Hitting a parked car can be a small accident, but if you leave the scene without reporting it according to procedure, it is a hit-and-run. In Fort Lee and throughout New Jersey, drivers are statutorily required to stop, report the accident, and swap information. Failure to do so can lead to penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges.
Does Hitting a Parked Car Count as a Hit and Run?
Yes, hitting a parked car and then not reporting it correctly is a hit-and-run in New Jersey. No matter how slight the damage seems, drivers have a duty to report it. Drivers involved in any accident that results in property damage must stop and attempt to locate the owner or leave a note with their name and contact and insurance information under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129.
If the damage appears extensive or the car owner cannot be located, the driver has to report the incident to the police. Failure to do so will lead to fines, increased insurance rates, and even criminal charges.
What to Do If You Hit a Parked Car
If you rear-end a parked car, New Jersey law requires that you stop. Not stopping, even for what seems to be slight damage, can land you with a hit-and-run charge. If the owner is there, explain what has occurred and get their insurance information.
If there is no person to talk to, you need to leave a note on the windshield. The note should contain your name, phone number, insurance information, and a brief description of the accident. Legal problems may arise otherwise.
Additionally, New Jersey law may also require you to report the accident to the police, especially if the amount of damage is more than $500. For safety purposes, photograph both cars, any visible damage, the surrounding area, and any related traffic signs. If you fear legal consequences, hiring a Fort Lee car accident lawyer will help you handle the case in the right manner.
Legal Consequences of Leaving the Scene
New Jersey takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. Not stopping or swapping information at the scene of a property damage accident, even in the absence of injuries, can have severe consequences. Not stopping or swapping information can cost a driver between $200 and $400 for a first offense, along with potential license suspension for six months.
When one is injured in the accident, the consequences are all the more devastating. A hit-and-run that results in bodily injury is a third-degree crime in New Jersey with up to $15,000 in penalties and a possible three- to five-year jail term. The penalty becomes even higher when the accident is deadly, and second-degree charges result with up to ten years of prison.
How to Protect Yourself from False Accusations
Hit-and-run accusations are difficult to fight when there is little evidence. People can also fib and stage a hit-and-run or claim imagined damages in order to get money. When that occurs, defensive action is crucial.
Dashcam footage can be employed as concrete evidence to determine what actually happened. Statements of witnesses who saw the accident can help remove any ambiguity. Immediately after someone makes a claim against you, take photos of your vehicle to use as proof that you did not cause any damage. If you are wrongly accused of a hit-and-run, consulting a Fort Lee personal injury lawyer can help you defendagainst false claims.
Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run collisions could complicate the insurance claims process. If the other driver hit your parked car and drove away, you can rely on your own insurance coverage in some cases. In New Jersey, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) may pay for hit-and-run damages if you have this option in your policy.
Collision coverage is another policy that will pay for the repairs, but you may be responsible for paying your deductible. If you had run into a parked car and had filed the accident report, your liability insurance would normally be covering the other driver’s damages.
Insurance companies usually minimize payments for hit-and-run accidents. In case you are facing a problem with a claim, a lawyer experienced in navigating the claims process with insurance companies can help you receive fair compensation.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents by State
New Jersey law imposes serious penalties for hit-and-run accidents, especially when there is damage to property or injury. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, the penalties differ depending on the type of accident.
For property damage only, the penalties are:
- Between $200 and $400 fine for a first-time offense
- License suspension for six months for a first offense (or up to one year for subsequent offenses)
- Up to 30 days in jail (for the first offense) or up to 90 days in jail for subsequent offenses)
If the hit-and-run caused individuals to be injured, the penalties could increase significantly:
- Third-degree criminal charges
- Three to five years in jail
- Up to $15,000 fine
For fatal hit-and-run accidents, the penalties could be even more severe with second-degree charges resulting in up to a decade of imprisonment. The harsh penalties identify the significance of taking responsibility and implementing the appropriate legal procedures following an accident. When facing legal issues following a hit-and-run, a Fort Lee car accident lawyer can assist in safeguarding your rights.
Contact the Lawyer For Legal Help
Whether you’ve been accused of leaving the scene, need assistance filing an insurance claim, or suffered injuries from a hit-and-run, legal guidance is essential. Proper documentation is crucial in these cases, and understanding the importance of documenting the scene of an accident can strengthen your case.
Hit-and-run accidents can also lead to serious injuries that require medical treatment and compensation. If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run or need help navigating legal issues, speaking with a Fort Lee personal injury lawyer can provide the guidance and representation necessary to protect your interests.