Attorneys
Last Updated: 1/11/2024
You go to the store and come back to find your parked car damaged in a hit-and-run accident. Someone hit your car and didn’t even bother to leave a note. Besides feeling wronged and frustrated because of the hit and run of your parked car, what do you do?
When Someone Hits Your Car While It's Unattended
The first thing you’ll want to do is a double check to make sure the driver didn't leave a note on your car. Iowa § 321.264 requires drivers who hit an unattended car to notify the owner or operator of the vehicle.
If the driver cannot be found, the law stipulates that the driver who did the damage must “leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking and a statement of the circumstances thereof.”
If the driver fails to leave you a note, then he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor. In this case, you’re probably wondering how you go about getting compensated so you can get your car fixed.
Well, a few good guidelines to abide by if you’re the victim of hit-and-run are to:
- notify the police and file a report;
- try to speak to any nearby witnesses who might have info on the driver; and
- call your insurance company to report the accident.
If you have uninsured motorist or collision coverage, your own insurance company may pay for the damages. These types of accidents generally don’t necessitate a lawyer. However, if you were in the vehicle and sustained a personal injury in a hit-and-run accident, you may discuss your case with an attorney to determine your legal options.
Call Walker, Billingsley, & Bair
Our firm regularly handles car accident cases of all sorts. Chat Here Now or Call us today and let us see if we can help you with your situation. Contact our accident attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair in Des Moines today at (888) 435-9886 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
