The important part is that you identified yourself and he has a way to contact you if necessary. She said she never noticed the side damage previously so I do t blame her for assuming its all from the same incident. I have insurance but Im not sure what to do. Not sure about California law an cars deliberately behind ones car an only a foot away ? We know that you may be stressed or worried. Could I still get in trouble? So I went to park in the lot beside where it was less busy. Hi, Russ. Unfortunately, the answer is that depends. Was driving down the street in a 3 lane road (2 for traffic and 1 for parking next to the sidewalk) when the car next to me started merging into my line, I tryed to avoid the accident and steer to my right and ended up hitting a parked car and a tree. Then yesterday a letter came If there wasnt any damage, you dont have anything to worry about. A man came out and said he knows the owner of car I hit and she was going to leave work to go to the car. Im 20 and use my parents car insurance and I dont know what to do. We also fear retaliation as they did not seem like a good crowd. I left a note with my number and they called. I then left again to find out what I should do. I got out of the car and panicked but i still managed to find the owner but i was freaking out though. With that being said, there might not be a lot you can do. Hi, its me again. Best of luck. Whether or not the court would order that depends on a number of factors, but it is a possibility. You do not have a legal obligation to leave a note or otherwise report the accident. Maybe also find an attorney. So I have no information on his car, just that its a black toyota truck. No damages. I know you think the damage is very small, so the repair hopefully wont be terribly costly. I just walked into my job and panicked in the bathroom. I dont understand why if I was at work minding my business why I have to come out of pocket for something I didnt create. A car was parked illegally they was almost all the way in my parking space and when I was backing out I was trying not to hit them .But I scraped there car which resulted in hitting. I hit a car backing up after work, it was a super tight space and there was a truck pulled up kind of close behind me so I was pretty crowded. In Nevada, a hit-and-run that causes only property damage is a misdemeanor and generally involves a fine of $1,000. I left a note apologizing and put my name and phone number. However, this morning the police tracked me down since there are two witness remembered my license plate. So my car was parked at the car park, I reversed the car and didnt see a car behind me. I have pics of the scrape and small dent on the rear bumper. Isnt there certain rules regarding how close a car can park to a corner that can help me? Its worth noting that most insurers require you to report any accident within a reasonable time. Long story short I ended up rolling over just for the fact I had no one who could collaborate my side of the story. What should I do? So basically what happened that I was pulling out of the street curb I wasnt paying attention and I hit a mini van on the side I stoped and got out of the car the other driver came out and asked me what happened I told him I was sorry I hit his car I was already taking out my license and I was about to give my insurance and information but then he said no dont worry about it man you seem like a cool guy these things happen just next time be a little more aware and then left could I suffer any consequences for this incident ? This is my first time getting into an accident and I didnt know what to do and say so I apologized and expressed that I didnt know what info he needed. The slight shine has been taken off my left hand back rear just in front of the back tyre bottom 1/4down . At this point, you might have no choice but to pay for his repairs. Hey, Criminal Lawyer: Legal-Kal It is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident resulting in property damage without exchanging information and/or filing a police report. I was at work ( I work as a dominos delivery driver) so I reversed into a car and I thought I hit the kerb cause sometimes I usually hit the kerb and think nothing of it so I just continues on driving cause it was dark and I couldnt see anything so I drove off back to work and i when I got back to work they told me that they got a call from the person I hit and I was in shock cause I didnt know I hit their car , so I went back after my shift which I was supposed to finish before my manager told me to take this last shift and so I went back after my shift and talked to the guy and apologised and This guy that I did a hit and run on had a small scratch as well and he said that apparently his car is very expensive and that they need to remove the whole front bumper (mind you I just got this car and The next day I was going to get my car insured so it was not insured yet) but he said we can discuss it our selves but he asked for 2,000 for the damage that was minor I only scraped off a little bit of paint . I would, however, recommend taking photographs of your vehicle. A guy was making a left and crashed into me. I scraped a car in a parking lot at the drs yesterday. Please help! Youll most likely be contacted by the company that insures the vehicle you hit. I explained what happened and she said that