What Happens If Someone Hits Your Parked Car in Pennsylvania?
Most people think of car accidents as collisions between moving vehicles, but parked cars are struck more often than you might expect. Whether you’re sitting in your vehicle, getting in or out, or simply return to find significant damage, these accidents can leave you dealing with more than just repair costs.
In some cases, a parked car accident can result in serious injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Understanding what to do after the accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
How Do Parked Car Accidents Happen?
A parked vehicle should be one of the easiest obstacles for drivers to avoid. Unfortunately, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and careless maneuvering often lead to crashes involving vehicles that aren’t moving.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers looking at a phone or GPS
- Drivers backing out of parking spaces without checking their surroundings
- Speeding through parking lots or residential streets
- Impaired or fatigued driving
- Losing control of a vehicle because of weather or road conditions
Even low-speed impacts can cause injuries, especially when the occupants aren’t expecting to be hit.
Can You Be Injured in a Parked Car?
Absolutely. Because the occupants of a parked vehicle are often relaxed and not bracing for impact, the force of a collision can place unexpected stress on the body.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries, including herniated discs
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries affecting muscles and ligaments
Some injuries may not become noticeable until hours or even days after the accident. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention if you begin experiencing pain, headaches, dizziness, or stiffness following a collision.
What Should You Do After the Accident?
If another driver hits your parked vehicle while you’re inside or nearby, your first priority should always be safety. Once you’ve ensured everyone is out of immediate danger, there are several steps that can help protect your health and any future claim.
If you’re able to do so safely:
- Call the police and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Speak with any witnesses who saw the collision.
If you discover your parked vehicle after the other driver has already left, report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible. A police report may be important if the crash becomes a hit-and-run investigation or an insurance claim.
Who Is Responsible for the Accident?
In many parked car accidents, liability is relatively straightforward because drivers have a duty to maintain control of their vehicles and avoid stationary objects.
However, insurance companies will still investigate the circumstances of the crash. Evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and the police report can all help establish what happened and who was responsible.
If the collision involved multiple vehicles or unusual circumstances, determining liability may become more complex.
Can You Recover Compensation?
If you were injured because another driver struck your parked vehicle, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
Depending on your situation, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting your case.
Protect Your Rights After a Parked Car Accident
Being in a parked vehicle doesn’t mean you’re protected from serious injuries. Many people walk away from these accidents believing they’re unharmed, only to experience pain and other symptoms in the days that follow. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, seeking prompt medical care is one of the best ways to protect both your health and your legal rights. Contact the Travis Law Firm, we provide compassionate, aggressive representation to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (814) 277-2222 or (814) 455-3839, or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to after a parked car accident.