Am I liable to pay for someone's car damage in this unique accident situation?

Question

I was involved in an accident earlier with no real major major damage, probably around $500 for each car.

The accident was my fault by definition. When I pulled over to swap info and call the police, the woman said she didn't want me to and she had to go somewhere. I tried to tell her I'd rather call the cops and do things properly, she declined.

So we exchanged phone numbers and she left. No police report or anything.

My question is, can she now come back to me and try to get me to pay for her damages without any kind of police involvement and no witnesses?

Or does she lose that right when she decided to leave without notifying the authorities?

Answer 1

Yes, you are still liable for the damage you caused assuming you were in fact at fault for the accident.  Since the damage was so minor and no injuries were reported, it is unlikely that the police would have responded anyway.  They have better things to do.  

Report the loss to your insurance company as records only.  If she calls you refer her to your insurance company.  They will decide if you were liable.

Answer 2

So.. basically your asking if you can be a bad person with no integrity and act like this didnt happen?

Police reports arent always required.  You were at fault for the accident- you are required to pay for damages.

If you dont give her your insurance information she can sue you directly in small claims court if she wishes.

Sure- she doesnt have a police report but dont you think the judge will wonder how she randomly has ALL your information and there is damage on both of your cars?

Be a good person.. come on. what goes around comes around- would you want someone to s***w over you or your loved ones?

Answer 3

As long as you switched info and her damages show that it was your fault you will still be liable.  It sounds like she was afraid of the police showing up... maybe she has a warrant.

Good luck... I had someone hit/run on my car last week while I was in a store shopping, so I know how you are feel.

Answer 4

Police do not HAVE to be involved...Since you admit the accident was your fault by "Definition" (what does that mean, anyway?) pay up and move on.It's a question of your PERSONAL INTEGRITY.

Answer 5

If the only information she got was your phone #, then she can't go to your or her insurance co since she has no idea who you are or what insurance you have.

Going to the police after all parties have left the scene isn't going to do her a lot of good either.

Most she can do is call you and ask you for your insurance information if she ever does.

Answer 6

Unless you are going to lie and say that it was not your fault or that you were not involved to the other person's insurance then you would still be responsible.

The answer to this question depends on how honorable you are.  If you do admit fault then your insurance will pay or if it can be reasonably proven that you are at fault then you are still liable.

Answer 7

If she does not have your information then she is not going to be able to do anything to you.  In an accident you have to have a admission of quilt, if not witnessed by police than written and signed and the insurance info of the person at fault.  I think you are in the clear girl.  Just when you report the damage to your insurance company... which I don't recommend because your deductible is probably as much as the damage... be sure no to tell them another vehicle was involved.