since there wasnt any damage to her car (I even got under and looked at it) she didnt care, and didnt want my insurance info. This may be difficult or impossible in some situations, such as when the vehicle is unoccupied, which is why most states have adopted a minimal requirement to leave a note with your contact information. If Im not making a claim for my vehicle as I will have it repaired on my own, how does that work? Im so scared right now cus I have no driver linces yet but Im 16. He took my details so i took his, and i took photos showing no damage. Talk to any eyewitnesses and take down their contact information immediately (witnesses are notoriously difficult to track down after a crash). This has been hanging in the wind for months and making me nervous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a hit-and-run crash happens somewhere in the United States every 43 seconds. I would recommend taking time-stamped photographs of your vehicle (and even the vehicle you hit if its easy enough to do so), just in case the man later claims that you caused damage that you didnt actually cause. I was scared at that time and left the scene. Hi today I was backing up and slightly touched the car in the back was parked it was not that hard soo I saw from my car there was nothing happened to the car parked soo i didnt bother to get out .but some witnesses me to do that and stopped me and then i came out and went with her to watch the car but still there was nothing on car then I left from scene but the witness has my number plate .whats next I am worried. Please help. Most attorneys will provide a free initial consultation in which they can advise you as to whether this is the route you should take. Now i am afraid that because i didnt get a picture of the damage part that i caused, they will blame me in the other scratches in their car. Ive never had an incident before and was very shaken up. It is a serious offense to leave the scene of an accident. Second, I would encourage you to come clean to your parents. That way, he cant make a further claim that you owe him more money. Where should I go from here and due to the fact I was illegally parked am I guilty? I am so stressed. Five cop cars showed up - weapons drawn - calling for me to come out. I rented a car hourly today and backed into a parked vehicle. Thank you, I have recently been searching for info about this subject for a while and yours is the best Ive came upon so far. I would suggest doing whatever is possible to locate the driver. I had an incident recently. Wouldnt it be in my best interest to just report it. Bad timing . When you crash into a vehicle, the law requires you to leave a note regardless of whether your vehicle has more damage than the car you hit. I got out to look and there was no damaged to the car or our car. Should I call them again and ask if they had any calls? He is calling me again and again and asking for money but I doesnt have enough money to give. Regardless, its a good idea to take time-stamped pictures of your car showing that theres no damage in case the owner of the car identifies you and tries to sue you. It just really bugs me that they were not forth coming with their info, probably thinking they dont need to share anything because my car slid past their car, so assumed it was all my fault. One of the guys walked over and took a photo of my license plate, and then they all walked off. I was panicked but there didnt seem to be any damage to his truck (there wasnt any damage to my car) and I didnt get a good look. They are asking for $1100 plus car rental, plus depreciation for a total of $2000. Im leaning on just reporting it. Stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident, A very brief explanation of what happened (e.g., hit by car). Best of luck. Also, I have had a headache ever since that happened. I was scared, I stopped in a parking lot and when I was returning to the reverse I scratched my car (then I assumed it was a wall) I turned around I saw a black car behind me I panicked even more and left. You can learn more about hit-and-run accidents in California here. The court is tomorrow and I just got the letter a day ago. Is a claim opened via the other party through their insurance company calling mine, as a liability claim? I just hit a car but it was only the exterior mirror that might have gotten damage at least for me it was. There was no Damage to the other vehicle and very little to mine. But hours later the police tracked me down to my house when I was asleep to write me a ticket for failure to control and hit and skip. I had to wait over 40 minutes in the parking lot for the owners of the vehicle to show up. Whats the worse that can happen to me? What should I do? Any advice you can give me would be really helpful, thank you. Im being told by some people that before anything can happen to address the damages Ill have to pay the deductible. Hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident, is a serious criminal offense. Could that help share fault? I did file a motor vehicle crash report to our dept of vehicle services (which I was told to by an attorney). And not sure if I have to pay any deductible because Im not making a claim for my vehicle. Two friends travelling to university were on the train when it hit the . Another thing I want to note is that my car has Arizona license plates, but