Oftentimes, parked car accidents appear minor to onlookers, but in many cases, they can cause significant challenges for vehicle owners. Whether your car is damaged while in a parking lot, on a public street, or even sitting in your driveway, it’s important to understand what legal options are available to you and what these types of accidents can do to your insurance premiums.
On the flip side, you might have been the at-fault driver in such an accident. And if that’s the case, it’s equally important to be aware of how the actions you take (or fail to take) can affect you legally.
Regardless of who you are in these types of accidents, having a solid understanding of the steps you need to take and when to take them is important.
To that end, the following definitive legal guide the by top rated Pennsylvania car accident lawyers at Wilk Law’s injury law firm will discuss common causes of parked car accidents in 2025, what to do in either situation (whether you are a damaged vehicle owner or an at-fault driver), considerations when it comes to liability, and how your insurance may be impacted as a result.
Understanding Accidents Involving Parked Cars
When a moving vehicle collides with one that is stationary, the resulting crash is defined as a parked car accident. These accidents can be minor, culminating in nothing more than superficial scrapes and dings, though they can also cause significant damage to the parked vehicle’s structural integrity.
In certain cases, the at-fault driver may even flee the scene without taking responsibility, which makes the situation even more complicated for the damaged vehicle owner.
What Are Some Reasons People Hit Parked Cars in Pennsylvania?
There’s a vast variety of reasons as to why a driver may hit a parked car, though most are often a result of negligence or being unaware. The most typical causes are as follows:
- Distracted Driving: Talking on the phone, texting, or adjusting elements inside of the vehicle while moving keeps your eyes off the road
- Illegal or Improper Parking: Can create unsafe road conditions and make it difficult for other vehicles to navigate
- Careless Errors: Reversing rapidly, failing to check mirrors and blind spots, or misjudging distances can all result in collisions
- Speeding: Whether in parking lots or on narrow streets, aggressive or reckless drivers may have difficulty stopping properly and hit a parked car in the process
People who are usually found to be at fault for parked car accidents will be the ones liable for the resulting damages and injuries.
How Severe Can Parked Car Accidents Be?
Many people assume that any damage resulting from an accident with a parked vehicle will be minimal, but oftentimes, reality can be quite different. For example, collisions can result in any of the following:
- Major dents and scratches
- Broken side mirrors, headlights, or taillights that result in compromised safety for the driver and potential tickets from law enforcement
- Missed time from work and new transportation costs
The costs to repair vehicles that sustain these deteriorations can add up quickly. In most cases, the negligent driver who is responsible for the damage will typically be held accountable for covering them. However, if the driver were to flee from the scene of the accident, or if the damaged car was parked in a hazardous way, such circumstances would impact the way in which compensation can be recovered.
Who Is at Fault in a Parked Car Accident?
Determining liability in an accident involving a parked vehicle is usually straightforward: The driver who hits the parked vehicle is typically the individual at fault.
However, some occasions warrant exceptions to that rule. It’s important to know of all common scenarios in these cases so you can best decide how to act in response.
When the Moving Driver Is at Fault
Once again, when it comes to parked car accidents, the responsibility is most often placed upon the moving driver. Some examples of obvious moving driver liability include the following:
- Backing into a parked car because they were not paying attention
- Hitting a parked car while attempting to make a turn
- Scraping or colliding with a vehicle while pulling into or out of a parking space
Drivers are expected to have the knowledge and capacity to operate their vehicles in a safe and aware manner, and that includes being able to avoid hitting stationary objects; failing to do so is considered negligent.
Are There Ever Situations Where the Other Driver Isn’t at Fault for Hitting a Parked Car?
There are, indeed, specific instances in which a parked car owner can share fault for the accident, especially if their vehicle was not safely or legally positioned. These include things such as:
- The car being parked in a no-parking zone, blocking traffic, or otherwise obstructing visibility
- The vehicle is parked too far from the curb or in the middle of a roadway
- The vehicle is stopped in a no-parking zone or other unsafe location, such as a fire lane or near an intersection
Should any of these circumstances apply, the liability could be shared between both parties.
Someone Hit My Parked Car, What Do I Do?
If you have had the unfortunate experience of having your parked vehicle hit, it’s important to take the right steps to help protect yourself and get compensation if it is needed. Here are some things to consider if you find yourself in such a scenario:
Check for the Responsible Driver or a Note From Them
If the at-fault individual is still at the scene, exchange your contact details, insurance information, vehicle details, and any photos or notes about the accident itself. If they are not present, check to make sure that they did not leave a note or information for you regarding the accident. Sometimes, drivers will put their information on the windshield of the car or through an open window if it’s accessible.
