What to Do If You Hit a Parked Car on the Roadside?

[JuliannaLynn]

First, call the police immediately and handle the traffic accident according to relevant laws. Here is an introduction to traffic accidents: 1. Introduction: A traffic accident refers to an incident where a vehicle causes personal injury, death, or property damage on the road due to fault or accident. Traffic accidents can not only be caused by unspecified individuals violating traffic management regulations but also by irresistible natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, mountain floods, lightning strikes, etc. 2. Definition: According to relevant laws in China, a road traffic accident refers to an incident where a vehicle causes personal injury, death, or property damage on the road due to fault or accident during its journey. 3. Precautions: After a traffic accident occurs, the vehicle owner must immediately turn on the hazard warning lights and set up a hazard warning sign behind the vehicle.

[MaximusMarie]

When I accidentally hit a parked car by the roadside, my heart raced instantly, but I had to force myself to stay calm. First, pull over to a safe spot to avoid blocking traffic, and turn on the hazard lights as a warning. Then, get out to check for any injuries or vehicle damage—if the other car’s owner is present, communicate honestly, exchange license plate numbers and phone numbers, and take a few photos to document the scene. If no one is around, leave a note on the windshield explaining the situation. Next, immediately report the incident to traffic police (dial 122) and notify your insurance company—they’ll guide you through the next steps. Avoid private settlements to prevent disputes. Throughout the process, staying calm is key—like the time I, as a newbie, wasted money but learned to use the rearview camera to check blind spots to avoid repeating mistakes. Remember, safety comes first—don’t panic over minor incidents.

[EmmaFitz]

Experience has taught me that hitting a parked car requires immediate and proper handling. Prioritize safety for yourself and others—move to a spot that doesn't obstruct traffic, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle 50 meters behind the accident scene. Assess the damage to the vehicle and check if the other party is present. Take photos promptly for evidence, record the license plate, time, and location, and exchange contact and insurance information. If the other driver arrives, communicate calmly to avoid conflict; if not, leave your contact details or directly report to the traffic police. Quickly contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process, check your policy for the deductible, and consult a repair shop for an estimate. This helps minimize losses. Like me, frequent drivers develop habits like slowing down in narrow areas and staying more alert.

[DelBraxton]

Stop and avoid immediately to prevent secondary accidents. Safety first: Turn on hazard lights to warn others, check for injuries or significant vehicle damage, then exit the vehicle and set up a reflective warning triangle behind the accident scene to alert other drivers. Take photos for evidence and note down the other party's license plate and information. If the owner is present, negotiate a solution; otherwise, report to the traffic police. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident details and ensure a smooth claims process. Reflect afterward—pay more attention to your surroundings while driving, such as checking mirrors to confirm spacing when parking, to effectively avoid such incidents.