What to Do When Your Car Gets Scratched on the Side of the Road and the Other Party Flees?
3 Answers
When encountering a situation where your car gets scratched and the other party flees, you should quickly try to identify the responsible party. Here are the detailed steps: 1. Check surrounding surveillance: If your car gets scratched, first check if there are any surveillance cameras around where you parked, such as at restaurants, shopping malls, or private properties. Generally, you can request to view the footage after explaining your situation. 2. Check your own dashcam: If your car is equipped with a dashcam, review the footage. If you capture the other party's license plate number, report it to the police. 3. Determine if the parking lot has compensation obligations: If your car was parked in a paid parking lot, communicate with the parking lot management to see if they should provide compensation, even if it's a small amount. Parking lots usually have surveillance, and if the incident occurred there, they will likely assist in the investigation. 4. Report to the police for investigation: If your car is significantly damaged and the other party flees, report it to the police immediately. The police can access traffic surveillance footage, which you do not have the authority to view on your own.
When my car was scratched by someone who fled the scene, the first thing I did was to park the car in a safe location without moving it to prevent secondary accidents. I then took out my phone to photograph the details of the scratch, the surrounding environment, and any traces of the license plate if visible, and recorded a video covering the area. Reporting the hit and run to the police by calling 110 is a mandatory step, as officers will document the incident and look for surveillance clues. Remember to note down the police report number for insurance claims. Next, I sought out witnesses, such as nearby pedestrians or shop owners, to ask if they saw the incident; this evidence can help the police track down the perpetrator. After completing these steps, I contacted my insurance company to file a claim, providing the police case number. Unidentified vehicle damage is usually covered under comprehensive insurance. I usually park in well-lit areas with a dash cam, and in such situations, staying calm and prioritizing safety is key to quick resolution.
I once encountered a situation where my car was scratched by someone who fled the scene. The key is to safely pull over and take photos or videos, ensuring the scratches and their location are clearly documented. Calling the police to arrive and issue an accident report is fundamental for insurance claims; don’t simplify the details when reporting—describe the hit-and-run behavior thoroughly. Then, call your insurance company’s customer service to report the incident, clarifying that you are the non-liable party. If you have comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage, the claims process will be smoother. Keep all repair estimates and receipts—don’t pay out of pocket. For prevention, install a dashcam with parking surveillance that automatically records evidence. Park near streetlights or under surveillance cameras to reduce risks, and handle such matters decisively without delay.
