When you return to your parked car in Los Angeles and discover it’s been hit, your heart sinks — but when the other driver is nowhere to be found, frustration quickly turns into confusion. Ahit and run accident involving a parked car can feel unfair and overwhelming. You’re left to deal with damages, insurance headaches, and uncertainty about your next steps.
AtLA Injury Lawyers, we help victims ofhit and run parked car accidents across Los Angeles get the compensation they deserve. Here’s a step-by-step guide onwhat to do in a hit-and-run parked car situation, along with how our experienced team can help you recover your losses.
What Counts as a Hit and Run on a Parked Car?
Ahit-and-run accident on a parked car occurs when a driver damages your vehicle and leaves the scene without leaving contact or insurance information. In California, this is acrime under Vehicle Code §20002(a), which requires drivers to stop and provide their information after any collision causing property damage.
Common examples include:
- A driver sideswiping your car while parallel parked and leaving.
- Someone backs into your bumper in a parking lot and drives off.
- A delivery van is scraping your mirror and speeding away.
Even if the damage seems minor,failing to report or properly document the incident can cost you thousands later.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do after discovering ahit-and-run accident on your parked car is to stay calm andensure your safety. Avoid moving your vehicle immediately. Take a few minutes to:
- Look for witnesses. Ask nearby pedestrians or business owners if they saw anything.
- Scan for surveillance cameras. Los Angeles has cameras in many parking lots, storefronts, and even residential areas.
- Avoid driving away until you’ve documented the scene for evidence.
Step 2: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Proper documentation strengthens your claim and can help identify the driver later. Use your phone to collect as much information as possible:
- Take clear photos of all damage from multiple angles.
- Capturethe entire scene, including landmarks and skid marks.
- Note thetime, date, and location (street, lot, or neighborhood).
- Photograph anypaint transfer, debris, or broken parts left behind.
If a witness provides information,record their statement and contact details. Every detail could help law enforcement track down the responsible party.
Step 3: Contact the LAPD or Local Police
In Los Angeles, it’s essential to file a police report for ahit-and-run parked car. Call theLos Angeles Police Department (LAPD) non-emergency line at1-877-ASK-LAPD or go to a nearby station.
A report helps you:
- Officially document the incident for insurance purposes.
- Potentially recover damages through the state’s victim compensation or your uninsured motorist coverage.
- Support your case if you later discover the driver and need to pursue legal action.
You can also visit the
Los Angeles Police Department Traffic Division website for detailed reporting procedures and local contact offices.
Be sure to request acopy or reference number for your records.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Depending on your coverage, your insurer may pay for repairs even if the at-fault driver isn’t found.
Key coverage types to review include:
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Covers damage caused by an unidentified driver.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision events (e.g., vandalism).
If you have ahigh deductible, LA Injury Lawyers can help explore whether the at-fault driver can still be located and held accountable.
Step 5: Gather Any Available Evidence from the Area
Los Angeles is full of surveillance cameras — from parking garages and restaurants to traffic intersections. Act quickly, as many systems overwrite footage within 48–72 hours.
Check:
- Nearby businesses or apartment complexes.
- City-installed traffic cameras (especially near intersections).
- Rideshare or delivery drivers who may have dashcam footage.
Our team often assists clients by issuingpreservation letters to secure crucial evidence before it’s deleted.
Step 6: Consult Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers
When ahit-and-run accident occurs on a parked car, insurance companies often minimize claims — especially if they can’t identify the other driver. Working with skilledLos Angeles car accident lawyers can make all the difference.
At LA Injury Lawyers, our team bringsdecades of combined experience handling complex accident claims in the Los Angeles area. We help you:
- Investigate the incident and locate potential suspects.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your payout.
- Pursue additional damages if negligence or reckless driving is involved.
- Manage paperwork and deadlines to free up time for recovery.
Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are Common in Los Angeles
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top California cities for hit-and-run crashes. Contributing factors include:
- High traffic density and narrow streets in areas like Hollywood and Downtown LA.
- Distracted or uninsured drivers are afraid of legal consequences.
- Nighttime collisions in poorly lit parking areas.
Unfortunately, victims often faceproperty damage, emotional distress, and financial losses without immediate answers. That’s why swift legal action is crucial.
Can You Still Recover Damages if the Driver Isn’t Found?
Yes — even if the driver disappears, you still have legal options. With the help ofLA Injury Lawyers, you can pursue:
- Insurance claims under your uninsured motorist or collision coverage.
- Civil claims if the driver is later identified.
- Restitution through California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) in some cases involving hit-and-run crimes.
Our attorneys work tirelessly to uncover evidence and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
The Legal Process for Hit and Run Parked Car Claims
- Police Investigation: The LAPD may review nearby cameras or witness statements.
- Insurance Claim: You’ll file through your insurer, supported by your report and photos.
- Legal Action (if applicable): If the driver is located, a civil claim can seek damages for repairs, rental costs, and emotional distress.
- Settlement or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for fair compensation — or prepares for court if necessary.
We handle these steps for you, ensuring no deadlines are missed under California’stwo-year statute of limitations for property damage claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hit and Run on a Parked Car
- Leaving the scene too quickly. Always document before moving your car.
- Failing to file a report. Without one, insurance claims can be denied.
- Not checking for nearby cameras. Footage often disappears fast.
- Settling too early. Insurance companies may lowball you before all damages are assessed.
A qualified attorney can help ensure none of these mistakes cost you compensation.
How LA Injury Lawyers Can Help
With decades of experience in Los Angeles hit-and-run claims, our attorneys have secured significant settlements for victims across LA County — from Santa Monica and Hollywood to Downtown LA and the San Fernando Valley.
We combine local expertise, deep knowledge of California law, andcompassionate client service to make the legal process as stress-free as possible.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
Ahit-and-run accident on a parked car in Los Angeles can leave you feeling helpless — but you’re not alone. By acting quickly and working with an experienced legal team, you can protect your rights and your finances.
Whether your car was hit inDowntown LA,Santa Monica, orHollywood,LA Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for your free consultation— no upfront costs, no stress, just results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay my deductible if the driver isn’t found?
Yes, usually — unless your insurer waives it under uninsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can review your policy to see if you qualify. - What if the damage is minor? Should I still report it?
Absolutely. Even small dents can hide structural damage, and a report protects you legally. - Can police track down a hit-and-run driver?
Sometimes. Witness statements, camera footage, or vehicle debris can help identify the responsible driver. - How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, property damage claims must be filed withintwo years from the date of the accident. - What if I were in the car during the hit and run?
If you were injured, your case becomes apersonal injury claim, and you may be eligible for medical and pain-and-suffering damages.