How to handle steet parking damage when there's no witness, etc?

November 6, 2006 9:15 AM

[Street Parking Etiquette] - Darn - someone hit my parallel-parked new Prius! (more below)

While I realize street parking (Evanston, IL) is 'at your own risk' - what is the etiquette in regards to 'I know it was this car that did it and they left no note' - Black Prius hit and dinged pretty good (paint, body damage) by a White Mazda - I don't know owner of car, but I would like for their insurance to pay for the body work - is this feasible? Where did manners go in street parking accidents?

posted by mctsonic to travel & transportation (13 comments total)

Do you have their license plate number? Did you leave them a note?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:19 AM on November 6, 2006 [1 favorite]

Witnesses?
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:20 AM on November 6, 2006

Missed the title. Try asking people working in nearby buildings.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:21 AM on November 6, 2006

Around here, getting insurance to pay for an accident requires reporting the accident to police. If you have identifying info (e.g. licence plate) on the other vehicle, it shouldn't be a problem (they are required to share their insurance info with you and if they haven't then that's one of the things to address with the police).

If the Mazda's owner is a neighbour with whom you want to maintain a good relationship, that gets more complicated. Start by asking nicely and if that doesn't work, determine how far you're willing to go.
posted by winston at 9:24 AM on November 6, 2006

Did this just happen? Take photos, a ton of them, include identifying info like plates, etc.
posted by jerseygirl at 9:25 AM on November 6, 2006

Just to clarify, I say "around here" because I'm not where you are.
posted by winston at 9:25 AM on November 6, 2006

I think TPS has it exactly; write down their license plate number and leave a polite note which says, "I think you tapped my car while parking. Unfortunately, when I looked, you did some damage to my car, which I would like to get fixed up. Please give me a call so that we can work out whether you'd prefer to go through your insurance or pay out of pocket. Thanks! -mctsonic."

If you don't get a reply, consider asking the local police if you have any recourse. It's not entirely park-at-your-own risk, and I would GUESS (IANAL) they have a legal obligation to fix your car.
posted by JMOZ at 9:26 AM on November 6, 2006

If there are no witnesses to this accident, how can you be sure that it was that particular car that hit yours? Incriminating body damage? Get photos of their damage and yours and file a police report. Like others, I'd start with a note on their windshield stating how you'd appreciate their cooperation.

Good luck!
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 9:45 AM on November 6, 2006

I've never heard of this 'park at your own risk.' Your car was parked. Someone ran into it. They need to pay for the damage. Plus, if they didn't leave a note it's technically a hit-and-run.
posted by miss tea at 9:49 AM on November 6, 2006

How do you know it was the Mazda that hit you? You need to document whatever evidence you have and file a police report ASAP. Without evidence it is your word against theirs.
posted by InfidelZombie at 9:59 AM on November 6, 2006

The best answer will depend on the specifics of your situation, and you haven't described it clearly. If there were no witnesses, how do you know it was a White Mazda? If you explain, in clear terms, exactly what happened and what you know, then you'll get better answers.

Where did manners go in street parking accidents?

I hit a parked car once, when I was 18, in an MBTA parking lot. I left a note — name, telephone number, apology. Long story short, the owner filed an insurance claim and then tried to double his money by collecting from me, too.

In other words, manners lack on all sides. Don't judge the whole orchard by one bad apple.
posted by cribcage at 10:09 AM on November 6, 2006

Ok, it comes down to this:

1) Is there white paint on your car where it's been damaged?
2) Is there corresponding damage with paint transfer from your car on the white mazda?

If both 1 and 2 are true, take photographic evidence of said damage, call the police to come and take your statement. Preferably at a time when the white Mazda is there for the police to inspect. It shouldn't be all too difficult to match the damage up.
posted by antifuse at 10:29 AM on November 6, 2006

Would you by any chance be on Reba Place? When we lived on Reba we had more trouble with this. So sorry. Advice above is good-- take pictures immediately, call the police, document and try to get the Mazda owner to work with you. Good luck.
posted by orangemiles at 10:34 AM on November 6, 2006