Look for Witnesses or Security Footage of the Accident
If the driver is not present and there is no note, and if there are any nearby witnesses or security cameras, follow up. Many businesses and residential buildings are equipped with tech that can be useful in these circumstances, and depending on the time of day and traffic in the area, there may have been individuals who saw the incident and can help you.
Document the Damage
Make sure to get clear and accurate photos of the damage, location, and any debris or skid marks left behind by the accident, and take any notes you might need to remember for later as well. Making sure to document that your car was safely and securely parked is crucial to ensuring you aren’t held partially at fault.
Report the Incident to Law Enforcement
Under Section 3743 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, failing to stop after hitting a parked vehicle is illegal and considered a hit-and-run. If the other driver fled the scene, filing a police report is, therefore, especially important, as it helps document the incident for insurance claims and any potential legal action.
Police reports can be helpful evidence regardless of circumstance, so when in doubt, it’s best to acquire a copy of one whenever you can.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a claim with your insurance provider. If the responsible driver is unknown (meaning they fled and you were unable to obtain any information), uninsured motorist coverage may help cover at least part of the damages if it is available.
Someone Hit My Parked Car And Left, Isn’t That Illegal?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is considered a misdemeanor (or third-degree) offense in Pennsylvania. Drivers who hit a parked vehicle are legally required to:
- Stop and assess the damages
- Attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle
- Leave a written note with their contact information and insurance details if the owner is not present at the scene
Violating these regulations can result in fines of up to $2,500 and up to one year of potential jail time. As such, drivers should always stay at the scene of a parked car accident to avoid any major legal consequences.
Will It Affect My Car Insurance if Someone Hits My Parked Car?
A common (and valid) concern among the victims of parked car accidents is whether the incident will impact their insurance rates if they report it. Whether your premiums will increase depends on a number of factors, including if you were partially at fault, the kind of coverage you have, and your claim history.
When Insurance Rates Are Unlikely to Increase
If the other driver is at the scene, leaves a note, or is otherwise identified — and their insurance covers the damages — your insurance policy will likely be unaffected. In such a case, you would file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Additionally, if you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD) and use it to cover any repairs from a hit-and-run, your insurance company most likely will not raise your rates. However, that will vary by provider, so it’s always best to double-check to see what exactly you’re covered for.
When Insurance Rates Might Increase
When the responsible driver remains unknown, or if they are uninsured, you may need to file a collision claim with your own insurance company. Filing a claim under your personal collision coverage means that you will likely be required to pay your deductible first.
Unfortunately, even though you may not have been at fault, using your insurance to cover damages can still result in higher premiums.
Additional factors that may raise your rate include the following:
- A history of multiple claims in a short period
- The severity of the damage and the cost to repair it
- Whether your insurance company has an “accident forgiveness” policy
Remember, before filing a claim, it’s wise to consider the costs of repairs to your vehicle compared to your deductible. If you are able to make repairs that are under or close to your deductible, then it may be a better option to avoid filing an insurance claim.
What Should You Do if You Hit a Parked Car?
As they say, accidents happen, and that means it’s entirely possible to be on the at-fault end of a collision with a parked vehicle. If so, it’s extremely important to handle the situation responsibly. Failure to take the appropriate action can lead to a slippery legal and financial slope that has significant consequences.
Here are a few steps to remember:
- Never leave the scene of an accident until you’ve located the owner or left a visible and secure note with all necessary contact and insurance information
- Notify law enforcement, especially if there is extensive damage, the accident was in a public location, or if there are concerns about liability
- Report the accident to your insurance company and remain transparent about the details, including if you believe there was any shared fault
- If you were involved in circumstances with an illegally or haphazardly parked vehicle, consider contacting an attorney to help with a claim for any damages
If you are planning to pay for the damages out-of-pocket, you can discuss that with the vehicle owner, but do not forget to provide your insurance information as well.
Knowledgeable Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers
The repercussions of a parked car accident can be stressful to deal with, especially if the at-fault driver is uncooperative, fled the scene, is unknown, or is uninsured.
Thankfully, a top rated car accident attorney from Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help you do the following:
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence
- Dispute your claim with insurance companies and assist with delayed payments
- Determine liability when shared fault is a concern
- Pursue compensation for repairs, rental cars, and other expenses
Whether you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, need to file an insurance claim, or are unsure about liability, taking the proper steps can help make sure your rights are fully protected.
If you’ve been in a parked car accident in Pennsylvania and need assistance, Wilk Law’s experienced car accident lawyers can provide the support you need. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore possible legal options.