5 Steps to Take When ‘Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left’

Few things are more frustrating than discovering damage to your parked car, only to realize the other driver is long gone.

If you’re thinking, “Someone hit my parked car and left—what now?”—you’re not alone. This upsetting situation can leave you powerless, uncertain, and concerned about repair costs or insurance complications. At MB Injury Lawyer, we understand how disheartening hit-and-run property damage can be, and we’re here to help you take clear, confident steps toward resolution.

In this blog, you will learn:

• What immediate actions should be taken after discovering the damage
• How to gather critical evidence for your insurance claim
• What legal and reporting options are available to you

Let’s walk through the steps you should follow right after finding your damaged vehicle.

Essential Actions When Your Parked Car Is Hit and the Driver Leaves

When you find that your parked car has been hit and the other driver is not there, the first thing to do is stay calm. Take a good look at the damage. Do not move your car right away. Its spot can give people clues about what happened. You should also look around and see if there is any debris or if someone saw what happened. This can help a lot.

After that, take clear photos of the parked car and write some notes about the damage you see. It is essential to report the accident to the police so there is an official record. This will help you later if you want to make a claim to your insurance company or try to find out who did it.

Check for any witnesses or surveillance cameras nearby

Witnesses can often help you find out what happened to your parked car. Start by asking people walking nearby or working in the area if they saw anything. Let them know about your situation. Ask them for their contact information because what they see could help your case.

Also, check if there are any surveillance cameras at nearby stores, parking lots, or houses that might have caught what happened. Talk to the owners and ask to see any video from around the time and date of the incident. These videos can show who the driver was or what their vehicle looked like.

If your parked car was in a place with security watching, contact the property manager or the security office. They might help you get video evidence. Combining what witnesses say with camera footage can make it much easier to find out who damaged your car.

Document the scene with photos and detailed notes

Taking clear photos of the scene and any damage is important when you need to give proof to your car insurance company and the police. Use your phone to take pictures of your car from different sides. Make sure to also get close shots of dents, scratches, and any broken parts. Take pictures of things like debris or leftover paint from the other car. This will help your claim with the insurer.

Besides photos, it’s good to write down notes. Record the date, time, and location of the accident. Say what damage you see to the cars, big or small, and if you notice anything like tire marks or broken glass, mention that as well.

Try to get all the facts and details you can. This will make it easier for you and your insurer to finish the claim for your car insurance. Giving them a lot of information will help ensure they focus on your case and that you get the right help.

Immediately report the incident to the police

Filing a police report should be the first thing you do when you find that your parked car has been hit. Call the local police and tell them exactly what happened. You should say what shape your vehicle is in, and give them any facts that help, like photos or names of people who saw it.

Ask for an official police accident report. You will need this to give to your auto insurance. This report shows the property damage, and if the person who hit your car has run away, it marks the case as a hit-and-run.

Check that the police report includes the essential details. These could be where it happened, any clues, and the names of any witnesses you found. It is a good idea to keep copies of this report. This makes it easier for you and the police to move forward with your claim and any other steps that come after.

Contact your insurance company and file a claim

After the incident happens, you should contact your insurance company right away. Give them everything you have collected. This includes the police report, photos, and your notes. Sharing all this will help your insurer quickly look at your property damage claim.

Talk to your insurance agent about what is included in your auto insurance. If you have collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), these can help pay for repairs, mainly when the person who caused it cannot be found.

Filing your auto insurance claim as soon as possible lets your insurer start working on your case. Ask your provider to explain how the process works and let you know if there will be a deductible to pay. Keeping this clear, open contact with your agent can make things move smoothly and make it easier to get your claim handled.

Consider filing a hit-and-run report with your local DMV

Some states ask you to tell the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about a hit-and-run. When you file this report, it makes the case official. This can also help the police or DMV find out who hit your parked car.

A DMV hit-and-run report must have clear accident details. Here is what you will be asked to share:

You should send in your DMV report within the time given by their rules. The police or DMV needs to look into this issue and help you more.

Wrapping It Up

Realizing someone hit my parked car and left can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next. But you can regain control of the situation by staying calm, documenting everything, and following the proper steps, like reporting the incident, checking for witnesses or cameras, and contacting your insurance.

These actions strengthen your claim and improve your chances of identifying the responsible driver. And when the process becomes confusing or stressful, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At MB Injury Lawyer, we understand how frustrating and unfair these situations can be. Our team is here to support you with clear guidance and experienced legal insight, especially if the damage leads to complex insurance issues or legal questions.

Call us today at (347) 639-0349 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation and let us help you protect your rights and your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I find my parked car damaged?

Start by looking at the property damage while not moving your car. See if any people saw it happen or if a surveillance camera is nearby. Right away, make a police report to write down what happened. After that, call your insurance company to start a claim for property damage.

How can I prove someone else caused the damage?

You need to collect good proof before you go forward. Take photos of the damage and get testimonies from people who saw what happened. If there are cameras nearby, get the footage. These things can help show what happened and strengthen your claims. It will also help you to show that another car caused the accident.

What information should I gather from witnesses if they saw the incident?

Ask everyone who saw what happened for their full names and contact information. Write down what they say about the incident. Be sure to note the time, place, and appearance of the car. This will help when you give details for your police report and when you talk to your insurance company.

Are there specific insurance claims procedures I need to follow in this situation?

Yes, you should let your insurance company know right away. Ensure you give them all documents, like photos, your notes, and the police report. It is good to work with your insurance agent to be clear about things like your deductible or the coverage limits for property damage.

Do I need to file a police report if no one left a note after hitting my parked car?

Yes, in New York, you must file a police report if your parked car is damaged and the other driver did not leave their information. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, drivers involved in an accident that causes property damage must stop and report it. If they flee the scene, it’s considered a hit-and-run. Filing a report protects your legal rights and supports your insurance claim by documenting the damage and proving that you followed the proper procedure.