If you back into someone in a private parking lot, like a grocery store, do you have to call the cops?

Question

I've heard people say that it's just an insurance issue since the parking lot is private property, is this true?

Answer 1

yes, if you were to pursue the issue, then it would have to go to civil court. No traffic offense, police are not involved. It is private property. Even a parking lot that exits onto a road with a red light- still private property.

Answer 2

Back into a person..?
a vehicle with a person in it?
Either way, it was an accident. And when there is an 'accident' it is reported to one's insurance carrier.
And yes the police should be called because there should be some official record regarding the accident. The police report is the most official.
If it is a small accident however, some people would prefer to take care of the damages themselves rather than to call the police or to report it to their insurance carrier.
Does not matter where the accident occurred.
(Need
to
clarify
something.)
IF. and again, IF, the person who is hit later discovers that he or she is hurt worse than they thought, it is best to call the police. Then there is a report. One does not have to depend on what one driver said as opposed to what the other said.
Secondly, there is a question of damages to the vehicles. Ask yourself this question. If there is an agreement between the parties that all damages will be taken care of, what happens if someone changes their mind, or if they are not satisfied with the amount they will receive from either insurance company. Usually the insurance company for party who hits another vehicle
will pay the full amount of whatever the coverage is. On the other hand, if the party that hits you is not insured, your insurance will only pay the amount OVER the deductible.
Best to call police.

[Some of these people have no idea what they are talking about. ]

Answer 3

I dont think you have to if there is no injury and you leave information for the other damaged cars owner. Just yesterday I actually witnessed someone back into a vehicle then attempt to leave without leaving information or anything. I called 911 and the police were happy to come and ensure both driver's excahnged information. I would always call the police as they will be the only proof in court who was at fault or that the accident happened unless you get witnesses. Oklahoma City Cowboy

Answer 4

I think if the damage is estimated over 1000 dollars then you need to call the cops, if you intend to put it through insurance. I dont think under 1000 you have to call, or even put it through insurance. If you guys can settle the issue in the parking lot, there is no need. It depends on both sides of this issue and an aggrement.

Answer 5

It depends on the state where you live and the circumstances of the accident.

Crimes and accidents on private property are still crimes and accidents, generally subject to the state's reporting requirements.

In CA--you don't have to call police, but you do have to report every accident with personal injury or damages greater that $750 to the DMV within 20 days--even if you are not at fault and even if it is on private property.

Answer 6

If it is a private lot, and there are no injuries, then yes, it is just an insurance matter. A girl I work with got her car backed into in our parking lot, and she settled the case with cash, and no insurance was called.
Hope this helps.

Answer 7

sure. In Florida, they even run out-of-State plates in production unit parking plenty and supply the production unit a itemizing to get workers to receive Florida plates. the business enterprise I worked for tried to end them from doing this. That night (on the top of shift) the police stopped each and every vehicle leaving and checked license and registration. led to a great decrease back-up. I even have continually theory it grew to become into incorrect that they'd cost ticket vehicles in a private lot yet are actually not "allowed" to do site visitors twist of fate comments on the comparable lot.

Answer 8

Call the cops?

Why would you call the police unless someone was hurt or drunk or some crime had been committed.

You exchange insurance info. Same as if it was on a road.

Answer 9

Do not call the police. It is not necessary. It is just an insurance matter.
In some places, like Pittsburgh, PA, the police dispatch an ambulance and a fire truck if they get called on an accident. They get real unhappy when all of that is not necessary.

Answer 10

That is correct. On private property its the owners responsibility. Turn it over to your insurance company, let them fight it out with the other insurance.