Hit and Run?

Question

I tapped a parked car in a parking lot and it put a pretty good dent in it. I left them my info saying I would be financially responsible and never heard from them. 2 weeks later I get a letter from the police saying I was involved in a hit and run and that criminal charges could take place. I called the detective taking care of the case and he said we would have to discuss this in person. What is going to happen? ANY HELP?

Answer 1

When you hit a car in a parking lot you don't have to wait for the owner to come back to the car... heck, I've heard of people leaving their cars parked in parking lots while the carpool with someone else that day! Who knows when they will be back! But, you are responsible for leaving contact information which a lot of people DO NOT DO. You were being a responsible person for leaving such information.

When the owner came back to his/her car and saw the dent, they probably got mad (as expected) but saw the note and had to take their frustration home with them. At that point, they should have called their insurance company and explained what happened. Most insurance companies have coverage for exactly what happened to them, it's called comprehensive coverage. That's when something out of your control happens to your car... like a deer jumping out in front of you... someone smashing your window to steal your purse, etc. They don't want to pay too much for this coverage though so they reduce the cost by agreeing to pay some of it. This is called a deductible. So, if the dent costs $1000 to fix and they have a $200 deductible, they can expect the insurance company to pay $800 to fix the dent.

However, in your case, you left contact information because you were an honorable, respectable person doing the right thing. You had a fender bender in a parking lot... that's all. Nobody got hurt. This is a simple matter only and the police are simply after a report that can be submitted to the insurance companies.

When you go in, you can expect them to take a bunch of notes as you describe what happened in the parking lot. That's all. Then you will probably sign the paper and be sent on your way. They will want to see proof of your insurance too. So, the only problem you could have with the police is from not driving legally in that state. You should have had a valid driver's license and insurance. That's it.

After it's over, which should take less than 30 minutes, you can expect a call from your insurance company. Unless your state is a "no fault" state, your insurance company will pay to have the dented car fixed. This comes from the liability insurance you must have to legally drive in your state. This coverage protects people who get property damage from another's bad luck.

Insurance isn't cheap though, so you probably have a deductible as well. I've been surprised at times to find my insurance company paying the whole thing withough having me pay a deductible but you should call your insurance company and tell them what happened so they can expect what's coming. They will tell you what your deductible is too.

Don't be afraid... you did everything right. This isn't a case of hit and run! If it were, they would have had to search you down and that costs money. You left contact information so they could contact you directly. Obviously not running from your responsibility. No one was hurt... that is key.

Remember, this is just a car... even if it was the most expensive car you've ever seen... it's just a car. A car with a dent in it. So what... it can be fixed easily.

Relax... go and take care of the problem. Simple as that. They've got more important things to do than harass responsible people in fender benders!

Answer 2

Nope! you left a letter saying that you are financially responsible for the car you dented. And, it was an accident. Plus, they didn't call you when you left your info on the car. It's their fault they didn't call you not yours for not seeing them. You were probably in a hurry. It would be a hit and run if you just hit the car and ran off without seeing the other car's owner or without leaving a letter saying that you would be financially responsible for it. You're in trouble if you don't pay it.
If you need any help email:
[e-mail]

Answer 3

Contact an attorney. Now. Have the attorney present when you go to speak to the detective. Seriously. Don't let yourself be baited. Even though no injury occured, a hit and run can still be considered a felony in most states. Even if you left your info, it can still be considered a hit and run. Go. With. An. Attorney. Protect yourself.

Answer 4

crew a million - Hitting - Alex Rodriguez Albert Pujols crew 2 - Fielding - Ichiro Suzuki Greg Maddux crew 3 - Pitching - Johan Santana Brandon Webb crew 4 - operating - Jose Reyes Juan Pierre

Answer 5

It depends on the State Laws, you might have broken laws by not calling the police and letting them make an accident report. Just show up with your insurance information so they see you be paying for the damage. Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Gotta agree with the gal that said to go speak with the detective only with an attorney present! Wise advice. Take it, and give her the points!

Answer 7

Tell him exactly what you told us here, that you left a note with your information and are waiting to hear from the owner of the vehicle. Then let your insurance handle it.

Answer 8

conatct attorney and tell him this and im sure u didnot mess this up! btw did u post this in legal category ?

Answer 9

ITS NOT YO FAULT