My car was hit while parked. What’s next?

Friday, March 14, 2025

My car was hit while parked. What’s next?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Discovering your parked car was involved in a hit-and-run can be incredibly frustrating. A hit-and-run parked car incident can be overwhelming, from minor scratches to serious damage. Knowing what to do and what can be done legally helps. This article contains helpful tips for managing such an incident’s consequences and securing one’s rights.

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What to do after a hit-and-run if you car was parked in Chicago ,IL?

If your parked car is hit and the driver leaves, report it to the police and your insurance company immediately. Hit-and-run driving is a serious crime in Illinois, and the penalties vary according to the accident’s severity.

Document the Scene

Collect all the possible evidence, starting with pictures of your car’s damage, dents, scratches, or anything visible. Take snapshots of the damage to your car, such as dents, scratches, or other visible issues. Take shots that show the placement of your car, including nearby road signs, landmarks, or any distinguishing features in the vicinity. Document other relevant details, including tire marks or debris the other vehicle leaves. Note any locations of security or CCTV cameras nearby, as these may well have captured the incident.

Look for Witnesses

Witnesses can provide crucial information about the vehicle that hit your car or describe how the accident occurred. If anyone stopped to help, ask for their name, phone number, and address.

If nobody stops, check the vicinity for someone who might have witnessed the accident.

Note Down License Plate Numbers

If you’re lucky, someone may have seen the car’s license plate that hit you. Even partial plate numbers can assist the police in their investigation. Ask any witnesses if they saw the car or its license plate.

Contact the Police and File a Report

It’s essential to notify the police immediately. They will document the incident and provide you with an official accident report. Even if the police don’t find the driver, this report will be critical when filing your insurance claim.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company quickly to report the incident. Provide all the evidence you’ve collected, including photos, witness information, and the police report. This will help your insurer process your claim efficiently. First, check your policy for uninsured motorist property damage coverage; this often applies to hit-and-run claims. A hit-and-run claim will likely be moved along more quickly if a police report is filed and the scene documented.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Chicago?

Hit-and-run offenses in Illinois are taken seriously, and the penalties depend on the damage or injury caused. Fleeing the scene of an accident is irresponsible, to say the least, and highly troublesome legally.

Property Damage

According to the State of Illinois, hit-and-run or leaving the scene after damaging a property, such as another vehicle, is a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include:

• A fine of up to $2,500
• Up to one year in jail
• Suspension of your driver’s license for one year if the damage exceeds $1,000

Drivers must stop their vehicles as close to the accident scene and report the incident to fulfill their legal obligations.

Injury

Injury due to hit-and-run makes the offense an automatic Class 4 felony, punishable by:

• A fine of up to $25,000
• Imprisonment for up to three years
• Suspension/Revocation of your driver’s license

The severity of the punishment really shows how crucial it is to remain at the scene of an accident and seek help, irrespective of any circumstances.

Death

If a hit-and-run is fatal, then the penalties become really serious. Failure to report a fatal road traffic accident will be punished with:

• A Class 4 felony charge, similar to injury-related offenses
• Additional charges. If you fail to report the accident entirely, this could escalate to a Class 1 felony, which carries harsher penalties

These laws aim to ensure drivers are held accountable for their actions. Staying at the scene, even after an accident involving property damage, can prevent severe legal consequences. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue compensation for your damages.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Hit-and-Runs in Chicago?

Park Responsibly

Use well-lit parking areas and avoid leaving your car in isolated spots. 

Install a Dashcam

A dashcam can be invaluable for recording incidents and identifying a fleeing driver. 

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Ensure your policy includes comprehensive and uninsured motorist property damage coverage to protect you financially in case of a hit-and-run.

Seek Legal Help If Needed

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run, let Malman Law help. We will walk you through the complex process of legally identifying who was responsible for the injury. Let us fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

Please read: Chicago Hit and Run Car Accident: What to do?