Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

[deleted] OP t1_izq9gav wrote

[deleted]

14

Something-5161 t1_izq9m0x wrote

It was in the mall parking lot. I am stupid for not doing it appropriately and now I am scared not knowing what to do next

5

Unique-Public-8594 t1_izqaag0 wrote

When you say “side swiped” but also say the other car had no damage… that’s confusing. If the other car had no damage you weren’t at fault for leaving.

17

Something-5161 t1_izqapje wrote

I am not sure if I used the right word. The middle of my car right is right to the back of that car (a truck) and when the gentleman helped me to back out. It just left the scratch on my car and I was able to wipe it with wet wipes. I didn't see damage on the other car but worried since I didnt leave any contact information and drove off

5

Alacri-Tea t1_izqbhb2 wrote

You're fine.

15

Something-5161 t1_izqbpl2 wrote

Thank you so much. But this is such a lesson for me to take appropriate action in the future

8

Alacri-Tea t1_izqd17z wrote

It's hard to know what to do in the moment. We all make mistakes.

6

granolasloot t1_izqbg0k wrote

this happened to me and a police officer giving out parking tickets saw me and told me to leave a note and then some random nosy karen called the police and then the owner of the other car filed a claim with her insurance and i had to pay up. mind you she filed the claim 6 months later. total bitch move because her car had no damage and i took pictures

3

Something-5161 t1_izqbxo3 wrote

I didn't take a photo but lots of witneses since it was in a mall parking lot . And one of them helped me to back out and asked which way I wanted to go as well. They also looked into my car and other car with me. But yes you never know what will happen and with me being stupid not taking a photo and my camera did not record, I think I have to take it if the worst thing come.

1

Unique-Public-8594 t1_izqd36f wrote

It’s easy to get flustered on the spot.

This wouldn’t apply in this situation but if you have a fender bender in the future, it might help to keep your insurance info in an envelope and on the outside of the envelope you can write a checklist:

  • Take a photo of: both cars’ damage, both license plates, their insurance, & their drivers license

  • Write down exact time and location (cross streets, street & number)

  • Don’t admit to anything

  • If to your advantage, name & contact info of a witness

So it’s easier to remember even if you are flustered.

4

Something-5161 t1_izqdalh wrote

Thank you so much for your great advice. I will make sure to do that so next time I can proceed appropriately.

2

YourSmallIntestine t1_izreity wrote

You are not stupid. You can only learn by making mistakes. You will inevitably have something similar happen in the future and you will know how to handle it better. Don’t beat yourself up!

1

Copperwirer t1_izqc9x5 wrote

If theres no damage to the car then I believe it's alright to leave. Police usually ger involved when damage to a car surpasses over a certain threshold that a simple scratch (if there is one) isn't going to exceed.

EDIT: I did a quick Google and this is what the law says:

>Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, section 26 requires any Massachusetts driver who was involved in an accident causing injury, death, or property damage equal to more than $1,000 to file a crash report with Registry of Motor Vehicles.

13

Something-5161 t1_izqcr6h wrote

Thank you so much for your opinion. This is the great lesson for me to learn. But if the other driver report it, I willingly take responsibility. I was just stupid not recording or taking photo to refer back

3

canreadwell t1_izqpshe wrote

This is the right answer. If you called the police and told them the damage (or really lack of) they probably wouldn’t even respond to the call.

2

IamTalking t1_izqafhu wrote

Next time you commit a hit and run, don't do the run part...

5

Something-5161 t1_izqau6c wrote

Yes I am a new driver and didnt know what to do. I definitely want to follow the rule . Should I repirt to police ? I don't have any info of the other car

0

Alacri-Tea t1_izqbe55 wrote

You said there's no damage to the other car? That isn't a hit and run, don't worry. I don't think there's anything you need to do.

If there is a next time and it's minor like this, take pics and leave your contact info on a note under their wiper.

3

Something-5161 t1_izql7id wrote

Thank you so much. I'll definitely do that if I ever run into the same situation. Now I just hope for the best but I'll take full responsibility if the worst comes.

