Here is the situation.
I was parked in a small parking lot that has a brick wall seperating another section of the parking lot. While I was in my vehicle I heard a loud noise consistant to a collision. I could see the front of one vehicle drive off. On the other side of the wall a vehicle was parked, I informed that driver that she may want to check for damage and what I had heard. Apparently there was damage that was not noticable at first.
Am I legally obligated to make a statement to the police dept? I do not know anything about the vehicle that drove off.
2007-03-28 07:29:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The police officer will determine if a statement is necessary. One may be taken just to show you didn't see anything. Sounds stupid I know but a statement is an affidavit. You're just affirming you saw nothing. So the cops may just tell you "Okay...thanks for your information" and let it go at that.
2007-03-28 08:52:04 · answer #1 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of being legally obligated to make a statement to police. After all, if you are suspected of a crime -- or might incriminate yourself -- you have a right to remain silent.
The only time you have to make a statement is if you are subpoenaed to testify in court or at a deposition. Then you do have to testify unless you have a special privilege not to tesify (wives don't have to testify against their husband for example).
The fact that only heard the accident doesn't change the usual rules. A court or lawyers trying a case might still want to hear your testimony because it helps everyone figure out what most likely happened.
2007-03-28 07:35:12 · answer #2 · answered by Investor 2006 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you are not legally obligated, but how would you feel if someone hit you car and drove off but someone has information that could help but wont say anything.. You can give the police some information on who to look for. Do the right thing, and help someone else out.
2007-03-28 07:35:55 · answer #3 · answered by duphaughn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't understand what your concern is. Make the statement man. Why the hell are people so afraid of everything nowadays?
It's rediculous that I watch people standing by and watching a man beat the hell out of a tiny woman and I wonder what the hell is wrong with people! Maybe your situation isn't as dramatic, but it's the same damned thing. Everyone is afraid!
2007-03-28 07:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by Crystal Blue Persuasion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be obligated (check state law), but if you don't tell the police it shouldn't be a huge deal. Unless you can ID the car or a distinct noise, you should be OK.
If nothing else, talk to a lawyer about it.
2007-03-28 07:33:37 · answer #5 · answered by ibkidd37 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So say what you saw and heard . that's all you can do . I just heard a accident yesterday and it sounded bad . If asked I will tell what I heard .
2007-03-28 07:38:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never talk to the police unless they come looking for you, no need to put yourself in a position where you could be used by someone else.
2007-03-28 07:33:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you are only *legally obligated* to give any type of statement if you have been subpoenaed
2007-03-28 07:45:46 · answer #8 · answered by jdphd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont think you could be of much help without vehicle descriptions.
2007-03-28 07:32:51 · answer #9 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, you didnt see anything
2007-03-28 07:32:14 · answer #10 · answered by Jon S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