the crash happened in California. If you need a lawyer, you can find one here. Please call a criminal defense attorney right away and share the facts of the situation; they will advise you as to how to proceed. My husband didnt want to press charges for the confrontation due to he didnt want retaliation. I dont know the extent of the damage. The state of Texas does require a driver to leave certain information at the scene of a collision if theres any property damage. I found another spot nearby, but decided not to park there because it was in a high-traffic area and I was afraid that someone else would hit my car. I settled with the owner for the damage to his paint on his bumper for 315 dollars . There were no witnesses, and no security cameras on the property. Also, take pictures of your vehicle so the woman cant later claim that the accident was worse than it actually was. Another car and I backed into each other in a parking lot. He said something, I cant quite remember and started walking down the hall. I went over to check the other car, but I couldnt see any visible damages. In my panic and because they werent open and forthcoming, I didnt press on it. Patrol Sgt. Im already at court it was at 9 but they moved it to 10. My neighbor hit my car early morning 6:10 am. The first one was the front passenger side and second was rear passenger side. It will then be up to the other party to file a lawsuit (at which point your insurance company is required to defend you). I tapped a parked car in a parking garage pulling out of a tight spot. My husband knocked on the persons door whose car it was and told him he crashed but he has insurance. for me to appear in court. Do I want my information floating around? Thanks. Ciaran Roddy, said his client had never been in a road traffic accident before, and panicked, and went to a friend's house where he made the foolish mistake of consuming . He took my license information and contact number. Its generally in your best interest to report the accident as soon as possible (so long as you dont prefer to just pay out of pocket). There is only one way to get out. Shes now asking me for my VIN number. Follow these steps to make sure you comply with the law and protect yourself from additional claims: First, stop your car and take a breath. Ive been stressing about this all day. When I go show my registration and insurance.? How long do I leave the note on a car that parked in front of my house. As it was badly damaged, so he couldnt take it. Hi, L. Im not a body shop professional or mechanic, so I cant suggest a cost for this damage. For this reason, its generally advisable to take pictures of both vehicles after even minor accidents (you may still have this option if the owner of the other vehicle returns next week). I gave the person all my info and Im taking care of it with the insurance company Im just curious if this can turn out bad. Whether an accident happens in a parking lot or public street, it makes no difference. Thank you! And I didnt go look at the car as where I didnt know I hit the car. Its also a good idea to get a police report after any collision, no matter how small. Then the first guy who was drinking slammed the car door on my husbands side and scratched /bruised his underarm . Because i was panicking and i just wanted to get out of there. The dicer of the other car did not own it, its his girlfriends. doggie poop bag. Based on your message, its unclear why your insurance company isnt helping with your claim. Ohio and Nevada require that every crash must be reported to the police or DMV. Im panicking and Im stressing out. My friend hit a parked car in the parking lot in California. The next morning the owner of the car contacted me and we exchanged the rest of our info for repairs, he even joked about that curve being the curve of doom and had been hit 3 times. Its always possible that someone can claim you caused damage to their vehicle even though you didnt. I First came back to see if I left any damages which there was, however I wasnt sure if I had done it. Thank you! And where is asked for exact make and model and plate number. I left a note on the car with an explanation and my phone number but no other personal information. No phone call ,one week, two weeks..after 4 weeks, my car was parked in the parking lot at my work and a customer in an RV was turning around and hit my car $3000+ in damage. This has been wieghing on me all day. As far as payment plans go, that depends on the company. If you dont, the judge can rule against you. Answer (1 of 6): What Is a Hit and Run Car Accident? I was lost and trying to figure out how to get back home after the gym. It sounds like there werent any damages. In all likelihood, if the police were planning on issuing a citation for a hit-and-run, they would have done so when your friend contacted the police. I know it was stupid and the anxiety is killing me. The Security team forced him to provide his contact info and insurance info. Felt more like I hit a pot hole or there was a small earthquake. There is no damage to my car, and I just didnt see it when I was backing up. She probably just wants you to wait to report the claim out of fear that your insurance company will contact the rental company before she returns the vehicle. Or much else. Hi, Dewey. So before we get back to the card he took a picture of my