What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car

Over 50,000 parked car crashes occur annually in Florida, with one in five accidents happening in parking lots. In 2024, Hillsborough County reported 26,274 crashes, averaging 72 accidents per day. Unfortunately, parked car accidents are all too common. So it’s unsurprising that most drivers will inevitably deal with an accident, causing damage to a parked car at some point. 

In 2024, Florida reported 97,982 hit-and-run accidents, with 249 fatalities, 20,467 injuries, and 81,205 resulting in property damage. In Hillsborough County, there were 6,474 hit-and-run crashes, with 12 fatalities, and 1,614 injuries. Most parked car accidents are hit-and-run. 

Fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run accident, including parked car crashes, is a criminal offense. Florida’s hit-and-run laws include penalties that can range from a second-degree misdemeanor, with fines up to $500 and 60 days in jail, to a first-degree felony with a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison.

What To Do After a Minor Car Accident in Florida When You Accidentally Hit a Parked Car

Though it may feel like a natural reaction to drive away if you accidentally hit a parked car, it is crucial that you follow the proper protocol regarding this type of incident. Florida Statute 316.063 requirements are very specific. 

After hitting a parked car, the driver must: 

1. Stop driving.
2. Attempt to locate the vehicle’s owner.
3. Take pictures and videos of any damage and the accident scene.
4. Leave a note for the driver on their vehicle with your name, phone number, and address.
5. Report the accident to the police, and file a police report before leaving the scene, so it is not considered a hit-and-run.

Leaving the scene without following these steps could result in Florida hit-and-run misdemeanor penalties, which include fines up to $500 and 60 days in jail. Keep in mind that most parking lots have security cameras, and 66% of people in parking lots have their phones, so you could be recorded fleeing the scene.  

If the damages are less than $500, the police may not show up or file a report. However, you are still required to follow the steps above and report the accident within ten days to the FLHSMV by filling out the Driver Report of a Traffic Crash form, and submitting it online or by mail.

What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car and There Is No Damage

Florida parked car crash laws apply to any accident, regardless of whether there is visible damage or not. There could be non-visible damage, which could include damage to the vehicle frame, suspension, electronic systems, safety features, or other vehicle features.

Newer vehicles, especially hybrid and electric cars, can have costly repairs that far exceed $500 for minor damages. Florida does require all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability insurance coverage. 

However, making a false damage claim after hitting a parked car can result in being charged with insurance fraud. Therefore, it is always important to document any damages and follow the protocols mentioned earlier. 

It is also a good idea to always take pictures of your parked car to have “before” and “after” documentation, showing it was not damaged when you walked away. 

What To Do if You Lightly Hit a Parked Car

Despite how lightly you may have hit the parked car, it is still essential to follow the proper protocol following this type of incident. Fleeing the scene without contacting the police after a parking lot accident, and not attempting to locate the driver or leave your contact details, is considered a hit and run. If the police find you, you will be charged with a criminal misdemeanor. 

In parking lots, there are tight spaces, reduced visibility, and pedestrian traffic, which could result in lightly hitting a parked car. Shopping areas can be congested, especially on weekends and from tourist traffic. Elderly drivers may also have issues when navigating a parking lot. 

As mentioned above, even if there is no visible damage, the driver must abide by the necessary steps to avoid any conflict or issues for the owner of the parked vehicle. Even though you may have lightly hit the car, it is still possible for the vehicle to have sustained internal or external damage that needs to be properly addressed. 

If You Hit a Parked Car and Are Unable To Find the Owner, What Should You Do?

If you hit a parked car and are unable to find the owner of the vehicle, you must leave a note for the owner. According to Florida law, you must provide your name, address, phone number, insurance information, and vehicle registration number (license plate). The best place to leave this note is on the windshield, placed just under the windshield wipers so that it doesn’t blow away. You should also attempt to ensure it is weatherproofed in case it rains. 

On this note, you should explain to the vehicle owner what happened and leave your contact information, so they may call you to discuss the next steps involving auto repairs and insurance policies. 

You must also call the police reporting a parked car accident in Tampa. Should something happen to the note when the other driver calls to report the accident, the police will have it documented. It is also beneficial to take a picture of the note and a picture showing where you left it on the vehicle. 

Before leaving the note, you should take steps to locate the driver, such as:

• Having store employees make an announcement.
• Waiting for a reasonable amount of time, about 30 minutes, to see if the driver returns.
• In shopping complexes, visit multiple stores near where the accident occurred to try to locate the driver.

Legal Consequences of Leaving the Scene in Florida

The legal consequences of hitting a parked car and the hit-and-run penalties in Florida will vary based on the extent of damage, and whether anyone was injured, as follows:

• Property damage only: Second-degree misdemeanor, $500 fine, and up to 60 days in jail.
• Property damage and injuries: Second or third-degree penalty, based on the extent of injuries, up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail, and license revocation for at least three years.
• Fatalities: First-degree felony, license revocation for at least three years, mandatory minimum four years in jail, with up to 30 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.

Additionally, those convicted of hit-and-runs are considered high-risk drivers, resulting in extremely high insurance rates and difficulties in finding coverage. 

