Parked Vehicle Car Accident Lawyers in Garden City, NY
Accidents involving parked cars are sometimes minor seeming. However, let's be honest—if there is one thing that is maddening, it is being injured while seated in a parked car by a negligent motorist.
At Horn Wright, LLP, we get it. These aren't just annoying-they can completely ruin your day. This is where our dependable New York car accident attorneys come in to take it all off your hands. We know New York traffic law like the back of our hand, and we're here to help you get the resolution you deserve.
Uncover the Hidden Dangers: How Parked Vehicle Accidents Happen in Garden City, NY
Parked vehicle accidents are those accidents that people consider not serious but are, in fact, quite common. A driver misjudges the space while pulling into a spot. Someone swings their door open too wide in a crowded lot. Or maybe they're rushing and clip your bumper while turning.
In Garden City, the parking becomes very tight around spots like Seventh Street or train station. Some common causes of these incidents include:
- Narrow parking spaces in busy lots
- Drivers distracted by their phones or driving too fast trying to find an open parking lot.
- Poor visibility during bad weather, such as rain or snow.
This means not only that the car got damaged, but that frustration sets in on the question of "what’s next?"
Your Peace of Mind Shattered: What to Do When Your Parked Car Is Damaged in Garden City, NY
Picture this: You're walking back to your car after grabbing coffee, and you see it—a dent, a scratch, or worse. Your heart sinks, right? Don't panic. You've got the following steps to take that can make this headache a little easier to manage:
- Snap Pics: Take clear pictures of the damage, the location, and any other details (like paint marks or debris).
- Check for Notes or Witnesses: Did the person who hit you leave his contact information? If not, ask people around if they saw what happened.
- Call the Police: In New York, it is usually necessary to file a police report for an insurance claim. The Garden City Police can document the incident. You still need to fill out an MV-104 form.
- Notify Your Insurance: Share all the evidence you have gathered, including the police report, with your insurer.
And if you happen to strike a parked car? Be truthful. Leave a note with your contact information. Owning up to it will be painful, but the right thing to do-and you never know it could save you legal headaches in the future.
Who’s Responsible for a Parking Accident in Garden City, NY?
In most cases, the moving vehicle is at fault. However, this is not always so. If a car is illegally parked, maybe too close to a driveway or right by a corner, then the responsibilities are divided.
Local ordinances in Garden City decide their parking ordinances. Like, parking too close to fire hydrants or intersections can make a matter of dispute over who's responsible. It would often be determined by evidence from photos and video recordings, testimonies, and traffic and parking regulations in the area.
Fault is hard to determine sometimes, but that is where the experts come in. Our expert parked vehicle accident attorneys know how to dig deep and come out of the mess with the truth.
Will Insurance Have Your Back? The Truth About Parked Vehicle Accidents in Garden City, NY
Dealing with insurance is not really that fun. After an accident, you feel as if you are doing a series of leaps to acquire what you have been promised. You know what I mean. Your coverage will help, but it's still a lot to deal with, especially when you're already frazzled.
In New York, liability insurance pays if you cause a wreck. They’ll immediately investigate to find out who was at fault. If the other driver is unknown-such as in a hit-and-run-or not insured, you may need to file a claim through your own collision or uninsured motorist coverage. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Deductibles: Check your policy to see how much you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers your loss.
- Timelines: File for your claim the sooner the better, insurance firms have their own stipulated time for presenting claims.
- Disputes: Insurance firms sometimes underclaims or refuse such claims outrightly.
Your insurance claim could also be trapped within a loop but our experienced attorneys would deal with that because your case ought not to go unnoticed.
The Nightmare of a Hit-and-Run: When the Other Driver Vanishes in Garden City, NY
Let's talk about perhaps one of the most frustrating scenarios: hit-and-runs. You go back to where you parked and see that your car is damaged-but the guy who did it? Gone.
What should you do?
- Report It: Dial the police to make a report. This will work when there's eventually a court case or even for an insurance claim.
- Look for Cameras: Some surveillance may be available in business, private residences, or cameras located in the parking lots surrounding the accident location. The accident can be witnessed at places such as the Garden City Hotel, as well as other commercial spots. Commercial cameras in these places could have caught a glimpse of the accident.
- File a Claim: When the driver cannot be identified, the damages are covered through uninsured motorist coverage.
Hit-and-runs are frustrating, no doubt. But taking the right steps can help you move forward.
Take Control: How to Avoid Parked Vehicle Accidents in Garden City, NY
While you can't control what other drivers do, you can take steps to lower your chances of ending up in these situations.
- Park in well-lit areas where your car is visible.
- Avoid squeezing into tight spots, especially in busy lots near Roosevelt Field Mall.
- Check your surroundings before pulling out or opening your door.
- Use your backup camera or mirrors to stay aware of nearby cars and obstacles.
These little precautions may not be foolproof, but they can save you from unnecessary headaches.
When It Feels Like You're Alone: Why Legal Help Matters After a Parked Car Accident in Garden City, NY
When the accident involves a parked vehicle and you are the guilty party, the victim, or a victim of a hit-and-run, things can get quite overwhelming. The damage, paperwork for insurance claims, and sometimes who's at fault make it an issue to be dealt with individually.
Let Horn Wright, LLP, make this process easier for you. We can help explain your rights, handle insurance claims, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You don't have to do this alone.
Call us today at (516) 714-5975 for a free case consultation.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Horn Wright, LLP is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We’re a client-centered, results-oriented firm. When you work with us, you can have confidence we’ll put your best interests at the forefront of your case – it’s that simple.
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No two cases are the same, and neither are their solutions. Our attorneys provide creative points of view to yield exemplary results.
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We have a team of trusted and respected attorneys to ensure your case is matched with the best attorney possible.
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The core of our legal practice is our commitment to obtaining justice for those who have been wronged and need a powerful voice.