Accidents Involving Parked Vehicles
When you think of a multi-vehicle accident, you may think of two or more vehicles in motion at the time of the crash. While this is often the case, this is not the only way car accidents happen.
Sometimes cars and trucks collide with parked vehicles. These vehicles may be in a parking lot or perhaps someone’s driveway. They may be on the side of the road for some reason.
A man from Amarillo was killed in a recent accident involving a parked vehicle. The 22-year-old man was driving a GMC Sierra on S. Western Street in Randall County when he failed to negotiate a curve. His truck left the roadway, hitting a parked goose-neck trailer. The man died at the accident scene.
Not all park vehicle accidents are as deadly as this. Many of these crashes involve dents and dings and minor injuries. But when the accident occurs at high speeds, the risk of a serious injury or death greatly increases.
Accidents involving parked vehicles account for roughly 20% of all motor vehicle crashes and tens of thousands of injuries every year. Distracted driving is the most common case. A large percentage of parking lot incidents happen because drivers are focused on their phones, searching for a space, or adjusting navigation instead of looking for parked vehicles or pedestrians.
Blind spots are also an issue. Backing out of a parking spot or driveway often leads to accidents when drivers do not check blind spots for passing cars or pedestrians.
What Happens if Someone Hits My Parked Car?
If someone hits your parked car, try not to move the vehicle immediately. Take photos of the damage, the surrounding area, debris, skid marks, and anything else that could help document what happened. If the other driver is still present, exchange insurance and contact information.
In many situations, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damage through their insurance company. However, if the driver leaves the scene or cannot be identified, your own insurance coverage may help cover the repairs. Collision coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage are often used in hit and run situations.
A hit and run involving a parked vehicle should also be reported to law enforcement. Filing a police report creates an official record of the incident and may help investigators identify the responsible driver through surveillance footage, witness accounts, or nearby cameras.
Even minor damage should be taken seriously. What looks like a small dent or scratch could involve hidden structural damage, sensor issues, or alignment problems that become more expensive over time. Promptly notifying your insurance company can help preserve evidence and streamline the claims process.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Parked vehicle accidents may seem minor, but if the at-fault driver is not present, these cases can quickly become complex.
A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you navigate the complexities of a car crash. Let us guide you through the process and assist you with physical and financial recovery. Call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
abc7amarillo.com/news/local/rollover-crash-in-randall-county-leaves-1-dead
