If you hit a parked car, leave a note for the owner in a visible spot.
You stop at the convenience store to buy a gallon of milk after a long day of work, ready to get home, when suddenly you hit another car. You didn't see the car right behind you as you tried to pull out of your space in the parking lot. Accidents happen. And if you drive in Wisconsin, you should know the state laws that apply to accidents in parking lots should one happen to you.
Find the Owner
If you hit a parked car with no one in it, try to find the owner. If the parking lot is small, such as at a convenience store, you might find the owner by going back in and asking if anyone knows who owns the car you hit; that wouldn't work at the mall or at a large office complex. If you cannot locate the owner, Wisconsin law requires you to leave a note where the owner will see it. Include your contact information, along with the date and time the accident occurred. Auto information website Edmunds.com recommends taking a photo of any damage. If you don't have a camera or a cell phone with you, write down a detailed description of the damage the cars suffered.
Exchange Information
If the other driver is present, exchange names, addresses and other vital information, including: driver's license number; car insurance policy number; car license plate; and the manufacturer, model and year of the vehicles involved. Get the names of any passengers in the car as well as names and numbers of any witnesses.
Reporting the Accident
Report the accident to police if the accident results in any injury or fatality, or if damage to property owned by either party exceeds $1,000. Law enforcement officers will file an accident report for you if the agency investigates the accident or prepares a report. If not, you must file the accident report. That report, Form MV4002, is available on the website of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, located at dot.state.wi.us.
Government Property
Report the accident to police if you hit any government property in the parking lot, such as stop signs, and if the damage totals more than $200. Should you hit a government vehicle, you do not need to file a report with law enforcement unless the damage exceeds $1,000. Again, if the police officer does not write a report on the incident, you must file Form MV4002, available on the website of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
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