurt in the accident as well as if the severity of the damage is extensive. Many companies have free consultations, so be sure to use this as an advantage. If you don’t know who to contact, be free to check out Naqvi Injury Law and get your free consultation about the event now.
Conclusion
Having a car crash or a minor accident is always very inconvenient and stressful. Be sure to remain calm and approach the whole situation with caution and without any panic. Be sure you are safe, as well as others that were involved, and call emergency services if needed. In some states this kind of incident should be reported, so be sure to do this so you are not pursued as doing a hit and run. Wait for the owner of the car, or leave a note with your contact details so you can agree on further steps. Do not underestimate the power of witnesses and take photos of the damage of both vehicles. Seek for lawyer consultation just to be sure that you have done everything by the protocol. In addition to this, report the event to the insurance company you are using.
