What Are Some Important Street Parking Safety Tips?

October 5, 2022

When you park your vehicle on the street, you may have some hesitation locking it up and walking away. Street parking leaves your vehicle vulnerable to damage from the elements, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

Some drivers park on the street if they do not have a designated space, driveway, or a garage near their residence. Others utilize street parking when they are visiting another location. Whatever the reason, here are tips for locating and navigating on-street parking, along with practical advice if your parked car is damaged or if you are in a car accident.

Avoid No-Parking Zones

No-parking laws are important because they prevent vehicles from impeding vehicle and foot traffic. They also allow emergency vehicles to go where they need to go and help to keep curbs, ramps, crosswalks, and other pedestrian crossings unobstructed.

Per Delaware law, you cannot park or stop your vehicle in the following locations:

• On a sidewalk.
• On a crosswalk.
• In front of a private or public driveway.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• In front of a public or private driveway.
• Near a yellow curb or yellow line at the edge of a roadway or shoulder.

Know How to Parallel Park

Parallel parking can be intimidating, even for experienced drivers, especially when a row of cars is waiting for you to move. However, with practice and patience, you can successfully parallel park.

Here are the steps to parallel park at a right-hand curb:

• Stop when your vehicle is even with the vehicle ahead of the open parking spot. Keep 2 feet of distance between you and the vehicle to your right.
• Turn the wheels sharply to the right, and slowly reverse back toward the vehicle parked behind the open spot.
• As your front door passes the back bumper ahead, straighten the wheels and continue to reverse the vehicle straight into the open spot.
• Once your vehicle has cleared the vehicle ahead, turn the wheels sharply to the left as you reverse slowly toward the vehicle behind.
• Now, turn the wheels sharply to the right and pull toward the center of the parking spot.

Someone Damaged My Parked Car and Left. What Should I Do?

It is possible that insurance may cover the damage. If your vehicle is hit in a parking lot or while parked on the street, treat the scene like an accident. Do not leave the scene without gathering evidence and reporting the accident.

If you are lucky, a witness saw the other driver. Ask around to see if anyone saw the accident. If you can locate the driver who hit your car, exchange contact information with them. Remember, you cannot predict how the other person will respond. Stay calm, and maintain a safe distance from the driver who hit your car. Call 911 for assistance.

Always take photos of the damage and file a police report. The police may be able to identify who hit your vehicle. In some cases, the driver will leave a note on your car with their contact information to let you know they caused the damage.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Before You File an Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and pay out as little as possible for accident claims. If you are dealing with bodily injuries from an accident, it is wise to contact a lawyer for legal guidance. Legal counsel is essential to ensure your interests are protected and to build a compelling case for fair compensation.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Help You if You Have a Car Accident Injury

Accidents involving parked cars can still result in catastrophic injuries and substantial financial losses. If you need help after an accident, contact one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.