But not intentionally criminal or fraudulent. Identifying witnesses helps show that you didnt flee the scene and can reinforce your version of events. I have asked her if she could send pictures, which I hope she does. I arrived at work , worked for the day. Unfortunately, your insurance can go up even when youre not at fault for the accident. Be well! Was told that if you hit a parked car that is not parked fully into a parking space it is still your fault. I dont know whose car it is but there were two other people there when it happened, they said its probably fine so I left, now Im feeling really stressed and I dont know what to do!! Again, I cant guess how much a scratch would cost. The man got out of his pick up surveyed the damages decided it was no biggie jumped in his pick up and drove off. When I turned into the parking spot I hit another car. Im sorry to say this, but you do have a responsibility to provide your contact and insurance information to another driver if you hit their car (especially a parked car). As I was parking to go to school, I accidentally bumped a car that was maybe a foot over the line into my parking space. Usually, the procedure starts as soon as the law enforcement agents arrive. I applaud you for being so diligent in trying to track down the cars owner. You might consider reaching out an attorney to help you investigate the matter. Read more about Enjuris. What will happen? This may mean blocking access with your car, placing w. If you dont know what car you hit, you need to contact the local police and give them (a) your contact information, and (b) the approximate address where the accident occurred. My question is, if that person went back to obtain security footage (even thought there was no damage), could they claim that I caused damage that might have happened afterwards? Is it best for me to wait for the court notice? I couldnt leave my information since I had no pen or paper. If two cars are parked, and one car bumps into the other car, then the car that moved (i.e., the car that bumped the other car) would generally be at fault. Hi, L. Im not a body shop professional or mechanic, so I cant suggest a cost for this damage. This is a hit-and-run, which is considered a criminal offense, and the owner may have up to 2 years to file a claim. Being tired really isnt considered an excuse for a hit and run. If this isnt possible, you can call the local police station and report the accident. You can learn more about hit-and-run accidents in California here. I hit a car parked on the corner. RUISLIP, London, HA4 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM, US +1 (424) 738-0457 UK +44 (736) 023-6815, Get Access To Pay Per Call Marketing Guide. Will they have to show me proof of what I need to pay? More : Felony . I freaked out and have no idea if there is any damage to their car either Because I didnt get out to check. Thank you for any advice. What should I do? I rented a car hourly today and backed into a parked vehicle. How long do they have to contact me?? He did give me his cell number. If you dont have a lawyer, you can find one using the Enjuris law firm directory. Most attorneys will provide a free initial consultation in which they can advise you as to whether this is the route you should take. how to report my damage without police report? What to do if you panicked and left the accident scene In a moment of panic, people often make the grave mistake of leaving the scene of the accident after hitting a parked car. If the only damage caused by the crash was property damage and no one was injured, then the crime can be charged as a misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $625. In my panic and because they werent open and forthcoming, I didnt press on it. My friend talked to the police and they put my friend as driver and not suspect in the police report. I wish you can remake this content to make it a recent topic. Thanks. What is the scariest scenario that could happen to me? This would include providing the location of the accident as well as a description of the vehicle (if you have one). First time these has happened to me very worried. Then a police officer pulled up and started accusing me of hit and run calling me a liar and saying he didnt believe me. The owner of the vehicle found me and realized how panicked and afraid I was and immediately told me it was ok and it didnt do much to his vehicle and to just worry about the rental car damage. After doing a school pick up, I accidentally swiped a parked vehicle while making a right turn. Saw a space where a van was backed into with a utility trailer attached to it. 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 ? 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). What do I do? . No dents.*. The offense can be a misdemeanor or a felony. I scraped their car and left a note thinking they would call. The law does not require you to leave a note if you are certain that you didnt cause any damage. 3)my car is insured but my daughter is not on my policy yet since she just started driving. Its not clear whether he will file an insurance claim or not. Any court action will end up taking time and money, so its best to avoid legal action however you can. Police initially believed the crash was a single-car accident caused by speeding; however, statements and evidence have since revealed at least two other cars were at the scene -- both driven by . If youre still concerned, please feel free to use the Enjuris lawyer directory to find an attorney in your area who can advise you of your options. 3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444Tampa, FL 33611 Contactustoday. However, because the damages were so minor, youll have to weigh whether its worth the fight. Two gentlemen got out, looked at the scene for a few minutes, and then got back into their van and calmly drove off. Youre not in trouble. Nobody was occupying the car and since I was going slow it was only a small dent, but it was in just the right spot where the door can only open slightly and the side mirror is cracked. I left my car there and checked on the other car several times. If they do file a report and I confirm I am guilty of hitting the car and leaving the scene, do I run the risk of losing my lisence? Many insurers have specific time limits for how long you have to make a report of a collision (and often its within a few days). Im so confused. Please do not hit and run. The cops showed up and the car was . Once the driver is identified, the law enforcement agencies are within their right to immediately get a warrant of arrest. If you are in this situation, seek legal aid as soon as possible, so you are guaranteed a chance to tell your side of the story. The following day I received a call from the local sheriffs office that a report was filed and asked for my statement. The owners were inside the car when I hit them. If you are unable to leave a note, the law requires that you track down the owner of the