Rochester Parked Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Parked vehicle accidents are an unwanted reality for drivers across Rochester, NY. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle was sideswiped on Monroe Avenue or struck in the busy parking lot at the Hall of Justice downtown, the damage can disrupt your life permanently. If you were in the parked vehicle as a passenger or driver, our attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready to fight for you to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Rochester Parked Car Accidents

Parked vehicle car accidents occur in all different types of settings, from the side streets of Park Avenue to Rochester’s hotspot traffic areas like Mount Hope Avenue. Accidents with a parked vehicle range from minor scratches to severe damage that totals both vehicles. In many cases they can cause serious injuries if the driver or passengers are inside the parked vehicle when the crash occurs.

In Rochester, parked car accidents happen most often in a few main areas:

Residential Neighborhoods

Narrow streets in areas like Corn Hill or Highland Park make it challenging for drivers to maneuver around parked cars, especially during Rochester's snowy winters. Misjudged space can lead to sideswipe crashes or head-on collisions.

Commercial Parking Lots

High-traffic shopping centers like Marketplace Mall and Pittsford Plaza are common places for parked vehicle accidents. Drivers rushing to secure parking spots often fail to notice vehicles around them, leading to rear-end collisions.

Urban Streets and Heavy Traffic Areas

Busy streets like East Avenue and Monroe Avenue are accident-prone, usually in the form of intersection accidents. Constant vehicle movement and limited parking options also cause drivers to dart in and out of traffic and strike stationary vehicles. Parked vehicles are at risk of being hit by distracted drivers or those trying to navigate through congestion.

What Causes Parked Vehicle Accidents?

Parked vehicle accidents can happen for all types of reasons, but the majority of causes fall into a few specific causes.

• Negligence: Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents with parked cars. Drivers sending text messages, talking to someone on the phone, or even checking emails can fail to see they’re driving towards a parked vehicle until it’s too late.
• Poor Weather: Rochester’s harsh winters create additional challenges. Snow and ice can obscure parked vehicles or make it difficult for drivers to control their cars, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Tight Spaces: In areas like the public parking garages downtown or near the Strong Museum of Play, narrow spaces and poor visibility can lead to scraping, bumping, or hitting parked cars.
• Hit-and-Run: Hit-and-run accidents are particularly frustrating for victims. Drivers who flee the scene leave the vehicle owner with little information to pursue a claim, often leading to complicated insurance battles.

What You Should Do After a Parked Vehicle Accident in Rochester?

If your car is hit while parked, knowing what to do right after the accident can help protect your ability to recover in a personal injury case later on for your injuries and damages.

• Capture the Crash: Get pictures of your vehicle damage and the surrounding area. If possible, capture the license plate of the responsible vehicle. Locations like the Village Gate parking lot often have security cameras, which may provide additional evidence.
• File a Report: Contact the Rochester Police Department as soon as possible after the crash. After you get a copy of the police report you’ll have direct evidence to provide your insurance company about the accident. If the other driver fled the scene it’ll also serve as the basis to present an Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage claim.
• Notify Your Insurance: Under New York’s No-Fault insurance system, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurer. However, if the damage exceeds your coverage limits, you may need to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party.
• Consult Horn Wright, LLP: An experienced car accident lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP, can help guide you through the insurance claims process, secure the evidence you need, and aggressively pursue a lawsuit in Monroe County Supreme Court if needed.

Legal Options for Victims of Parked Vehicle Accidents

Depending on the type of damages you’re seeking to recover, there are several different avenues for being compensated for your losses. Which options apply will depend on the specific facts of your case.

No-Fault Insurance

If you were in the vehicle and sustained injuries, your New York No-Fault coverage will cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Property damage claims, however, must be filed against the at fault driver’s insurance.

Uninsured Motorist Claims

If the driver that caused the crash doesn’t have enough insurance, or flees the scene, your own Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage can apply to compensate you for your losses. 

Personal Injury Lawsuit

In cases where you sustained a serious injury, you can file a lawsuit in Monroe County Supreme Court to recover for pain and suffering, and future medical expenses and lost wages above and beyond Basic Economic Loss. An experienced attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, will be able to itemize your injuries and damages so you’re able to recover for your losses.

Contact Horn Wright, LLP, to Protect Your Rights

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand the stress and emotional strain that comes with a parked vehicle accident. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses. Don’t let the aftermath of an accident overwhelm you. Contact us today for a free consultation.