Parked Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Albany, NY 

Ever stepped outside, ready to head out, only to find your car damaged while parked? It’s a gut-wrenching moment. Your mind starts racing. Who hit my car? Do they even care? How am I going to fix this without losing my entire day? 

You’re not alone. Parked vehicle crashes are surprisingly common in Albany. Tight parking spaces, heavy traffic, and snowy streets make things tricky. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to tackle this on your own. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our New York car accident attorneys know how overwhelming it can feel when your car gets hit. That’s why we’re here. We take the stress off your shoulders and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Do Parked Vehicle Mishaps Happen So Often?  

If you’ve lived in Albany for a while, you’ve seen just how chaotic parking can get. Collisions are bound to happen between narrow streets, busy lots, and unpredictable drivers. Some of the biggest culprits include:  

• Distracted drivers: Picture someone scrolling through their phone as they pull into a parking space at Washington Park or a busy mall. They’re not paying attention, and your car pays the price. Improper lane changes that often cause parked vehicle impacts account for 11% of the car accidents requiring hospitalization in Albany County hospitals. 
• Poor visibility: Winter in Albany can be brutal. Snow piles up, and icy conditions make stopping in time nearly impossible. Add dim lighting in parking garages to the mix, and it’s no wonder stationary cars get hit so often.  
• Reckless parking habits: We’ve all seen it. Cars double-parked or stuck out into traffic. In the City of Albany double-parking is a $75.00 fine. These thoughtless actions put everyone else’s vehicle at risk.  

Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. But when it happens to you, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You'll feel unsure about the next steps to take. 

What Should You Do After a Motor Vehicle Crash?  

Finding your car damaged is frustrating. But here’s the thing. Taking the right steps immediately after can save you a ton of headaches later. As one of Albany’s top personal injury firms, we’ve put together a quick checklist after a crash:  

• Take pictures of everything. Snap photos of your car, the damage, and the area around it. Include things like parking signs or nearby landmarks. Yes, even the slush pile by the curb. These details can be critical later. Even insurance companies recommend tips on how to take good accident scene photos.
• Ask around for witnesses. If someone saw what happened, grab their contact info. A quick conversation with a bystander might give you the answers you need. Memories fade. Doing this while you're on the scene can help you gather an accurate recount of the event. 
• Exchange information if the other driver is present. Politely ask for their insurance and contact details. Take note of their license plate and car make, too. Refrain from discussing who's at fault. Focus on facts instead. 
• File a police report for major damage or hit-and-runs. The Albany City Police Department can create an official record of what happened. This step makes dealing with insurance companies a lot easier. Note as many details as possible on the MV-104 form. 
• Report to your insurance company. Let them know what happened and share all the photos and details you’ve collected.  

Get repairs done. Whether it’s a small scratch or something more serious, you’ll want to fix it ASAP. Albany has plenty of reliable auto body shops that can help.  

Sound like a lot? We get it. That’s why we’re here to help you handle every step, so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.  

Why Albany Sees So Many Parked Vehicle Accidents  

Let’s be real: parking in Albany can feel like a battle. Between the crowded lots downtown near the MVP Arena and the narrow side streets in older neighborhoods, finding a good spot is tough. And even when you do, the risk of damage doesn’t go away.  

Then there’s the weather. Winter in Albany isn’t just cold. It’s relentless when you look at the yearly snowfall amounts for Albany. Snowbanks eat up precious parking spaces, and icy roads make accidents almost unavoidable. Drivers slide into idle cars all the time, even when they’re trying their best to stay in control.  

Construction zones don’t help either. Temporary parking restrictions, changing traffic patterns, and limited visibility make Albany’s streets even more challenging to navigate. It’s no wonder these incidents happen so often.  

What Can You Do After Being Struck in a Parked Car? 

Here’s where things can get tricky. If your car’s been hit, you’ve got a few options to recover damages:  

• File an insurance claim: If you know who hit your car, their insurance should cover the damage. If it was a hit-and-run, your uninsured motorist coverage might step in to help. Make sure to apply for New York No-Fault benefits so you can get your medical bills and your lost wages paid after the crash. 
• Head to small claims court: For minor damage, you can take the case to small claims court in Albany. Just make sure you have all your evidence - photos, repair estimates, and any witness statements.  
• Get legal help: Sometimes, insurance companies drag their feet or lowball your claim. That’s where we come in. Our team of personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, knows how to handle these cases and fight for every dollar you’re owed.  

The key is to act quickly. The sooner you take steps to protect yourself, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.  

Stress Less—Call Horn Wright, LLP, Today  

We know how frustrating and overwhelming this can feel. No one wants to deal with insurance claims, repair shops, and legal headaches after an accident. But you don’t have to handle it all on your own.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our team of car accident lawyers has helped countless Albany residents through situations just like yours. We’ll dig into the details of your case, handle the tough conversations with insurance companies, and make sure you’re treated fairly.  

We’re here to help you focus on getting back your life. When you’re ready, give us a call. You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Together, we’ll get through this.