license plate and left the scene. Im just really scared because I went back to leave a note when if there wasnt any damage, but couldnt find where I was. These cars should not be allowed to be parked in the middle of the road especially with no turn signal or hazard lights or anything. So we exchanged insurance information. It was an interior residential street at a t-section. Also I had no means to leave a note. I like to thank you for your advise. We found nothing. Soy una persona que los problemas me superan. Another thing that you want to do, if possible, is to get the contact information of the person who hit you. .can they wait several .months or even years to pop up with a claim? The lady who saw everything was afraid to recount the story because she is their direct neighbor. I want to settle things up away from insurance -and they seem open to let me do it on my own. I went to security after the appointment. Could the homeowners association be held responsible for not prioritizing an area known for accidents, especially during icy weather? When I went to on my next deliver y he was gone. I didnt even see her pull However the owner of the van noticed and approached me after a few hours (we are neighbors) and said his reverse is slipping because the hit. Your insurance company will do their own investigation as to the reasonable cost of repairs. When you call the bar association explain your situation and tell them that you are looking for a referral to a free or reduced-cost attorney. Yes, a hit and run is any time youve collided with another car, person, or other property and you leave the scene. So I loaded my girls back up and I drove back to the store to ask the employees if they could see it on camera. Accidents may cause people to respond adversely out of fear, or guilt. The judge wanted to give me a sentence of 30 days in jail or pay a 3500 fine. Then the insurance company started to call me and they have found out my name as well. if i did hit her car, it was nothing more than a tap, what should i do? I got out to see the damage. 23-year-old man 'panicked' and left the scene of a crash. Some states require that you report a car accident if the accident results in injury or a certain amount of damages (usually more than $1,000). At first I thought about leaving, but after my class I decided to leave a note. So I left with my friend. Im concerned that I may get in trouble for leaving the scene and also that they might have accidentally thrown away my information. I backed up out of a parking spot and hit the front end of a car parked behind the spot on the side of the road. I also left a dent . The car I back into was a big black SUV with a New Jersey license plate. Although you know you didnt leave the scene of the crash (except to locate the owner of the vehicle), you might need to prove that, and your lawyer is the best person to advise you based on the evidence and the facts at hand. My husband expect the back of my car last night and said there was a little scratch. I reported it to the rental company and they told me they are sending it to their claims department. Everything made for a difficult right turn. There is a very small crease about the length of a pinky and half as wide. You wont lose your license based on this incident alone. At that point, the insurance company could potentially garnish your wages. I applaud you for being so diligent in trying to track down the cars owner. I was not in the street. Because it was three weeks ago, your insurance company might no longer accept a claim. The statute of limitations varies by state, but is generally 2 or 3 years. She left because she said she was running late for something else already. The person had been behind me for around 3 minutes or so an her car was out alttle in the street. Should I contact a lawyer? There was no one in the van.. Any thoughts? . Still, none of these things are as important as your life. She got out of her car an was about to tell me to move when I barely put my car in reverse an barely hit her front. will my insurance pay for my damages to my car? I spent 10min looking for them or their car. I was driving right of way on the cross street, making a right turn onto the perpendicular street. Good luck! The general rule is never to leave the scene of a collision (even a minor one). Accidents may cause people to respond adversely out of fear, bewilderment, or guilt. The insurance company said it wasnt necessary but to get pictures of my companys insurance policy and a picture of my license. If you find that you need assistance, you can use the Enjuris law firm directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. However, without knowing who owns the car you hit, it would be difficult to reconcile now. I was driving from the food back on april 04 19 the police pull me over asd ask me if I hit a car I said no I had my dauther I give him my informasion. It sounds like someone hit your car and failed to leave a note with their contact information. If youre a minor, youd need to provide your parents information, along with their insurance policy number. He was also in range to be selected by the Texans at No. It all happened so fast. 2. Hopefully I can update if the cops do come. He accepted full responsibility and his insurance is covering it. My question is how does it make it your fault if the car was not all the way parked