Can I File a Claim If Someone Hit My Parked Car in San Diego, California?

David Muñoz | July 8, 2022 | Car Accidents

Can I File a Claim If Someone Hit My Parked Car in San Diego, California?

If someone hit your parked car in San Diego, California, you may be confused about your options. You want to get the damages repaired, but you may not be sure about your next steps.  Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim and handle communications on your behalf. We provide a consultation at no cost or obligation to explain your legal rights and options after a car accident.

Common Causes of Hitting Parked Cars

It may seem simple to avoid stationary cars, but collisions with parked cars are fairly common. Some common causes why drivers may hit parked cars include:

  • A driver is texting while driving and doesn’t notice a parked car
  • A driver is traveling at night and does not see a parked car
  • A driver is intoxicated and drifts into the side of the road where a car is parked.
  • A driver misjudges the space necessary to get by a parked car and accidentally hits it.
  • A driver tries to avoid hitting a pedestrian or other motorist and hits a parked car instead.
  • A driver had to pull over because of an emergency situation and another driver crashed into their vehicle. 
  • A driver does not check behind them when backing up and hits a parked car.

If a driver hit your parked car, you have the right to have the damages covered. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the claims process. 

My Car Was Hit While Parked on the Street – Am I Covered?

California Insurance Code §11580.1b requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability coverage for accidents they cause in the following amounts:

  • $15,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
  • $5,000 for property damage

While most people meet this requirement by having a liability insurance policy in place at all times, the California Department of Motor Vehicles says that people can also meet this requirement by paying a cash deposit with the DMV, securing a surety bond, or obtaining a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate. 

If the driver who hit your parked car informed you about it or left their contact information, you can file a liability claim with their insurance company. Otherwise, you may want to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have collision coverage or uninsured insurance coverage. 

Someone Hit My Parked Car – Do They Have to Report It?

If an accident resulted in bodily injury, death, or vehicle damage that exceeds $1,000, the accident must be reported to the DMV within 10 days. The DMV says that if a driver does not stop at the point of collision, it could be considered a hit and run and a crime. 

Someone Backed Into My Car – What Do I Do?

If someone hit your parked car, there are steps you can take to protect your rights, including:

  • Report the accident to police
  • Get the other driver’s information if they stayed at the scene
  • Take wide-shot and close-up pictures of the damage to your vehicle 
  • Notify your insurance company of the damages

You can also contact a car accident lawyer for help with your claim.

Someone Hit My Parked Car and Caused Significant Damage – What Can I Do?

If you were in the vehicle or otherwise hurt in the collision with your parked vehicle or you suffered significant damages, you may choose to take legal action against the at-fault driver. Most San Diego personal injury lawyers provide a free case consultation to advise you of your next steps.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in San Diego Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000