How Can I Park Safely on the Street?
March 16, 2022
Some damage to vehicles happens when the vehicle is parked. Along with theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, and other incidents, parked-car accidents are a problem for many vehicle owners. Some situations that cause these issues can be avoided if you take time to ensure that you are choosing a good parking location and taking certain precautions to protect your vehicle.
This discussion explores the issues parking poses as well as some of the best ways to avoid trouble, including a car accident.
Damage to Parked Vehicles
Parked cars, especially those parked on tight city streets, are susceptible to becoming damaged by traffic driving too closely or drivers who employ less-than-careful techniques when they maneuver into an adjacent parking spot. Damage in these situations can include dented bumpers, side-swiped doors, lopped-off side mirrors, busted headlights, or broken windows.
Parked cars can also be damaged by natural forces such as when a fallen tree lands on a car. For that reason, you should avoid parking under trees when a storm is in the forecast. Then again, the detrimental effects from paint-damaging bird droppings and tree sap make it a smart move to avoid parking under trees regardless of the weather.
Picking a parking location when a rainstorm is expected should involve an assessment of the area’s drainage, as your car could take on water damage if you park in a low-lying spot. When snow is expected, it can make sense to keep a snow shovel in your trunk so that you will have it handy if your car gets plowed in.
Damage from parked-car accidents may not be covered by your car insurance. If you can identify the person responsible for damaging your car, you may be able to make a claim against their car insurance, but a claim for damage to your parked car is more likely to be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Theft or Vandalism
Damage to parked cars can also take place as a result of deliberate criminal actions such as vandalism or theft. To avoid having your car become a target for thieves or vandals, you should park in brightly lit areas or in places with lots of foot traffic, such as in front of busy buildings.
Deter break-ins by storing your valuables out of sight or, better yet, removing them from the car entirely. Make sure your windows are closed and your doors are locked. Installing a car alarm can be a useful way to discourage would-be car snatchers, and it may also qualify you for a discount on your insurance.
Consider using other antitheft devices, such as a kill switch, smart key, brake lock, or stolen vehicle tracking device.
The costs associated with repairing a vandalized car or replacing a stolen car may be recoverable if you have comprehensive insurance coverage.
Parking Tickets and Tow-Away Zones
When parking, drivers should always pay attention to signs indicating whether parking is permitted. Mind no-parking signs, yellow curbs, fire hydrants, or tow-away zones, which indicate that you may be putting yourself at risk of being ticketed or towed if you park there. Some spots that allow parking may still be subject to time limits or permitted parking restricted to certain times, such as loading zones or metered parking.
The costs of parking tickets or impounded vehicles is not covered by insurance.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Represent Car Owners Seeking Claims for Damage to Parked Cars
If your car was damaged while it was parked, you may be able to seek compensation from your insurance company or from the insurance policy of the person responsible for the accident. The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. can help you seek the damages for which you are entitled after your parked car becomes damaged or goes missing. Call us today at 215-569-9100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.