I got rear-ended thsi morning and she left the scene. Can I file a report?

Question

I was backing out of my friend's driveway, and a mom hit in a minivan rearended me.
I did not see her as I was backing out, and I was already on the road when she hit me.
It seemed she may have been speeding.

I pulled over, she didn't even get out of her car.
My back bumper is pretty messed up.
She didn't seem to notice.
She asked if there was any damage to her car, I told her know.

I apologized, even though I shouldn't have.

She told me "I have to get to school. I'm late" and drove away"

I didn't realize how much damage was done to my car.
My entire suspension is messed up.
My car is squeaking.
And my boyfriend who is a mechanic says that there is probably uch more additional damage, but he can't tell until he looks at it (he's at work)

I know the woman.
I mean, not personally.
But It's not a huge town.
And I know her name.

If I call the police department, can anything happen?
I can't afford to fix this.
And I don't feel it was my fault.

Edited to Add:

Before I started backing up, I checked my mirrors, and she was not there.
I was compeltely on the road and facing the proper direction when I was hit.
Thus, I believe she was going too fast.
If I had seen her, I would have waited and pulled out after her.
However, I didn't see her, and I had already pulled out when she hit me.

Answer 1

Yes, Its called a hit and run!!!

Answer 2

If you were in an accident, you should file a police report. As for the issue of fault, that's a tough one. Here in Michigan, if you're backing up you are required to yield the right of way to vehicles that are traveling in a forward motion, so in the scenario you give YOU would be at fault. Without an independent witness to verify your account of what happened, you'll have a very hard time convincing a judge that the other driver was at fault. The only other recourse you may have is the fact that she left the scene. Again, here in Michigan, the law says you must stop and give the other driver your insurance information in the event of an accident, which the other lady did not do. BOTTOM LINE: Before you do anything, look in the Yellow Pages for a lawyer who will give you a free initial consultation and talk it over with him/her. A lawyer in your state will be able to tell you whether you have a case.

Answer 3

I would call the police and speak with them informally, they will want you to file a report so they can take action against her ("Hit and Run"... "Leaving The Scene of an Accident"). Take photos of your vehicle ASAP, and go over and take photos of HER vehicle BEFORE you speak with her. Go over and speak with her NOW, and remind her that she was speeding because she was late for school, and do tell her that it was her fault (Rear ending is usually the fault of the person hitting from behind for a) speeding b) tailgating c) taking eyes off the road). She can either own up to her fault and pay your damages or YOU call the police, file a report and call your insurance (her insurance will sue her insurance if they cannot settle; a police report will assist you immensely).

Answer 4

In addition to filing a policy report, you should also contact your own insurance carrier. You may encounter some resistance from the other driver's insurance, particularly if they dispute liability.

The reality is that the police will probably not do much. It is not a hit and run because the woman did stop and you told her there was no damage to your vehicle.

Answer 5

I think, call the police and tell them that the woman would not stay.

A few years back, a real estate man, who was talking on the cell phone, lightly tapped my Mazda van. I got out and could see no damage, but he gave me his name & phone number.

When I took it into the shop for a State Inspection we discovered that when he hit me the bumper went forward and bent the tailpipe & exhaust system (which had been new). Replacement would be over $500.

I contacted him and he said: Since you didn't report it to the police when it happened, how can you prove I did it?

Answer 6

Report it to the police, but here is the issue......you were backing out of a driveway which means that you backed into her path which makes you at fault. Whether she was there when you "looked" is irrelevant, because when your car is in reverse you have to be aware of what is behind you at all times. You don't get to just look once and then back up and who ever comes along is tough out of luck.
You put your vehicle in her path, which is going to make it very difficult to get her put at fault. You "think" she was speeding - but how can you prove that.
I am just letting you know that you are in a tough spot to say the other driver was at fault. She was at fault for leaving the scene, at least you have that much.

Answer 7

you can have her prosicuted for hit and run , was anyone with you or see it happen ? call the police as soon as possible . almost all rearend accidents are thier fault and she has to pay . She could even go to jail .

Answer 8

appropriate, i won't be able to write with my left hand in any respect! yet I do assorted issues with my left hand, curiously i'm left hand eye co-ordinated. Or appropriate, whichever is the choice of what appropriate handers could be! I open doorways, carry bags and do maximum stuff with my left hand.

Answer 9

Yes you should report it Other wise you could be cited for failure to report an accident

Answer 10

yes you can call you usually have 48 hours to report accident but if you know her you might go confront her first