Found my car hit from front-side bumper with a note and phone number- what should I do?

Question

The damage is on side and front bumper- should I move the car?
What should my first action be? I am expected somewhere now and the car looks OK to drive but with body damage- should I take a picture before I move it?

Should I call the person on the way? What should I say- what are points to pay attention to?

Any advice about a situation like this much appreciated. Thanks to all who answer.

Answer 1

Depending on where you live you may not need a police report to begin with. In some cases the police will not even write a report if the damage to the vehicles is minor like $500-1000 dollars. The first thing is call your insurance and ask them what they suggest then if they tell you that you need a report then call the police to have one written up. Take pics so that the damage is documented. Its quite amazing that the person had the decency to at least leave a note with their info, i hope the info is real. You will prob have to get that other persons insurance and go to a body shop to have an estimate done and then either the person can pay you directly or go through their insurance. Try not to get it all fixed out of your pocket and then try to get the cash back from someone else. I went through this experience (no police report but did get the hitters insurance info) and the hitter said the estimate was too high and tried to give me the run around so i went back to his insurance and they sent me a check like within a week to cover the estimated repairs. the bad thing is that now the car has a record of being involved in an accident. I also had the choice by the way of keeping the $ or actually having it fixed. Hope it works out for you.

Answer 2

Hey lets get realistic here.

A guy bashes your car and, instead of splitting, leaves you a note with his (?) phone number. Comeon.. they guy has made a decent effort. My suggestions

1) No need for the police. The guy followed the law (at least in MY state) and left his contact information.

2) Call the number and see if he left a correct number. If not, revise step one appropriately. If he left the right number be sure to thank him..(always a good start).

3) You can take photos.. that never hurts and with todays cell phones its fairly quick and easy.

4) If the guy left the right phone number, get the details and see what he proposes. After all no one is hurt and its just a matter of money at this point.

5) You like what he offers.. follow it. You don't, then try a counter offer.. no good with that, then contact your insurance and let them handle it from there.

Pretty basic.....

consider yourself VERY lucky..

.

Answer 3

Sure take a picture!
call the number.....then take ur car to get priced at a couple of different places for the damage and those people will pay for it.......

Answer 4

Take photos of the damage. File a claim with your insurance and give your insurance company the persons info.

Answer 5

They left the scene of the accident. They left a note. Call them . Arrange for a meeting and to go to a body shop for estimate. They (the banger) should be covering the costs. GEt it in writing and witnessed.

Answer 6

Call the first before you leave the scene, and see if they can give you there insurance info. If not see if there willing to pay, otherwise contact the police to file a report, and then notify your insurance.

Answer 7

1. get off yahoo
2. call the cops
3. take a pic.
4. call the person
5. arrange a meeting

Answer 8

this is a question for adults but i will express my opinion. i think u should call the police first and see what u will do next. besides, u get more secure and reforcment from polices right?

Answer 9

Call your insurance company, theyll give you some answers

Answer 10

you should of called the cops instead of getting on yahoo. cuz uv got nothing now