What to do if your car is hit in a parking lot: a guide

Parking space shortages in Romania are increasingly acute, especially in major cities where available spots have been sharply reduced. As the number of vehicles grows and urbanization accelerates, parking lot incidents are becoming more frequent. Many car owners find their vehicles damaged, and the at-fault party has disappeared without leaving a trace.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain exactly how to proceed legally when you find your car damaged in a parking lot, and what obligations you have if you were the one who caused the accident.

What to do if you find your car damaged

First step: inspection and documentation

When you discover that your car has been damaged, the first thing you should do is carefully check all the damage. It is advisable to perform this check daily, especially when parking in busy areas.

Essential steps for documentation:

• Take clear photos of all damages from multiple angles
• Make sure the pictures capture the extent of the damage
• Note the exact location and the time of discovery
• Check for witnesses or surveillance cameras in the area

The situation when the at-fault party left contact details

If the driver who caused the accident left a note with contact details on the windshield, the issue can be resolved relatively easily:

1. Contact the person immediately to arrange a meeting
2. Close an amicable accident report with the other driver
3. Photograph both vehicles to document the damages
4. Fill in the report form accurately with all details

When the at-fault party did not leave contact details

This is, unfortunately, the most common situation. Many people leave the scene without taking responsibility.

Mandatory legal procedure:

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• Present yourself to the police within 24 hours
• Provide an exact account of the damages
• Specify the probable location and time window of the incident
• Present the photos you took

Your obligations if you caused an accident in a parking lot

Option 1: Amicable accident report

If you can contact the damaged vehicle owner:

• Immediately complete an amicable accident report
• Take photos of both cars from all angles
• Correctly fill in all data in the form
• Keep copies of the documents

Option 2: The owner is not present

When you cannot contact the owner right away:

1. Leave a note with your contact details on the windshield as a mandatory step
2. Photograph both vehicles and the fact that you left your details
3. Wait to be contacted, but no more than 24 hours
4. Present yourself to the police in 24 hours if you have not been contacted

Important legal aspects

The 24-hour deadline

This deadline is mandatory and inflexible. Whether you are the victim or the at-fault party, you must present yourself to the police within 24 hours of the incident’s occurrence or discovery.

Consequences of not complying with the deadline:

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• Administrative penalties
• Difficulties in obtaining compensation
• Issues with the insurer

The repair assessment form

Why it is necessary:

• Mandatory for the legal repair of the vehicle
• Required by all authorized service centers
• Necessary for compensation from the insurer
• Without it, any repair is illegal

The police will issue this form only after the official registration of the accident and the completion of the police report.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not make these errors:

• Do not repair the car without the repair assessment form
• Do not rely solely on social media posts to find the at-fault party
• Do not delay reporting to the police
• Do not leave the scene without leaving contact details

Practical prevention tips

To avoid problems in parking lots:

• Park in sufficiently wide spaces
• Use parking sensors and the video camera
• Inspect your car daily for damage
• Invest in a dash cam with parking mode
• Document the car with photos before leaving it in public parking areas

What happens after reporting to the police

Investigation process

The police will:

• File your report
• Check surveillance cameras in the area
• Look for witnesses
• Issue the repair assessment form

Cooperation with the insurer

With police documents you can:

• Open a damage claim file with your insurer
• Request compensation through BAAR (if the at-fault party is not identified)
• Proceed with legally repairing the vehicle

Remember that following legal procedures is essential not only to defend your rights but also to avoid penalties. Regardless of your situation, the 24-hour deadline for presenting to the police is mandatory, and failure to comply can lead to unpleasant consequences.