Introduction
Have you ever come across a car parked in a no-parking zone? Or maybe a car parked in front of a fire hydrant? Illegally parked cars are a common sight on our streets, and it can be frustrating to find an empty spot to park your car. But what happens if you accidentally hit an illegally parked car? Who is responsible for the damages? In this article, we will discuss the different scenarios that can happen and who is responsible.
Scenario 1: Your Fault
If you hit an illegally parked car, the first scenario is if it is your fault. This means that you were not paying attention to the road or you were driving recklessly, and you hit the parked car. In this case, you are responsible for the damages to the other car. You will have to pay for the repairs or the replacement of the car, and you will also be liable for any injuries sustained by the driver or passengers of the parked car.
Scenario 2: Illegally Parked Car Owner's Fault
Another scenario is if the illegally parked car owner is at fault. This means that the car was parked illegally, and it was their responsibility to ensure that they were not obstructing traffic. If you hit the parked car because it was blocking your way, then the owner of the parked car is responsible for any damages that you may have incurred. However, this is only applicable if the illegally parked car was the sole cause of the accident.
Scenario 3: Shared Fault
The third scenario is when both parties are at fault. This means that you were driving recklessly, and the other driver parked illegally. In this case, the damages will be divided between both parties, depending on the degree of fault. For example, if you were 70% at fault and the other driver was 30% at fault, then you will have to pay 70% of the damages, and the other driver will have to pay 30%.
What to Do When You Hit an Illegally Parked Car
If you hit an illegally parked car, the first thing to do is to stay calm and assess the situation. Check if anyone is injured and call the police if necessary. Even if it is a minor accident, it is still important to report it to the police. This will help in case there are any legal disputes in the future.
Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact number, and insurance details. Take pictures of the damages to both cars, as well as the location where the accident occurred. This will serve as evidence in case there are any disputes about the accident.
After you have gathered all the necessary information, contact your insurance company and report the accident. They will guide you on how to proceed with the claim.
Conclusion
Illegally parked cars can be a nuisance on our roads, but it is important to remember that accidents can happen. If you hit an illegally parked car, the responsibility for the damages will depend on the circumstances of the accident. It is always important to stay calm and assess the situation, and to gather all the necessary information for the insurance claim.
