What to Do If Your Car Is Hit While Parked on the Side of the Road?
3 Answers
First, confirm whether you were parked illegally. Illegal parking here doesn't necessarily refer to the kind that would result in a ticket or points deducted by traffic police. After confirming your situation, the first step is to contact the traffic police immediately. If there are surveillance cameras, they can review the footage to assist in the investigation.
If your car is hit while parked on the roadside, your first reaction should be to stay calm. Immediately turn on the hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles and ensure you stand in a safe spot away from the impact area. Taking photos is crucial: capture close-ups of the damage, the overall position of the vehicle, and the surrounding environment including road signs and parking indicators—this documents evidence for later processing. Then call the police, informing them of the accident location and general situation, and wait for them to issue an accident report. Simultaneously, contact your insurance company to report the incident; they’ll ask for photo details and may send an adjuster. Finally, have the car towed to a reputable repair shop for inspection and repairs, prioritizing structural safety (e.g., checking for chassis damage). Be patient throughout the process—avoid rushing to repair anything yourself to prevent insurance disputes. Remembering these steps can minimize losses and ensure safety.
After discovering my car was hit, I immediately took photos for evidence: capturing the damaged areas from different angles, the overall vehicle, and the surrounding environment, especially noting if there were any surveillance cameras or witnesses to seek help from. Without moving the car and ensuring safety first, I turned on the hazard lights and contacted the traffic police hotline, describing the accident details and waiting for the police to arrive and issue an accident report. Then, I notified the insurance company, providing them with the scene photos and the report number. They guided me through the claims process, including the calculation of the damage assessment amount. For repairs, choosing a 4S shop is reliable. It's important to check if critical parts like the suspension were damaged. Don’t delay repairs to prevent issues like rust. Usually, try to park in well-lit areas to reduce risks.
