I thought it was just a minor scratch, but after i got home, I checked it and it was more than just a scratch. Anyway someone reported me and now I have received a letter from their insurance company to pay for the damages. I just wanted to know, will this be the end of it or can they take this further, i.e. DVLA, points on the licence, criminal offence etc...
2007-12-13 04:40:28 · 20 answers · asked by alex_under 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
They CAN take it further - leaving the scene of an accident, however minor, without leaving insurance details or reporting it is an offence..... however whether they will .....is unlikely....
2007-12-13 04:47:47 · answer #1 · answered by eriverpipe 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Definitely report it! I made that mistake one time and will never do it again. I was backing up very slowly at a weird angle and hit an empty parked car. I honestly didn't see it. Immediately I got out of my car to see if there was any damage. I walked around the car and inspected it and didn't see any damage whatsoever. Thinking I hadn't harmed the car, I left the scene. Biggest mistake ever! Next thing I know there's a police officer knocking at my door. I told him I got out as soon as I heard I hit the other car and thought it was okay to leave the scene because there weren't any marks. (The store owner saw me hit the car and the officer watched the video footage). I had to pay over $300 in fines and was charged with "Damage to Unattended Vehicle or Property". Call your local police station and your insurance agency. Be open and honest about what happened. They'll want to know the time of the accident, location, description of the hit car and any damages to your car and theirs. Honesty can be scary, but it's better than waiting and things getting worse.
2016-05-23 09:35:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are two separate matters here. One is a civil matter regarding your liability to pay for the damage you caused - this is the letter from the insurance company.
The other is a criminal matter, you failed to observe the law regarding what you're required to do after an accident. There are several offences possible here. It is indeed possible that you could be reported to the police for this and you can face prosecution and the penalties that go with it if found guilty. However, I'd guess you would have had a visit from the boys in blue before now if that was the case. I'd pay up & keep everything crossed. And learn your responsibilties under the law.
2007-12-13 05:03:12 · answer #3 · answered by champer 7 · 5⤊ 3⤋
The insurance company can't (obviously) fine you or put points on your licence. I don't rhink that they will involve the police at this late stage as they would not benefit from doing so - but they might so you are going to have to sweat on this a bit.
You can either pay the bill yourself or ask your insurance company to do so (lose your bonus) - in either case you must report it to them (read your policy document to find out why).
As a matter of fact you could in theory be prosecuted for.
AC10: FAiling to stop after an accident
AC20: Failing to report an accident.
CD10; Careless or inconsiderate driving.
I suggest that you obtain insurance quotes based on those hypothetcial convictions and you will see how much you were risking by just 'driving off' after a 'minor scratch'.
2007-12-13 05:43:04 · answer #4 · answered by welcome news 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, but definitely a case for the police. Driving without due care, leaving the scene of an accident.
How could you, how would you like it if you found someone had hit your car and driven off, no matter how"trivial" the damage?
2007-12-13 04:47:44 · answer #5 · answered by firebobby 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
You have committed an offence , however if you admit liability and pay for the damage you will probably not get prosecuted. Don't act like this in future, next time you will be facing the court!
2007-12-13 04:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by DENNIS P 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Yes they could. I think you are insured anyway and I would get in touch with your own insurance company aand let them deal with it. I do not actually think you wil face criminal charges but it is a possibility
2007-12-13 05:08:09 · answer #7 · answered by Scouse 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They could definitely push for criminal offence as it is, in fact, a criminal offence!
Best to 'fess up and pay up.
2007-12-13 04:44:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
even if it was "just a scratch " the cost could be thousands to the poor soul you hit..
not only can it be prosecuted as a hit and run...it should be..
take responsibility for you actions ..
learn from this mistake and pay up asap
2007-12-13 04:49:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Dude your screwed.
The last time anyone pulled that one,
was my "dad"
He was driving into his own garage.
He had hit the lodgers van whilst reversing, took a big chunk out of the fibreglass panel, put the car away without saying anything & thought it would go away.
He had bright yellow paint from the lodgers van on his car. And blue paint from his, on the lodgers van.
And then he woundered why the lodger got angery with him.
LOL, HA ,HA, HA.
2007-12-13 05:03:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