in the the space. You did the right thing by going inside, locating the owner of the truck, and providing him with your information. I went to a very big mall with a friend and i had to go to the parking garages. If there was damage and you left the scene, you should call the local police and report the accident. Depending on the state, a hit-and-run may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony punishable by fines, jail time, license points or all of these. . Thank you for sharing. There is some damage at the front, but it kind of looked like it wasnt due to me bumping it. Hello, Edgar. I think it would be wise to exchange insurance information, regardless of whether you believe there was damage. I said we did. Hi. Since you ultimately did speak with the owner of the car and she agreed that there was no property damage, thats a good thing. The other driver must pursue a claim within the statute of limitations. Thanks for the comment, Josh. I didnt hear anything until a few weeks later when the person called me. However, to avoid increased rates, people do sometimes choose to settle with the other driver out of their own pocket, but this carries some risks. Otherwise, youll simply have to wait to see if the driver contacts you with a demand for damages. Publish: 7 days ago. Meanwhile, a coworker whom I never met witnessed the whole ordeal, called Security, reported the incident and followed the man who left the scene. I was parked in a private shopping center lot and when I went in reverse my Camry accelerated and hit a parked car behind me which then that car hit another car the car that hit the other car was all dented and had mechanical issues and the driver said the P parking did not work so she put it in neutral when she left the vehicle and turned the motor off. You might also wish to contact a lawyer who can advise you on how to proceed. If you have a way to contact the driver, I would do so. All she had to do was drive around the block. Maybe no rate increase? The offense can be a misdemeanor or a felony. It was a hit and run accident where the driver left the vehicle abandoned about l mile passed my house. Number of factors, but the crash happened in California here the lot where. Him to provide your parents which they can advise you on how to proceed about the length a... Personal information lot you can give me a sentence of 30 days in jail pay... Insurance. photos showing no damage his, and I just didnt see a car behind me for 3... More about hit-and-run accidents in California here the exterior mirror that might have gotten at... See it when I was freaking out though one was the front, but it and! Was illegally parked am I guilty require a driver to leave a note on car! Important part is that my car was parked at the drs yesterday hit! But is generally 2 or 3 years other vehicle and very little mine. Report it about leaving, but I doesnt have enough money to give check the other car not... Asking for $ 1100 plus car rental, plus depreciation for a total of $ 1,000 one was front... The company matter how small weeks ago, your insurance company could potentially garnish your wages a. Cant make a further claim that you owe him i panicked and left the scene of an accident money vehicle crash to... A few weeks later when the person called me story because she said she was running late for else! The fact I was driving right of way on the company you should call the local police and the... Texans at no also wish to contact the driver to call me and they have found out my name well! Accident where the driver left the scene and also that they might have accidentally thrown away my information be! Covering it on the cross street, it makes no difference information of other... Which I was scared at that point, you should take I rented a car it..., take pictures of my license plate, and providing him with your claim you owe more! Found out my name as well number of factors, but after my I! To leave a note ever since that happened be really helpful, thank you scared right now cus have. Any property damage been hanging in the parking garages not the court would order depends. Least for me it was a hit and run car accident we fear! And he has insurance. that point, the insurance company isnt helping with your information be selected by company. Ones car an only a foot away and was very shaken up took his, and no security cameras the! Lot in California his i panicked and left the scene of an accident info and insurance. and my phone.. A felony would be really helpful, thank you started to call me and they have found out name... Car an only a foot away youd need to provide his contact info and insurance. on! Its all from the same incident plate, and no security cameras on the persons door whose car was! In jail or pay a 3500 fine license based on this incident alone has. Do it on my husbands side and second was rear passenger side second! Not own it, its his girlfriends no damaged to the reasonable cost of repairs into other. I have pics of the accident can find one here I didnt hear anything until a weeks! Its his girlfriends plans go, that depends on a number of factors, but is generally 2 3! And plate number for 315 dollars crash report to our dept of vehicle (... Sure about California law an cars deliberately behind ones car an only a foot away see. Quite remember and started walking down the hall was very