Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left – What Should I Do?

You walk out of a store or your home and see damage to your vehicle. The culprit is gone, and no note is in sight. Someone hit my parked car and left is a phrase that too many California drivers find themselves saying each year. Also, what happens if you are in the parked car and this happens? Who pays for your injuries? These accidents are frustrating, costly, and legally considered a hit-and-run.

California law states drivers who damage another person’s car must stop and identify themselves. Leaving the scene without contact information is a crime that carries fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you are the victim, the good news is that you still have options for compensation. With the right documentation, insurance coverage, and legal help, you can recover from your losses.

Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left – What Does the Law Say?

A hit-and-run is not limited to moving collisions. California Vehicle Code §20002 makes it illegal to leave the scene after damaging any property, including a parked vehicle. California hit-and-run laws require the driver to locate the owner or leave a written note with their name, address, and a brief explanation of what happened.

Failing to take these steps is a misdemeanor offense, even if the damage seems minor. Drivers who leave can face fines up to $1,000, license suspension, and up to six months in jail. For victims, filing a police report and starting an insurance claim gives you the best chance to recover your losses and hold the responsible party accountable.

What to Do Right After You Discover the Damage

Finding a dented or scraped car can make anyone upset, but staying calm helps you gather the details needed for insurance and investigation.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Scene

Look around for signs of immediate danger, like leaking fluids, sharp debris, or exposed wiring. Make sure your vehicle is safe to approach before inspecting it closely. Check for witnesses who may have seen the impact or noted a license plate number. If the car is in a public lot, move it to a safer location if possible before documenting the scene.

Step 2: Document Everything When Someone Hit My Parked Care and Left

Evidence is key when someone hit my parked car and left. Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles, including close-ups and wide shots that show your surroundings. Capture the location, weather, and any broken parts or paint left behind. Write down the time and the address where the incident happened.

If there are nearby businesses, ask whether their security cameras captured the event. Most footage automatically deletes within a few days, so requesting it quickly increases your chance of finding the responsible driver.

Step 3: Contact Law Enforcement

Call your local police department or the California Highway Patrol to file an official report. Officers will document the damage, gather witness statements, and create an incident record that supports your insurance claim. The police report also proves that the driver left without fulfilling their legal obligations under California Vehicle Code §20002. Keep a copy of the report number for your records and insurance submission.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer once the report is filed. Explain that someone hit your parked car and left, and provide photos, the police report, and repair estimates. Your adjuster will determine which part of your policy applies, typically collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD). Filing early helps your claim move faster and prevents delays in getting your car repaired.

Step 5: Call a Lawyer

If your car has significant damage or your insurer disputes coverage, call a California personal injury or property damage lawyer. An attorney can help you communicate with insurers, request nearby surveillance footage, and confirm whether any local businesses recorded the event. Lawyers also evaluate whether the at-fault driver can be located through traffic cameras or witness reports. Getting legal support early helps you avoid common claim mistakes and improves your chances of full reimbursement.

Reporting When Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left

When reporting a hit-and-run, provide as much information as you can, even if it feels incomplete. Details like approximate time, street location, and damage description help police track leads. Mention whether you noticed paint transfer, broken glass, or any identifying features from another vehicle.

If witnesses are available, record their names, phone numbers, and short summaries of what they saw. Their statements can make a big difference when the responsible driver is identified later. Remember that every piece of information, no matter how small, can help investigators connect the dots.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

Strong evidence speeds up insurance processing and can increase your chances of reimbursement. Useful items to collect include:

• Photos and videos of the damage and location
• Witness names and contact information
• Surveillance footage or camera details from nearby properties
• Police report and case number
• Copies of repair estimates and receipts

Organize these records in a folder or digital file. If you discover new information later, like a witness recalling a license plate, update your insurer and the investigating officer immediately.

Damages When Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left

If someone hit your parked car and left, you may be unsure who will pay for the damage or how to recover the costs. Even though the at-fault driver fled the scene, you may still have options to seek compensation through your insurance or a personal injury claim if you were inside or near the vehicle during the crash. In California, damages in hit-and-run accidents generally fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and future care costs.

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses that result from the crash. Depending on your situation, these may include:

• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Medical bills for injuries sustained in or near the vehicle
• Diagnostic exams, physical therapy, or follow-up care
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity if your recovery caused you to miss work
• Transportation or rental car expenses during repairs

Your attorney can use repair estimates, insurance records, and medical bills to calculate your total economic losses. Even if someone hit your parked car and left, documentation of every expense is key to securing full compensation.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages account for the physical pain, stress, and emotional distress caused by the accident. These losses may include:

• Ongoing pain, soreness, or discomfort
• Anxiety, fear, or emotional trauma related to the incident
• Loss of enjoyment in daily activities or independence
• Disruption to your sleep or daily routine

Even though the driver may never be identified, your suffering still matters. A personal injury attorney can help demonstrate how the hit-and-run impacted your physical and emotional wellbeing.

3. Future Care Costs for When Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left

Some injuries don’t show up right away and may require long-term treatment. Future care costs ensure that your settlement reflects the ongoing expenses related to your recovery, such as:

• Continued physical therapy or chiropractic visits
• Follow-up appointments and medical testing
• Future surgeries or rehabilitation programs
• Prescription medications or assistive devices

Your attorney can work with medical professionals to estimate these future needs, ensuring you’re compensated not just for today’s bills, but for the care you’ll need down the road.

When to Call a California Hit-and-Run Lawyer

You are not required to hire a lawyer but having one can make the process easier when someone hit your parked car and left significant damage. A lawyer can:

• Communicate with insurers and police on your behalf
• Request security footage before it is deleted
• Evaluate repair or total loss value
• Negotiate for full reimbursement of your costs

If your insurer denies coverage or offers a settlement that does not match the repair cost, an attorney can help challenge the decision. Firms like Deldar Legal work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Their role is to protect your interests and pursue compensation through all available channels.

Preventing Future Hit-and-Run Damage

Although no prevention method is perfect, certain habits make your vehicle less likely to be targeted.

• Park in well-lit areas or near building entrances
• Avoid leaving valuable items visible inside the car
• Install a dashcam that records while parked
• Ask property managers about camera coverage in parking lots
• Report suspicious activity to local authorities

Small changes can discourage reckless drivers from fleeing or help identify them later. Investing in basic safety tools now can save time, money, and frustration in the future.

FAQs for Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left

Call Deldar Legal

At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated vehicle accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.

Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.

Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.