What Happens If You Hit a Parked Car and Leave in New York?
That sickening crunch. You've just nudged a parked car while trying to squeeze into a tight spot, and your heart sinks. No one saw it happen. The damage looks minor—maybe just a scratch or a small dent. For a fleeting moment, you might consider just driving away and pretending it never happened. But, you know better, because you read this article about what happens if you hit a parked car and leave in New York?
It's a moment of moral reckoning that thousands of drivers face every year. The rational part of your brain knows you should do the right thing, but the panicked part whispers that no one will ever know. Here's the thing: in New York, what starts as a minor bump can quickly spiral into serious legal trouble if you choose to leave.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Parked Car?
New York law is crystal clear about your obligations when you hit a parked vehicle. You cannot simply drive away, even if the damage seems trivial. The law requires you to stop and make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the vehicle you've struck.
If you can find the owner, you must exchange information including your name, address, driving license number, insurance details and your vehicle registration information. If the owner isn't around, you're legally required to leave go to the nearest police station and report the incident.
It's also prudent to leave a note nd include your name, address, and vehicle registration number. But, after leaving the note, you must report the incident to the nearest police station as soon as reasonably possible. It might seem like a lot of hassle for a minor scrape, but this is what the law demands.
Failing to follow these steps constitutes leaving the scene of an accident—commonly known as a hit-and-run. Even if no one was injured and the damage is minimal, it's could still be a criminal offense, at a minimum a ticket that can have serious consequences.
Hit-and-Run on a Parked Car: Charges, Evidence, and Defences
If you're caught leaving the scene after hitting a parked car, you'll likely be charged under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600. For property damage only, this is typically classified as a traffic infraction, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's minor.
The penalties for a first offense can include a fine of up to $250, up to 15 days in jail, and three points on your driving license. That might not sound devastating, but it's just the beginning of your problems. Your insurance company will view this as a serious red flag, and your premiums will almost certainly increase.
The prosecution needs to prove that you knew, or should have known, that you caused damage and then left without following proper procedures. However, there are potential defenses. Perhaps you genuinely didn't realize you'd caused damage, or maybe you left a note that subsequently blew away or was removed.
An experienced traffic lawyer in NYC can examine the evidence against you and challenge the prosecution's case. Were there witnesses? Is there CCTV footage? Can the prosecution prove you were actually driving? These are all questions that need proper investigation.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Parked Car Claims?
The insurance implications of a hit-and-run can be complex and costly. If you're the victim of a hit-and-run while your car was parked, your own insurance may cover the damage under your comprehensive or collision coverage, depending on your policy.
However, you'll likely have to pay your excess, and the claim could still affect your accident-free discount. In New York, hit-and-run incidents involving parked cars are generally considered no-fault claims, which means your own insurance pays regardless of who was actually responsible.
If you're the one who hit the parked car and left the scene, your insurance situation becomes much more complicated. Most insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly and cooperate with investigations. If you failed to report the incident and are later caught, your insurer might refuse to cover the claim.
Even if they do cover the damage, a hit-and-run conviction will mark you as a high-risk driver. Expect your premiums to rise significantly and stay elevated for several years.
If You Hit a Parked Car, Does Your Insurance Go Up?
The short answer is almost certainly yes, especially if you're convicted of leaving the scene. Insurance companies view hit-and-run convictions as serious indicators of risky behaviour. You're not just someone who had an accident; you're someone who tried to avoid responsibility.
The increase can be substantial. Some drivers see their premiums double or even triple after a hit-and-run conviction. The exact amount depends on your driving history, your insurer, and the specifics of the incident, but it's rarely insignificant.
The financial impact extends beyond just higher premiums. Some insurers might refuse to renew your policy altogether, forcing you to seek coverage from high-risk specialists who charge even more. The conviction will typically affect your rates for three to five years.
Compare this to what would have happened if you'd stayed and handled the situation properly. A simple property damage claim might have caused a modest increase in your premiums, but nothing like the financial devastation of a hit-and-run conviction.
If you're facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident, don't just accept the consequences. The long-term financial impact can be enormous, and there may be ways to reduce or eliminate the charges. At 5 Towns Traffic, our traffic lawyers understand that good people sometimes make poor decisions in moments of panic. We can help you navigate the legal system and work towards the best possible outcome. Here are the areas we serve.
Contact us today to discuss your case and protect your future with traffic ticket lawyer services.
