Accidental hit and run?

Question

Okay so a week or so ago I was driving my mom's van(which I am not used to driving at all, I drive a sedan), and in a parking lot I made too tight of a turn and scraped an SUV. I completely panicked and took off. But as soon as I got home I felt terrible, so I went back to leave a note with my insurance info on it. But even though it was only fifteen minutes later, the SUV was gone. My mom said I could get arrested for a hit and run if somebody got my plates. Is that true or will I just get a court date?

And also my grandma said the same thing happened to my cousin and somebody got his plates. Then later he got a letter in the mail notifying him that he was being accused and needed to take care of it.

So I guess what my question is,

If somebody got my plates, how long would it take to get this letter?

I just want to know how long I'll have to wait until I know weather or not I am in the clear.

Oh and also, even though I took off, if I get caught later, will my insurance still cover tha damage done to the other car?

Answer 1

More than likely nobody noticed and your off the hook.  If it was only 15 minutes later that means they did not notice and stick around to look for witnesses.  If they had, they would have still been there collecting information about you and talking to their witnesses.

That said, what you did was illegal.  You could get jail time (unlikely) and a fine (definite) if you were to get caught.  Your insurance may or may not cover it.  You'll need to read your policy to see what it covers/ does not cover.

Answer 2

The moment you took off, you committed an act that was not accidental.  Thus, you will be potentially liable from this point on.  Your remorse at leaving the scene does not change your initial liability for leaving it.  It might persuade someone to go a little easier on you.  But because you can't prove you went back after the fact, it will count for very little.  

If I were you, I would turn myself in by calling the cops, identifying the date and time of the accident, and stating what happened.  The sooner you come clean, the better your chances will be.

Answer 3

S**t happens in a parking lot.  I've been 'hit' several times and nobody left a note and I've been left holding the bag for hundreds in damages as a result.

At this point, you probably got away with it.  My wife's car was hit in a mall parking lot during christmas last year and the mall security refused to show her the video tape of the incident and later claimed to our insurance that the camera didn't show anything.

Next time, leave a note.  Chalk this one up to S**t happens.  It will happen to your car sooner or later.....karma.

Answer 4

Chances are no one saw anything.  I've been hit quiet a few times, ( I've "bumped" into a few in my life, too.)  For some reason there could be only a handful of cars in a parking lot but some jerk always has to park right next to you.  I try to avoid parking near any cars so I don't get banged into (or bang into them.)

This won't be the first time or the last for you.  You did do the right thing by going back but the vehicle was gone. If you didn't hear anything by now, it's over.  You don't need to stress over it.  If it happens again, you can leave a note.

A hit and run usually involves a major accident and someone getting hurt.  The person leaves the scene because they are drunk or carrying drugs and don't want to get caught.  

  

Answer 5

If you haven't heard by now, you are probably in the clear. Next time, show some respect and responsibility for other peoples property. It costs enough to buy a vehicle anymore and people want to keep them nice as long as possible. It would bend you out of shape if they did that to you.

Answer 6

Your mother is not lying. You could get arrested for that...

As for your insurance, try reading your policy and finding out that way - how the heck are any of us supposed to know what policy you have?? Although I doubt any cover for hit and run accidents.