What to Do After a Parked Car Hit and Run in Oshkosh, WI

It can be a shock if your car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver while you’re at work, shopping in the mall, or attending a meeting. Making this discovery is upsetting. However, don’t panic, as you need to stay calm to assess the situation and file a police report.

Steps to Take If Your Car Gets Hit While Parked

Even though it’s distressing to discover you’re a victim of a parked car hit and run, try to remain composed. There are measures you can follow that will assist you legally and financially.

Evaluate the damage and document the scene

Start by assessing the extent of the damage. Promptly contact law enforcement. Make sure to note details such as the time of day. Capture photos of your vehicle and its surroundings, and collect contact information from any witnesses present. The police report and evidence gathered will play a pivotal role in filing insurance or legal claims.

Report the hit-and-run incident

If you find yourself dealing with a parked car hit and run, filing a police report immediately is crucial

Filing a Crash Report Online

Wisconsin Statute 346.70(1)  says that a crash must be reported when it results in the injury of a person or more than $1,000 in damage to a vehicle or property. A crash also must be reported if the damage is $200 more and affects a government-owned property besides the crash vehicle.

To report a crash, have your driver’s license number handy, your vehicle identification number (VIN), your SSN, and your insurance details.

If your car was parked and unoccupied when the accident occurred, you need to be able to identify the driver or owner of the moving vehicle. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fill out a crash report online.

If you can identify the driver, you’ll need the driver’s full name, address, Wisconsin driver’s license, or auto identification number. It’s also necessary to have the make and year of the auto. 

This may be possible if you’re able to catch the driver’s license number of the hit-and-run driver as they’re driving away or if a witness or surveillance camera captures some info that leads to tracking down the escapee.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Next, contact your insurance company. File a claim. Even if you only have liability coverage, they may be able to help. Make sure to share the police report and any evidence you collected at the accident scene with the company.

Experiencing a Parked Car Hit and Run is distressing, especially when personal injuries are involved. If you’re injured, seek medical help right away. Keep all medical bills and records; they will be instrumental in proving the extent of your injuries and calculating potential compensation

If the damage from the parked car hit and run is significant, consulting an attorney becomes even more essential. They can guide you on how to recover costs from the at-fault driver or the insurance company. In cases where the driver cannot be identified, you might have to cover expenses out of pocket or use your collision coverage.

The primary focus should be on getting your vehicle repaired or compensated, ensuring that you do not face any penalties. By contacting your insurance provider, sharing details about the accident, and asking pertinent questions, you can effectively resolve the situation. 
Seek guidance from an auto accident attorney so you know the exact steps to take following a hit-and-run incident.

How Can I Prove Someone Else Hit My Car?

To begin with, make sure to document the damages done to your car. Take photographs that capture any scratches, dents, or paint transfer on your vehicle. Additionally, note details such as the date, time, and location of the incident. 

This evidence will play a major role when submitting a claim with your insurance company or reporting the incident to law enforcement officials.

Furthermore, try to gather accounts from any witnesses who may have observed what happened during the accident. Their accounts could serve as evidence in establishing that someone collided with your parked auto.

In addition to eyewitnesses, it is important to check for surveillance cameras in the vicinity. Public spaces and businesses commonly employ security cameras that may have captured footage of the incident. 

It is also advisable to contact the property owners or managers and request access to the surveillance footage, if possible. Such visual evidence can provide proof of what transpired and can help you identify the hit-and-run driver.

In case you are unable to locate any witnesses or obtain surveillance footage, again, it is vital to file a report with the police. Provide them with all the pertinent details regarding the incident. They will generate a report, which can further bolster your case if you have to negotiate a claim or file legal proceedings in court.

Discussing your situation with a lawyer can provide you with the reassurance you need so you know that you’re taking the proper steps. They will determine who is responsible and handle the paperwork so you can receive a fair and equitable settlement. 

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run incident involving your parked car, it’s important to get in touch with a car accident attorney immediately. They will assist you in resolving the matter, so you receive the money you need for medical expenses and damages.

Penalties Against Hit-and-Run Drivers

According to 346.68, a Wisconsin driver has a duty to locate and inform the operator of the unattended car that they collided with their vehicle and give them their name and address. If they can’t locate the owner, they’re required to leave a note in an obvious place on the vehicle and leave their contact details. They must follow this course of action without obstructing traffic needlessly.

The penalties described below are for the at-fault driver who leaves the scene of the accident, not for the victim. Legally, a driver is required to stop if they cause property damage and/or personal injury. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanor charge or six months in jail and a fine of $300 to $1,000. 

If anyone suffers severe bodily harm or gets seriously hurt during the incident, the guilty party may face a felony charge of up to 15 years and a fine of $50,000. Moreover, if anyone is injured or killed, the jail time increases to 25 years, and the fine goes up to $100,000.

So, if you or someone is sitting in your parked car and the driver escapes or does not stop, they can face some serious penalties if they get caught and are apprehended by the police.

It also does not prevent you from asking for compensation if you’re hurt, or someone is killed after the crash.

What Are My Legal Options?

Your legal options after someone hits your parked car and flees will vary due to different factors. How much damage did your car sustain? Did law enforcement identify the responsible driver? Do you have collision coverage?

These are all questions you should discuss with an experienced attorney who can advise you of your best options, given your situation. Generally, options involve filing a claim against your own insurance, another driver’s insurance, or even filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party if found.

Consult with an Oshkosh, WI Car Accident Attorney Now

Looking for a consultation and case review in Oshkosh or anywhere else in Wisconsin? Reach out to Mingo and Yankala, SC today. Receiving compensation for a hit-and-run accident can be tricky. That is why you need to obtain legal support and advice. To make positive efforts along these lines, seek legal help as soon as possible. That way, you can move forward and receive what you need financially and legally. Schedule an initial consultation by calling (414) 273-7400 Mingo & Yankala, S.C., or using our contact form.