It is easy to feel unsure of what to do after you hit a parked car. It is not a situation most drivers expect to be in, and it can be stressful or even a little embarrassing when it happens.
You may be left with a whirlwind of questions like: “Do I have to report it?” “Can I leave a note?” “What are my legal obligations in Colorado?”
Colorado law requires drivers to stop after a collision involving a parked vehicle, check for injuries, and provide their information. Failing to do so may be treated as a Colorado hit-and-run parked car incident, even if the damage seems minor.
If you are asking, “If I hit a parked car, what should I do?”, this guide explains the steps to take. We cover what to do next, how to leave proper notice, and how these incidents are generally handled under Colorado law.
Responsibilities After a Car Accident in Colorado
Every driver in Colorado has certain legal duties after a traffic accident. Under Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 42-4-1606, a driver involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or any property damage must take specific actions.
After a car accident, a driver is required to:
- Immediately stop at or as close as possible to the scene
- Return to the scene if stopping is not initially safe
- Exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers
- Show a driver’s license upon request
- Provide reasonable aid to anyone who is injured
- Promptly notify the nearest law enforcement agency of the accident
If a driver skips any of these steps or flees the scene of a crash, it constitutes a hit-and-run offense, a crime that can be prosecuted and punished with fines and even jail time. A driver’s responsibilities are slightly different, however, if the accident involves an unattended parked car.
What Are Your Legal Responsibilities After Hitting a Parked Car in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. Section 42-4-1604, a driver who hits a parked car must:
- Stop immediately
- Make a reasonable effort to locate the vehicle’s owner or operator
If you cannot locate the owner, you must leave a written notice in a clearly visible place on the vehicle. The note should be secure so it does not blow away and should not be placed in a way that causes further damage.
Your written note must contain:
- Your name
- Your address
- The registration number of the vehicle you were driving
If the crash involved injury to any person or damage to other property, you must also notify law enforcement as soon as possible.
Colorado Laws for a Hit-and-Run of a Parked Car
Leaving the scene after hitting a parked vehicle can lead to criminal and civil consequences. When a driver fails to stop, attempt to locate the owner, or leave the required written notice, the incident may be treated as a hit-and-run accident.
Under Colorado law, failing to meet these responsibilities after damaging a parked vehicle typically results in a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. Possible legal penalties can include:
- Fines
- Points on your driving record
- Driver’s license consequences
- In some cases, jail time
Penalties often depend on factors such as the amount of property damage, whether anyone was injured, and the driver’s prior record. In addition to criminal penalties, a driver may also face civil liability for the cost of the property damage.
This statute applies to parked and unattended vehicles. It generally does not apply when a driver strikes a fixed object, traffic control device, or highway fixture, which are covered by different provisions of Colorado law.
Steps to Take After Hitting a Parked Car
If you hit a parked car in Colorado, it is important to take the right steps right away. These actions will help protect you legally and make the claims process easier.
Step 1: Pull Over Safely
Stop as close to the accident scene as possible without blocking traffic. Put your hazard lights on so other drivers can see you and avoid creating an additional hazard.
Step 2: Try to Locate the Vehicle Owner
Make a reasonable effort to find the vehicle’s owner. You can check nearby homes or businesses, or ask people in the immediate area if they know who the vehicle belongs to.
Step 3: Leave a Written Note If You Cannot Find the Owner
If you cannot find the owner, leave a written notice in a clearly visible place on the vehicle. Include your name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle you were driving. Secure the note so it will not blow away.
Step 4: Call 911 When There Is Injury or Significant Property Damage
If there are injuries or significant property damage, call 911 to report the accident. The dispatcher may send law enforcement to document the incident. A police report can also be beneficial for insurance purposes.
Step 5: Cooperate with Law Enforcement
If police respond, remain at the scene; otherwise, you may be viewed as a hit-and-run driver. Provide basic information about what happened and request the report number for your records.
Step 6: Document the Scene
Take photos of both vehicles, the surrounding area, any visible damage, license plates, and the location where the impact occurred. This documentation can help if questions later come up about how the collision happened.
Step 7: Seek Medical Attention if You Are Hurt
If you experience pain, dizziness, stiffness, or other symptoms, go to a hospital or urgent care clinic. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft-tissue injuries, may not appear immediately.
Step 8: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the incident to your own car insurance company as soon as possible. Provide the basic facts, but avoid speculating about fault. This helps start the claims process while reducing the risk of saying something that could be used against you later.
Step 9: Share Insurance Information with the Vehicle Owner
If the vehicle owner contacts you, provide your insurance information and keep the conversation brief and polite. Avoid arguing about fault or discussing potential claims in detail.
Step 10: Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer
If there are disputes about fault, injuries, or insurance coverage, it may help to speak with a car accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can explain your rights, help you respond to accusations of a hit-and-run of a parked car, and advise you on next steps.
Speak with Manning Herington Law Firm
If you hit a parked car, you are usually responsible for paying for the resulting property damage. There are situations, however, where the parked vehicle’s owner may share fault, such as when a car is parked illegally or in an unsafe location.
Legal guidance can be invaluable in these situations. The attorneys at Manning Herington Law Firm can review what happened, explain your options, and help you navigate insurance issues and potential claims.
Call 720-679-8134 or submit our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs: Hitting a Parked Vehicle in Colorado
1. What happens if you hit a parked car and leave?
Leaving without stopping or leaving your information may be treated as a hit-and-run of a parked car in Colorado. This can result in criminal charges, fines, license consequences, and civil liability for the damage. It is always better to stop, try to find the owner, and leave the required written notice.
2. If I hit a parked car, what should I do?
Stop immediately, look for the vehicle’s owner, and leave a written note in a visible place if you cannot find them. The note should include your name, address, and the registration number of the car you were driving. If there are injuries or significant property damage, contact law enforcement.
3. Do I have to report hitting a parked car to the police?
You must contact law enforcement if someone is injured, if there is significant damage, or if the owner cannot be located after reasonable efforts. A police report can also be helpful for insurance claims, even when reporting is not strictly required.
4. Will my insurance rates go up if I hit a parked car?
Insurance premium increases depend on your policy and insurance carrier. If you are found at fault for property damage, your insurer may raise your rates at renewal. Your collision coverage may help pay for your own vehicle repairs, while property damage liability coverage may pay for the other car.
5. Can the owner of the parked car be at fault?
Yes, sometimes. If the vehicle was parked illegally or in an unsafe position, the owner may share responsibility for the damage. Fault in these situations depends on the specific facts of the accident.
