While most people typically think of a car crash as involving two vehicles going in opposite directions, collisions with a stationary car happen more often than you think. In many parked-car accident situations, it’s usually simple to determine fault and pursue a claim through insurance. However, that process becomes more complicated if anyone was seriously injured, particularly if you were sitting in the car or getting in or out of the vehicle at the time of the collision. In those situations, you need an attorney to help in recovering damages. 
What to Do After a Negligent Driver Hits Your Parked Vehicle
The negligent driver in a parked car crash often leaves the scene, which means you’ll only find out about the crash when you head outside and see the damage. In more dangerous cases, occupants of the parked vehicle may sustain serious injuries, such as bone fractures, soft tissue damage, or even brain trauma.
That’s why victims of a parked-car collision need to take several important steps in the hours after the crash to preserve their ability to recover financially as well as physically after any Missouri car accident.
Steps to Take After an MO Parked-Car Accident
Alert Law Enforcement
Provide a statement to the police who arrive on the scene, so they can conduct an investigation into who is at fault.
Ask for Eyewitness Info
Speak to anyone who saw what occurred and could identify the car or truck that hit your vehicle. Get their contact information, so you can speak to them again later.
Gather Photographic Evidence
Take pictures of your parked car, and ask any nearby homes or businesses if they have security cameras that may have captured the collision.
Get Insurance Details
If the other driver has remained at the scene, ask for their insurance provider information. Avoid any discussions of fault or specifics on how the parked car crash occurred. If the driver who collided with your car is obviously intoxicated or behaving aggressively, allow law enforcement to handle those discussions instead.
Head to the Emergency Room
Even in situations where you feel okay and don’t seem to have any obvious bruises or cuts, you still need to be checked out by medical professionals. A doctor at the emergency room may want to check for internal injuries common to vehicle collisions, such as soft tissue wounds, traumatic brain injuries, or whiplash.
Talk to an Experienced Missouri Car Accident Attorney
A legal professional helps by determining who is liable for your accident as well as placing a value on your damages.
Pursuing Financial Compensation Following a Parked-Car Collision
If you were in the parked car and suffered injuries after the at-fault driver hit you, you need to see a doctor right away. Putting together extensive medical documentation and closely following your doctor’s treatment plan is crucial to your financial security.
Important Steps After You See a Doctor
- Attend all of your scheduled appointments
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Maintain a daily log of doctor or physical therapy appointments, as well as injury symptoms and their severity
- Stick to your treatment plan
These steps help prevent the at-fault party’s insurance provider from denying your claim or providing a lower settlement than you deserve. With an attorney’s help, you can then pursue all the compensation you deserve.
Potential Damages
- Any medical costs related to the parked-car accident, such as hospital visits, follow-up doctor appointments, surgeries, and medication
- Non-economic damages covering emotional suffering and physical pain stemming from the collision
- Property damage to your parked vehicle
- Wages lost and other work benefits you weren’t able to access while recovering from the accident
Have You Been Injured in a Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a Missouri car accident, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 314.200.1229 to schedule a free consultation. We help car accident victims throughout the state of Missouri including in Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Kirksville, and Cape Girardeau.
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