Florida enacted the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act in 2014, which imposes a mandatory minimum of four years in prison for fatalities resulting from a hit and run. Even with the new law, hit-and-run accidents have increased by 40% over the past decade. 

Here are the total recorded hit and runs in Florida by year:

• 2017: 102,870
• 2018: 103,011
• 2019: 105,648
• 2020: 92,247
• 2021: 109,646
• 2022: 107,844
• 2023: 105,092
• 2024: 97,982
• 2025: 60,394 (as of September 4, 2025)

As mentioned earlier, even when an accident seems minor, it does not necessarily mean there aren’t hidden damages that are not visible. Even occupants of the parked vehicle could have more serious injuries than they realize initially. 

Documentation and Evidence Collection

Whether you are the person who hit the parked car or the victim, you need to document and collect evidence of the crash. 

Here are the steps after hitting an unattended vehicle in Tampa for the person who caused the accident:

• Take pictures and videos from multiple angles, capturing all damage to both vehicles, license plate numbers, the surrounding area, and weather conditions.
• Write down the date and time of the accident on the note you leave for the victim.
• Take pictures of the note and their placement on the victim’s vehicle.

If you return to your vehicle and it was hit, and there is no note:

• Contact the police to see if someone reported the accident.
• Take pictures and videos showing all damage to your car, the surrounding area, and weather conditions.
• Narrate videos and describe what you are recording.
• Speak to the store’s security to see if they have security cameras and how to obtain footage.
• Ask anyone near your vehicle if they saw anything, and obtain their contact details.
• Document the exact location, time, and date you discovered the accident.

Back up any photos, videos, notes, and witnesses’ contact details to the cloud or another method. It is vital to preserve evidence as best as possible for both your insurance company and legal purposes.  

Insurance Implications and Claims Process

Florida has a no-fault insurance system in place. Initially, you will file your property damage claim against your insurance. For damages over your coverage limits, you can file against the driver’s PDL coverage, up to their coverage limits. They should have a minimum of $10,000 as required by law. 

For hit and runs, you still file against your insurance. You may have other coverages that will cover your losses. You may also have to pay your deductible. Generally, insurance rates should not increase as long as you have had no other recent claims. 

Claim Filing Procedures and Timeline

• Report the accident to your insurance provider.
• Speak with a car accident injury lawyer for free parked car accident legal advice.
• File your insurance claim.
• Only report actual damage and losses to avoid claim denial.
• For amounts over your coverage limits, file against the other party’s insurance.
• Negotiate your settlement.
• Receive you payment.

The timeline typically ranges from a few months to up to six months for most claims. For more complex cases, severe personal injuries, or fatalities, it could take longer, sometimes a few years. If you retain a personal injury lawyer, they will file your claim and take care of negotiating your settlement on your behalf. 

Someone Hit Your Parked Car — What Should You Do?

So, you return to your parked car to find out that it has clearly been hit by another driver. What do you do? In the moment, it may be tempting to accept that you will be unable to find the culprit and will have to pay for the auto repairs on your own. However, that may not always be the case.

Although this is a frustrating experience, it’s important to remain calm. Take a deep breath, and then follow these steps to ensure you properly document the accident before moving your vehicle. If you have groceries, packages, or shopping bags, it is okay to put those inside the vehicle. 

1. Do not move the car.
2. Check for a note on the vehicle.
3. Call the police and report the accident, and follow any instructions they provide.
4. Document the accident scene.
5. Look for any witnesses.
6. Talk to the store/mall security about getting security camera footage.
7. Check under the vehicle for any signs of leakage or other hidden damage.
8. Notify your insurance company of the accident.
9. Speak with a Tampa parking lot accident lawyer.
10. File your claim.

If the driver is found and is underinsured or uninsured, and you have this coverage, you can file against your UI/UIM coverage. 

Related: What to do if someone hits your parked car? 

When You Need Legal Representation After a Parked Car Accident

After a parked car accident, it is always a good idea to speak with a Tampa car accident attorney to find out your legal rights and options. Never admit fault, as it could hurt your claim. The statute of limitations for car accident injury claims in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. 

You may require legal help when:

• Your insurance company is not offering a fair settlement.
• Your claim is delayed or was denied.
• The other party’s insurance is disputing fault.
• The other party is facing hit-and-run criminal charges.
• The other party is uninsured/underinsured.

Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has over four decades of experience with parking lot and hit-and-run accidents. In hit-and-run cases, your lawyer ensures you get a favorable settlement from your insurance provider. Should the responsible party be located, they can also take legal civil actions against them for any other losses not covered by your insurance. 

What Is the Benefit of Retaining a Car Accident Lawyer?

Whether you are the driver who caused the damage to the parked vehicle or are the owner of the parked vehicle, there are plenty of benefits to retaining a car accident lawyer. 

An experienced car accident lawyer will:

• Walk you through the process of an accident lawsuit.
• Help you determine any damages.

Most importantly, they will be there every step of the way, from the initial summons and complaint, through the discovery process, all the way to reaching a settlement or taking the case to trial if necessary. 

The Tampa car accident lawyers at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, have extensive experience in the area of parked car accidents. We are an essential resource should you find yourself dealing with a parked car accident. 

If you hit a parked vehicle and are unsure what your next steps should be, contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, to discuss the incident and your potential liabilities.

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