Can I get in trouble with the cops?

Question

I hit a mailbox today because I accidentally fell asleep at the wheel. It was on a decently busy road and I just remember opening my eyes and BOOM! I was stupid though and just kept driving and didn't stop to apologize to that person. Is there a way that the cops could figure out that I hit that persons mailbox? Im only 17 and my mom would kill me if she found out..

Answer 1

Yes, the police could match any paint that came off of your car to a database that would at least narrow down the possibilities and it is possible that someone saw you hit the mailbox.  Go to the house where it happened and tell the owner, resident what happened and offer to pay for a new mailbox.

Answer 2

YES!!! They know who you are. You're more than likely going to jail.  

Answer 3

Yes but it depends on if anyone got your license plate. Do you work? A good deed would be to buy the parts to a new mailbox and write an apology note. Put the pieces of the new mailbox on the lawn in the middle of the night. Or in their new mailbox put enough money to cover the price of the old one with a printed note apologizing and explaining the situation. If they are not mean. They will forgive you and you will feel better. these people could think that people hate them in the neighborhood.  

Answer 4

If it was on a decently busy road then it's likely that someone got your license plate # and called it in to the police.  What you did is considered a hit and run property damage accident.  If it is discovered that you were driving the vehicle etc now you have A LOT of fines to worry about instead of a simple fail to maintain travel lane citation.........................

Be responsible and do the right thing.

Answer 5

Yes. You better turn yourself in before the cops find you. If the cops have to come to you, it will be much worse. Maybe you could just go to the person's house and apologize and replace the mailbox.

Answer 6

yes you can get into trouble but only if they seen you and got your plate number if not then you should be cool

Answer 7

2 or 3 police cruisers are on their way to your house as we speak...

Answer 8

right it down somewhere and maybe u will feel better about this situation like a diary, u will feel like ur telling someone and its off ur chest then throw it away i wish u the best of luck

Answer 9

If you keep telling people what you did, it increases your chances of getting in trouble.

If you damaged it badly you might like to walk back from a safe distance and put money in to repair or replace the damaged one. Otherwise unless you were ID'd only god will hold it against you.. and get a coffee next time you are tired and need to drive or pull over and sleep at the nearest rest stop.

Also remember to wear sunglasses and hoody when you go back there.. a wig and some alternate eye colour contacts might help too.

At best they will think your mom did it if anything.

PS I wouldn't do anything direct otherwise your insurance might be effected, it was an accident no one was hurt.. maybe the mailbox shouldn't have been so close to the road?

If it was a car for sure you would be obligated.

It is just a pain in the but for everyone involved. Just let it go unless you think the box needs to be replaced leaving an anonymous "sorry letter" might help also.. but don't leave your name.

Answer 10

Technically Yes, and No... If anyone were to complain about it, then yes, but if you weren't seen, or if it was TRULY an accident the cops would most likely let you off with a "don't do it again" warning. I hope this helps...

Answer 11

If it was decently busy, there are good odds someone saw you and wrote down your license plate.  Boom, your caught.

If you knocked down the mailbox, you did damage to your car.  Boom, your mom knows you hit something, caught.

Better safe than sorry.  Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime.  Go back, apologize, and make things right.   Best for all involved.