Do I have an obligation to report an accident?

Question

A cyclist hit my car. He was riding in a crosswalk on the wrong side of the road (a divided highway) and I didn't see him. He hit my hood and rolled off his bike. He wasn't hurt. I told him that I wanted to call the police to the scene and he said no. Said he was fine. Eventually, after making sure he was really okay, we both left the scene. Do I have to file a report or something? I didn't notice that he'd dented my care until later.

Answer 1

No.  Was there any damage...insurance claim.  If both parties agree nothing happened, there's nothing to be reported.

Answer 2

i dont think so, but maybe u should've taken him to a doctor to make sure he was okay.

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

You should always call the police unless it is just a fender bender with no damage to either car. Especially since he may have been hurt and also because it was his fault. Course now he doesn't know who you are so if he is hurt he can't try to sue you anyway. But if he did know who you were he could sue and say it was your fault. Leaving the scene of an accident (without reporting it) is against the law.

Answer 5

It's too late now, that's why he didn't want you to call the police.  He didn't want to have to pay for the damage.  Now you can't prove anything.

Answer 6

You should have reported it right then. He can come back on you later and claim neck and bcak  injury problems. Be wise next time call it in!

Answer 7

You had an obligation to report the accident at the scene.

There is no one now to verify what happened.

You did right though, by asking if injury had occurd.

Your insurance may require to use your deductible,

for your repair. <}:-})

Answer 8

You should always call the police for any incident involving your car.  Be careful at this point, it may be considered a hit and run.  It's illegal not to report any accident involving a motor vehicle.

In NY it's illegal NOT to report a bike accident as well.

Answer 9

guess..no..on damage..no exchange of information..then you find a dent on your car..deductable for insurace doesn't pay for the dent..if the dent is small..if you can afford to fix it, then fit it

Answer 10

You don't have an obligation to report the accident in this case.  You both agreed to a non report.

If you can track him down, maybe you can get his help to fix your car.

Answer 11

Most states have certain criteria for when a collision MUST be reported.

Here in NJ, the criteria are -

1. Any injury at all

2. $500 (or more) damage to any vehicle or property.

Some of the other answers pointed out the dangers of him changing his story later. in that case it will be your word against his. Be safe, call the cops even if it isn't required. Then it will be his word against ours, not just against yours.