vehicle or call the local police and report the accident. Its always possible that someone can claim you caused damage to their vehicle even though you didnt. Ive been driving for several years and have never backed into anyone nor been in any accident. The other car might be partially responsible for the accident due to violating this HOA covenant. Now they are threatening with police and their insurance to get me. The scratch on their car was about the size of a quarter and no dents from what I could see, and there were security cameras in the area. What should I do!? I asked them if I needed to make a police report for it. It is considered a total loss. Your concern is protecting your own well-being. Each state sets its own specific legal requirements in vehicle codes and other traffic laws and regulations. With that being said, there might not be a lot you can do. Is this a reasonable attempt? Question is do you think he screwed up andw would I have any recourse? You can be a danger to yourself or others. I wrote a note but since it was parked illegally I just left. Or else you are in danger of having nervous breakdowns and panic attacks, which could be catalysts for future accidents. Hitting an unoccupied vehicle in Colorado is a class 2 traffic misdemeanor if the driver fails to report the accident or notify the parked vehicle's owner. "The trained stopped and lots of people were just running up and banging on the door," witness Sophie Shepley told 7NEWS. DOPPCALL Editor Super February 23, 2023 And there was a car pulling up to make a left turn, from the perpendicular street I was turning right into, so I felt squished and hugged the corner (their vehicle basically) when contact was made between my passenger side rear wheel well fender and tire to their driver side back bumper. I thought that was a little weird. Fleeing an accident scene, especially involving physical harm, might result in criminal charges. Finally, youll be responsible for paying any damage to the vehicle that you hit. I didnt think twice about it as that wasnt where the contact took place (to the best of my knowledge and the witnesses). I am really freaking out and dont know what to do. Were there any witnesses you could talk to? After they make a claim with your insurance company, your insurance company will contact you and ask you what happened. I freaked out because this was the first time this has ever happened and tried to park my car in front of the parked car so I can maybe leave a note, but other cars honked so all I could do was quickly check that there was no damage to my car or to the other parties. For example, the innocent party might later claim that you never paid them or that there was more damage than they originally thought. 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. Again, thank you for commenting and we hope youll continue to find the information helpful. What should I do? How many days before i can receive a call from them? So now Im out my car which Im going to have to pay an absurd amount to be fixed and my insurance Im sure will go up because I was faulted at hitting two stopped cars. The guy said that he didnt want to go through insurance and get them involved.. and I, stupidly, agreed to it. There was an eye witness. I went to a very big mall with a friend and i had to go to the parking garages. I would recommend taking time-stamped pictures of your vehicle showing that there was no damage. Ill be sure to find a good auto body shop that can fix my car with my insurance. I did try to give her my info and such. Im so scared right now cus I have no driver linces yet but Im 16. I left a note apologizing and put my name and phone number. We went to my sister's friend's house and told her what happened. The law requires that you leave a note on an unoccupied vehicle after an accident. Hi, I hit a parked unoccupied car in Michigan and it sustained a small 6 dent. If you dont feel comfortable approaching strangers, feel free to wait for the police and let them talk to the witnesses. I will pay for damage I caused but not damage that may have been pre-existing. I completely froze and I went into the next lot to check my car. These offenses pose possible jail time, fines, and license suspension. As an example, here are the penalties for Arizona. I didnt see where the other car went and no one got out of the car to look at anything. Hi, Angelina. My other question is, can they press charges ? And , believed that she didnt contact me because there was no real damage like my car. The incident was reported to the police but a report was not filed. However, one defense to a hit and run charge is that the driver wasnt aware that they hit another vehicle. However, you might be able to avoid liability or at least reduce your liability if you can prove that someone else was responsible or partially responsible for the accident. I was extremely tired and was going home when I left to sleep. If the other cars were parked and your car was in motion, you would be liable for damages from a collision. Your lawyer will also help you navigate the insurance issues that are likely to need handling for the other car. If there was damage and you left the scene, you should call the local police and report the accident. A car definitely shouldnt spontaneously roll if it was properly parked with the brake engaged. The man was reminded he did not report the incident he was forced to stop and provide his info by Security around the corner of the location of the actual scene. The damage was purely cosmetic but even that can be pricey. When you arrive home, you notice a scratch on your bumper that youre certain wasnt there before you started navigating the parking lot. She said she never noticed the side damage previously so I do t blame her for assuming its all from the same incident. It sounds like there werent any damages. The court is tomorrow and I just got the letter a day ago. It sounds like you have done this. It was a hit and run accident where the driver left the vehicle abandoned about l mile passed my house. If possible, attach a timestamp to the photos. So I left with my friend. 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. Or since they have already reported it to their insurance company is it too late? I am 18 now, but was 17 at time of incident. You have to agree that fleeing the scene of an accident or any wrongdoing can make you suspicious. I know that I am at fault but how culpable am I considering I was boxed in so there was no turn unless I pulled all the way out and the truck behind me had its nose a foot out of the parking square. All she had to do was drive around the block. Everything made for a difficult right turn. Thank you for asking. The law requires you to leave a note at the scene with your contact information. I wondered, can I do it on my own? But now Im wondering if Ill be charged with a hit-and-run, since I technically left the scene briefly. 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