2

itsyounotmeithink t1_izqqlow wrote

I wouldn't worry about it just chalk it up to an experience. Dont report it you wont get into any trouble this happens all the time. If your insurance contacts you then just explain what you said here. A hit and run is when you cause significant damage and or personal injury then leave the scene.

3

HelloWuWu t1_izr3d14 wrote

What is your definition of no damage though? Body panels can shift, and sometimes the tension can cause cracked paint or stress damage elsewhere in the panel. There can also be micro scratches or marring on the car that becomes more apparent under different lighting.

Check out any car detailing channel on YouTube and you would be surprised how some people define damage.

Just as an example: my definition of damage is different from my friend’s. A friend of mine treats things with little care so a scratch and dent is “no damage” for them since it’s normal wear and tear. As a car enthusiast, micro marring and scratches means I’ll have to polish it out.

As another example, I recently left a gas station and clipped the bottom front of my bumper and heard some scraping noise. But there was no visible damage. Upon jacking up the car, one of the support brackets behind the bottom of the bumper was cracked. And it’s not visible to the naked eye without inspecting.

In short, I think default best practice is to always leave contact info. At this stage, I don’t think it would hurt just to contact the city or town’s local police department to leave your contact info should the owner file a hit and run.

3

[deleted] OP t1_izqbify wrote

[deleted]

2

Something-5161 t1_izqbmmv wrote

Thank you for looking into my situation. It was a black open back truck.

1

B-Roc- t1_izqe91s wrote

If you are that concerned about it then you should report yourself to the police in the town where it occurred. If no one files a report... not guilty. If they filed a report... you are doing the right thing. If they file a report and someone turns you in... welp...

2

Bobbydadude01 t1_izqlkp0 wrote

If you looked at it and there's no damage to the other car you are fine. Even if someone calls the police they don't care unless damage is over 1k.

If the very very very very unlikely occurrs and the police hear about a no damage accident from a passerby and someone figure out the person you hits plate and ask them if you left and note and they say no then track you down make sure you don't talk to the police and respectfully say you want a lawyer.

Basically, you are going to be fine. Next time, make sure you leave a note.

2

Something-5161 t1_izqmks1 wrote

Thank you so much for your advice. The witnesses were really helpful , one of them helped me to back my car out and the other looked at both cars with me and she even said it wasn't really bad. But again, I should have taken appropriate actions and left some kinds of contact info. I will make sure to be careful and just hope for the best.

1

Mayziec1962 t1_izrstzz wrote

Learn from your experience. I always park far away from other cars and enjoy the one minute walk.

2

TywinShitsGold t1_izqi9y8 wrote

> I am a new driver so I didn’t know what to do

Drivers Ed doesn’t cover accidents?

1

Something-5161 t1_izqjmit wrote

My father in law taught me to drive. And I just recently moved to US but I know what to look for if same thing happens again. Thank you so much

2

barkingdog53 t1_izqo7pr wrote

If there was no damage to the other car then no sweat, you’re fine. For future reference, have a small collection of business cards from people you don’t like. If something like this, or worse, happens again, write on back, ‘sorry I hit your car’ and leave it under the wiper. Ok, I’m half joking here.

1

SMASH042688 t1_izr4uu5 wrote

I’m sure you are okay in this situation. You can ask your insurance company for information on what to do in an accident for future reference. Print it in your first language and keep in the glove box. If something happens again it will be less stressful for you.

1

fun_guy02142 t1_izry970 wrote

You’re fine, but maybe take a few more driving lessons. Just because you passed your road test doesn’t mean much.

1

Murky_Ad_5786 t1_izq8btp wrote

The police are already on their way

−6

Something-5161 t1_izq8hvn wrote

Do you think I should call police and make a report ? I am scared and didnt know what to do.

1

snugglesnpie t1_izqbezu wrote

If there was no damage to the other car, there would be nothing to report or fix. So I don't think you need to worry and I don't think you had to leave your information. It may have been a nice thing to do, but isn't required with no damages.

2

[deleted] OP t1_izqcao5 wrote

[deleted]

−6