The Shoulder
The Shoulder
63
Car accidentscool-badger-359

Hit and run in a crowded festival parking lot — anyone else see what happened?

Long shot, but I have to try.

Last Saturday afternoon I was parked in the big overflow lot behind the fairgrounds during the spring festival — you know how packed that place gets. I was inside for maybe two hours and came back to find a massive dent and scrape running along my driver's side, front wheel arch all the way to the rear door. No note. Nothing.

I've already filed a police report and my insurance knows about it, but without a witness or footage it's basically just my word against the universe. My deductible is brutal and my rates are going to take a hit for something that was completely not my fault.

I was parked in the second row from the main entrance path, damaged side facing the traffic lane. The lot was absolutely slammed — people were circling for spots constantly. Someone had to have seen or heard something.

Here's what I'm asking:

  • Did anyone park near the main entrance rows around 1–3 pm?
  • Do you have a dashcam that might have caught cars moving through that section?
  • Did you notice a dark-colored SUV or van with possible fresh damage on its passenger side leaving the lot?

Even a partial plate or a description of the driver would mean everything right now. The police officer told me hit-and-runs in busy event lots are really hard to close without civilian help.

Please DM me if you were there or caught anything on camera. I'll take any scrap of info at this point. This is so frustrating — I saved up for months for that car.

11replies

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11 replies

  • 24
    warm-lynx-006

    Former adjuster here. A few things that could genuinely help your claim even without a witness: (1) ask the venue or fairgrounds if they have security cameras covering the lot — event organizers often have footage they don't think to offer, (2) check if any food trucks or vendor booths near the entrance had cameras facing outward, and (3) get a written repair estimate fast because the longer you wait the more an adjuster can argue the damage pre-existed. The police report number is your friend — reference it in every single communication with your insurer.

    • 8
      level-backseat827

      Adding this: keep copies of every email. It mattered for me.

  • 22
    keen-elk-908

    Just a process note — if someone does come forward with footage or a partial plate and law enforcement identifies the driver, you may have options beyond just the insurance claim. A PI attorney could potentially pursue the at-fault driver directly for your out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible. Not saying you need a lawyer right now, just worth knowing that a police report + witness evidence opens more doors than people realize.

    • 7
      hopeful-rider348

      Going through something similar right now. Did following up actually move the needle for you?

  • 17
    genuine-crane-984

    Post in every local Facebook group, Nextdoor, and community subreddit you can find for your area. Do it today, not tomorrow — people delete dashcam footage on a rolling loop, sometimes every 48–72 hours. Time is actually working against you right now.

  • 16
    brave-marten-398

    Ugh, I'm so sorry. You saved up for it and then this. People who drive away after hitting someone's car are just the worst. I really hope someone comes forward for you. 🤞

    • 2
      quiet-neighbor246

      How long did it end up taking in your case?

  • 10
    keen-wolf-214

    Not doubting you at all, but just to make sure you've covered your bases — did you check with the festival organizers directly about security footage? A lot of people assume big public events don't have cameras but they usually do for liability reasons. Also, was there any kind of parking attendant or shuttle service working the lot? Those people see everything.

  • 8
    brave-wolf-431

    Be really careful what you say to your own insurance adjuster about this. They'll sometimes frame a hit-and-run parked-car situation in a way that makes it sound like uninsured motorist coverage instead of comprehensive, which can affect your deductible and your rate differently depending on your policy. Read your declarations page before you get on a long call with them.

    • 10
      tired-dreamer604

      This is really helpful — thank you for posting it.

  • 7
    steady-wolf-915

    This happened to me at a county fair two summers ago. Exact same situation — packed lot, no note, no nothing. I posted in a couple of local Facebook community groups and someone actually came forward with dashcam footage from their truck. It wasn't enough to ID the plate clearly, but it helped my insurance classify it as a not-at-fault claim. Definitely try local neighborhood or community groups if you haven't already.