I was involved in a accident last night i was driving down a side street at no more than 20mph (i was slowing down to remove a childs bike from the road before driving on) when a boy ran out from between two parked cars and hit my car, he wasn't seriously injured has by the time i got my seat belt off and got out of the car he'd ran off up the street, do i need to report the incident to the police??
2007-08-07 21:59:23 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Thankfully i have spoken to the police, and they accept there was no fault on my part. The boy is ok, and accepted he ran out into the road, his mother has reminded him how stupid he was so hopefully he won't be doing it again?
2007-08-08 02:47:14 · update #1
Yes you need to report it within 24 hours of the accident.
You collided with a child at approx 20 mph and you are hoping there were no injuries? Unlikely!
I'd be down the police station before they come to see you!
2007-08-07 22:14:44 · answer #1 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all, (just as an aside) there's no reason to trade insurance if a report isn't made. Most (all i think) insurance agencies require a police report if you're filing a claim. Anyways, It sounds strange. He should have a meeting with them. Your buddy should take pics of his car to show the minor damage & where its located (and pics of their car to record what they're claiming). Then meet with them. It would be a good idea to bring someone to back him up. I don't know your ages here, if you're younger, then parents? adult then bring a mechanic friend? The important part is to stay calm. Don't antagonize them. Just calmly state the facts and the strange inaccuracies in their claim. Your friend better be sure he didn't do the damage though. If he is, just point out the fact that it's impossible for him to have done damage on the other side. If they think he did, ask them to state how. Calmly. Matter of fact. Your buddy was already prepared to pay some cash so offer them a set amount that you think would cover the damage he thinks he did. It would be a good idea to go to a few body shops before the meeting to get some general estimates to bring. That way you have actual figures and he looks smart, prepared and not easily played. If they don't bite, then...? They may involve the police, which could get messy. The fact that they took that long is wierd too. Good luck.
2016-05-17 04:16:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be best if you did report it.
As several people have said, if the boy has gone home and told his parents and they have reported it, if you don't then it would be treated as a hit and run even though, as you said he appeared to be uninjured and ran off.
Best for your peace of mind and also if there is any damage to your car you'd need an incident number from the police to claim.
2007-08-07 22:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by lola 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By law you have to report this and also notify your insurance company the facts otherwise this could negate your insurance. There is nearly always a witness to an event and they can trace you by cctv by the time and date on the street where it happened or on following your movements on nearby street camera's. The Police will only log this as an accident and it will be the kids word against yours if he comes forward and reports it. By getting it logged it shows you have nothing to hide, but if you don't and they have to trace you then you can expect to have the book thrown at you and extra charges.
2007-08-07 22:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by hakuna matata 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When in doubt
1. Report to the police
2. Ask them for rule of thumb ... are there accident conditions too minor to bother the police?
I remember a case similar to yours ... kid was on a bicycle, sailed right into street without checking, into path of car ... driver got out, kid thought he was Ok, kid left, car left, kid went home, parents called police, driver charged with hit and run, leaving scene of accident. I was a witness, I made statement to police.
2007-08-08 05:10:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question... i don't think you NEED to, no harm was done if it was 20mph and he managed to scarper down the street straight after! But you could report it if you prefer
Even if the boy did tell his parent's, they don't have your registration number, so they have no way of reporting you. If there were witnesses or it was caught on CCTV then all the better! It would prove your innocence that you couldnt do anything he just walked out and then run off
2007-08-07 22:06:40 · answer #6 · answered by KooKoo Moolookoo 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Technically ALL accidents have to be reported. Failure to do so can invalidate your insurance. There is always a witness somewhere, and it is an offence to leave the scene of an accident unless you really have to. BUT it must be reported within 24 hours
2007-08-09 09:17:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The same way you thought the child ran away to report his parents, the same way the police will think you ran away from the crime scene...
2007-08-07 23:57:18 · answer #8 · answered by Car freak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes u should report it. even tho the boy ran off u dont know if he was hurt. he could even of gone home and told his parents who could then of rang the police then if there was a witness u could get done for a hit and run. just explain everything that happend to the police
2007-08-07 22:07:52 · answer #9 · answered by amy c 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If there was an injury (or there is possibly one, but you don't know) then you have to report it.
If the kid then tries to claim, but hasn't reported it to the Police, he is guilty of failing to report an accident, but you are not.
2007-08-08 00:55:34 · answer #10 · answered by Neil 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