What to Do if Someone Hits Your Parked Car and Leaves in Texas?

The road is not the only place that is dangerous for cars: parking lots, car parks, and roadside parking can all be potentially dangerous. It can be frustrating to go to your parked car to find that there’s been a hit-and-run. Hopefully, you won’t have this happen to you, but if it does, what should you do if someone hits your parked car and leaves in Texas?

Having to deal with the aftermath of damage to your car is only made worse when the person who caused it is nowhere to be found and left with no contact information. You want to know what steps to take if your car is ever damaged when you’re not around.

What To Do When Your Parked Car Is Hit In Texas

If you witness the accident, it’s important to get contact and insurance information from the other driver. Hopefully, the person who caused the damage left a note if they’re no longer there. Unfortunately, there are many times when someone hits your car and leaves. There are still things you can do to receive compensation. Here’s what to do after your parked car gets hit in Texas:

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (First 5 Minutes)

0. Ensure Safety and Assess the Situation: Before doing anything else:
   • Check for injuries: Yourself and any passengers if you were in/near the vehicle
   • Look around: Is the other driver still there? Can you see them leaving?
   • Quick evidence grab: If the driver is leaving, try to note license plate, car description, direction of travel
   • Move to safety: Get out of traffic lanes if your car is still movable
   • Turn on hazards: Make your vehicle visible to other drivers

   Remember: Your safety comes first – don’t chase after a fleeing driver!

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN

1. Take Photos and Search for Evidence (FIRST 10 MINUTES): Time is critical – evidence can disappear quickly. Here’s what to do immediately:
   • Photos to take: Damage from multiple angles, license plate (if visible), surrounding area, street signs, your vehicle’s position
   • Look for physical evidence: Car parts left behind, paint transfer on your vehicle, fluid stains, tire marks
   • Check for security cameras: Look at nearby businesses, traffic cameras, ATMs, apartments/condos, parking garages
   • Canvas for witnesses: Ask nearby pedestrians, workers, and residents if they saw anything
   • Note the time and conditions: Exact time of discovery, weather, lighting conditions

   Photos, witnesses, security footage, and physical evidence are necessary to identify the driver and support insurance claims.

2. Get Medical Attention (WITHIN 24 HOURS): Even if you weren’t in the vehicle when it was hit, you should still check yourself for injuries if you were nearby during the incident. If you discovered the damage later:
   • Hidden injuries: Stress and shock can mask symptoms initially
   • Document everything: Get medical records even for minor complaints
   • Follow-up care: Keep all medical appointments and records
   • Important note: Some injuries like traumatic brain damage can have delayed symptoms

   Medical documentation strengthens your compensation claim significantly.

3. File a Police Report (WITHIN 2 HOURS): Texas law requires reporting accidents with property damage over $1,000 or any injury. Even for minor damage, a police report is crucial:
   • Report immediately: Call local police (not 911 unless emergency)
   • Don’t wait: Some evidence disappears quickly (security footage is often deleted after 7-30 days)
   • Get the report number: You’ll need this for insurance claims
   • Request officer’s card: Include badge number in your records
   • Ask about follow-up: Inquire if they’ll investigate further

   An official police report serves as crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

4. File with Insurance Provider (WITHIN 24-48 HOURS): Contact your insurance company promptly to start the claims process:
   • Know your coverage: Check if you have uninsured motorist or comprehensive coverage
   • Don’t delay: Some policies require immediate notification
   • Get a claim number: Keep detailed records of all communications
   • Consider deductibles: Weigh repair costs against your deductible amount
   • Ask about rental coverage: You may be entitled to a rental car
   • Document everything: Record adjuster’s name, claim number, and all conversations

   If the damage is minimal (under $500), you might pay out-of-pocket to avoid rate increases. For uninsured driver scenarios, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.

5. Contact an Attorney (WITHIN 1 WEEK): Don’t wait until it’s too late – evidence disappears and witnesses forget. A Houston car accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of recovery:
   • Free consultation: Most attorneys offer free case evaluations
   • No upfront costs: Personal injury attorneys work on contingency (no fee unless you win)
   • Investigative resources: Access to private investigators, accident reconstructionists
   • Subpoena power: Can legally compel release of security footage
   • Insurance expertise: Know how to deal with insurance companies effectively
   • Legal deadlines: Ensure you meet all statute of limitations requirements

   An experienced attorney will protect your rights, handle insurance communications, and explore all avenues for compensation – even when the at-fault driver can’t be found.

What Should I Do If I Hit a Parked Car?

If you hit a parked car, it’s important that you try to stay where you are. Find the owner of the vehicle if possible. If you have to, leave a note. Texas requires that this note include your name, address, phone number, insurance provider information, and a description of the situation. The owner of the car will use this to file a claim with your insurance provider to cover the damage. Though you may worry about insurance premium changes, this is preferable to criminal charges for committing a hit-and-run.

If you hit a parked car, cause significant damage, and leave the scene willfully without providing that information, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. If no one was injured, but damage totaling less than $200 was caused, you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. This may lead to a $500 fine. If the damage was more than $200, you would face a Class B misdemeanor, which could lead to six months in county jail and/or a fine of $2,000.

FAQs About Texas Parked Car Hit and Run Law

What Happens if You Hit a Parked Car and Leave in Texas?

Hitting a car, causing damage, and failing to leave contact information is considered a hit-and-run. Depending on the situation, a hit-and-run may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies include situations where someone was seriously injured or killed. If you hit an unoccupied parked car and the damage was more than $200, you could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 if convicted.

What Do You Do if Someone Hits Your Parked Car in Texas?

It’s important to document the situation and take pictures of the damage to your car. See if anyone witnessed the accident, and call the police. An accident report is essential to insurance claims, no matter how minor the damage is. If the driver who hit your car is still on the scene, be sure to get contact information and insurance information and take pictures of their car and license plate. If the driver isn’t present, check your car for a note with their contact information.

Can You File a Claim if Someone Hits Your Car in a Car Park?

If you know who the at-fault driver is, you can file a claim against them. Hitting a parked car is negligent behavior, and you can receive compensation for any damages to your property. If your parked car was hit by another driver, talk with a car accident attorney to see if your specific circumstances allow you to file for damages.

What Happens if Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Off?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, try to take note or document their car or license plate number, if possible. Your priority is to get medical attention and file a police report when you’re able. If the at-fault driver is unable to be found, an attorney can help you determine your next steps for receiving compensation for injuries and property damage.

Stevenson & Murray: Your Car Accident Attorneys

If your parked car was damaged, you want to hire an attorney to protect your interests. It can feel overwhelming if you were a victim of a hit-and-run, but know that there may be steps that an attorney can take to get you the compensation you need. Contact Stevenson & Murray, Attorneys at Law, today to see how we can help find the driver responsible and defend your rights.