Imagine this: You’re backing out of a parking spot. It’s raining, visibility is garbage, and the kids are shouting in the back seat. You think you’ve got enough space—then crunch. Your stomach drops. You get out and see the damage: a scuff on your bumper, a dent in the car behind you. No sign of the other driver.

So you do the responsible thing. You leave a note with your contact info. That’s enough, right? Maybe not. According to attorney Chris Rike, you might still get hit with a hit-and-run charge—all because you missed one crucial step.

The critical photo you need after a crash

Leaving a note is the right move—and legally required. But Rike says that’s not enough to protect yourself. “The note could blow away, get washed off in the rain, or even be taken by someone else,” he explains.

If the other driver doesn’t find your note and reports the damage, guess what? It’s your word against theirs. Worse, if you’re caught on security footage driving away, it might look like you fled the scene.

Rike’s advice? “You might also want to take a picture where you left that note just in case it comes up down the road.” A clear crash photo of the note proves you didn’t just bail—it shows you took responsibility.

What happens if you skip the crash note photo?

Leaving the scene without proof can get ugly fast. “If you strike a car and then flee, that’s leaving the scene of an accident, and that’s a class 2 misdemeanor,” Rike warns.

That’s a criminal charge. Think hefty fines, probation, or even jail time. And here’s the kicker—parking lots often have security cameras. Witnesses might jot down your license plate. Without a crash photo showing the note, you’re leaving yourself wide open.

How to handle hitting an unattended car—step by step

Rike breaks it down so you don’t slip up:

1. Stop and look for the owner. Rike says, “You need to stop and you need to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner.” If you’re in a store lot, check with customer service—they can make an announcement.

2. Leave a clear note. “You need to leave a conspicuous note on the car with your contact information so that an owner can reach out to you,” Rike explains.

3. Take a crash photo of the note. Rike doubles down: “You might also want to take a picture where you left that note just in case it comes up down the road.” Snap a photo of the note, the damage to both cars, and where you left the note.

Stay smart: always take the crash photo

Accidents happen—it’s part of life. But if you don’t take the right steps, you could face criminal charges. Leaving a note isn’t enough. Chris Rike’s advice is simple: “Take a picture where you left that note.” It’s quick, easy, and it could save you a world of trouble.

So if you’re in a fender bender, don’t leave anything to chance. Leave a note. Take the crash photo. Stay smart. You can check out more of Chris Rike’s legal advice in the video below: