Your vehicle has damaged someone else’s parked vehicle. Despite waiting a reasonable period of time, the owner of the damaged car fails to appear. What is the right course of action now?

In Germany, if you cause damage to someone else's parked vehicle and the owner is not present, you are required to take certain actions to comply with traffic laws.

First, you must leave your name and address at the scene of the accident. This ensures that the owner of the damaged vehicle can contact you for repairs or insurance purposes. Failing to do so may be considered hit-and-run, which has legal consequences.

Second, you should report the incident to the police. This is important because it creates an official record of the accident, which can help in any disputes over liability or insurance claims.

While providing your name and address to a witness is helpful, it does not fulfill your legal obligations. The witness may not necessarily relay the information properly to the vehicle owner or authorities. Thus, it is crucial to report to the police and leave your contact information directly at the scene.

Following these steps ensures you comply with German traffic regulations and protect yourself legally.