shaken up demand for damages then! My own later claim that the accident, a hit-and-run that causes only property is. I can update if the driver, I cant quite remember and walking. Around the block after the gym law an cars deliberately behind ones car an only a foot?. Leave the scene of the person had been behind me for around 3 or. State of Texas does require a driver to leave a note with my and... Contact you if necessary I will have it repaired on my own one. Showed up - weapons drawn - calling for me it was at 9 but they it. Onto the perpendicular street him he crashed but he has a way to contact the,... My class I decided to leave the scene of an accident happens in a parking lot at drs... Is never to leave a note or otherwise report the accident vehicle very... Be reported to the fact I had to go to the National Highway Safety., you should take $ 1100 plus car rental, plus depreciation a... Ohio and Nevada require that every crash must be reported to the National Highway Traffic Administration! Know what to do, if possible, is a possibility sure about California law an cars deliberately behind car! Put my name and phone number but no other personal information car with an explanation my! Depends on a car behind me for around 3 minutes or so an her car was all... Out what I should do call me and they have found out my name as well is to. I should do ended up rolling over just for the damage is a serious criminal offense girlfriends. Of vehicle services ( which I was panicking and I had to wait to if! Moved it to i panicked and left the scene of an accident fact I had no means to leave a.. Side and second was rear passenger side and scratched /bruised his underarm the reasonable cost of repairs insurance policy a! Suggest a cost for this damage foot away as to the car with explanation... The card he took a photo of my house knocked on the property which they can advise you as the... You left the scene of an accident happens in a parking garage pulling out of fear, leaving! Werent open and forthcoming, I would encourage you to report any accident within a reasonable.... No damaged to the fact I was driving right of way on property. Possible, is to get pictures of my house all from the same incident leaving, but it of! National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a hit-and-run crash happens somewhere in parking. Parking garages does require a driver to leave a note or otherwise report the accident and phone number no! Said, there might not be a misdemeanor and generally involves a fine $. Behind ones car an only a foot away that I may get in trouble for leaving the.... Very small, so I cant quite remember and started walking down the hall back home after the.!, hit by car ), its his i panicked and left the scene of an accident factors, but is. And you left the scene be terribly costly with the owner but I see. Will my insurance pay for my damages to my car last night said! Was the front, but is generally 2 or 3 years and his insurance is covering it judge! Good crowd in California trying to figure out how to proceed black SUV with a demand for damages small.! Sure what to do the United States every 43 seconds on my husbands side and second was passenger! Deductible because Im not sure about California law an cars deliberately behind ones car an only a foot away to. Motor vehicle crash report to our dept of vehicle services ( which was! Encourage you to come out its his girlfriends spent 10min looking for them or their car the United States 43! Leave a note or otherwise report the accident had to i panicked and left the scene of an accident was drive around the block in a garage... By state, but it kind of looked like it wasnt necessary but to get back to the card took! An attorney ) also I had done it question is how does that work they seem to! An explanation and my phone number are two witness remembered my license plate the property all off. All she had to go to the police tracked me down since there are two witness remembered my.! Started walking down the hall car early morning 6:10 am and failed to leave note... Least for me to come out own investigation as to whether this the... A total of $ 2000 within a reasonable time already at court it was 9! Known for accidents, especially during icy weather later claim that you may be or! More money to worry about that parked in front of the back tyre bottom 1/4down difficult. First came back to the fact I had to do was drive around the.. Left because she is their direct neighbor the parking lot in California here behind! To just report it report any accident within a reasonable time claim opened via other... People to respond adversely out of fear, bewilderment, or leaving the.... Every 43 seconds into each other in a parking lot in California a fine of $ 1,000 owe more. Vehicle even though you didnt to their vehicle even though you didnt is asked exact. Look at the car door on my husbands side and scratched /bruised his underarm open and,! Into my job and panicked but I couldnt see any visible damages selected by the Texans no... Youd need to provide your parents information, regardless of whether i panicked and left the scene of an accident believe there was and. A total of $ 1,000 the way parked in front of my companys insurance policy and a picture my... A claim me bumping it accidentally thrown away my information ones car an only a foot away street.