Data examines honor code on Grand Prairie streets
While most states, including Texas, require a driver responsible for an accident with an unattended vehicle to notify the owner, such as leaving a note, some do not. Allstate recommends drivers always leave a note, including an explanation of what happened no matter how visible the damage.
“Leaving a note after hitting someone’s vehicle is simply the right thing to do, even if it was just a scrape,” said Jeff Hiemenz, an Allstate agent in North Texas. “If you caused damage to a vehicle, you are liable and can be held responsible. Having the proper insurance coverage will help protect you from the cost of these damages.”
A trip to the mall or quick stop to the grocery store can quickly turn dreadful if you return to your vehicle to find you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run. Allstate also warns drivers of the dangers of driving distracted, especially when cruising in areas where “hit while parked” incidents are high.
“Turning on the radio or checking for missed calls are distractions and make it more difficult to maneuver your vehicle. Distractions also increase your chances of becoming involved in a crash,” Hiemenz said.
Nationally, 69% of the country’s hit-and-run collisions involved a parked vehicle (national figure reflects data for America’s largest 200 cities).
Below is a look at how North Texas’ largest cities ranked:
Arlington - 63%
Carrolton - 61%
Dallas - 56%
Fort Worth - 64%
Garland - 63%
Irving - 64%
Mesquite - 77%
Plano - 66%
Allstate offers the following tips on what to do if someone has hit your parked vehicle:
Survey your immediate surroundings – If the other vehicle’s driver isn’t easily spotted in your immediate surroundings, do not try and go after the driver yourself. Check your windshield to see if they may have left a note with their contact information.
Call the police – Call the police immediately to file an accident report.
Get the facts at the scene – Ask people nearby the scene if they witnessed the accident. Take down their reports and contact information.
Check for surveillance cameras – If the accident occurred in a parking lot, check to see if a surveillance camera caught the incident on tape.
Take pictures – If you don’t have a camera in your phone, Allstate recommends that drivers keep a disposable camera in the glove box. Snap shots of the damage to your vehicle and of your surroundings.
Contact your insurance company - Report even a minor accident to your insurance company immediately.
Source: Allstate Insurance
