Hit & Run, what can I do. Do I have rights?

Question

7/5/08 I came home to my parked car being involved in a hit and run.

-The damage was cause by backing into my vehicle (as reported by police and when taken to the body shop)

-My neighbors driveway would be the only angle for this to be possible, and they have done this 3x prior to this occasion!!

**They like to hit and leave the scene.

-I found damage to their vehicle that lines up exactly with my car's damage...and took pics with tape measure to prove.

Cops say if no one "saw" them I have nothing. What can I do? My 1st brand new car. I'll be out $500.00 to go through my insurance.

There has to be more to this, I feel I have substantial evidence.

Thanks out there !

Answer 1

If you're going to turn it into your insurance company, ask them if there's anything else you could do to get your neighbors to pay.

If you don't go to your insurance company, you could try small claims court.  Watch 'Judge Judy' or some other court shows to see the kind of evidence you'll need to take with you.  You'll need your pictures as well as a couple of estimates for the repairs - from legitimate body shops.

Also - ask your other neighbors if anyone saw or heard anything.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

If the police won't pursue the case against your neighbor, then you can take him to small claims court and present your evidence to the judge.  It sounds like you could get a judgment against them for the damage they caused to your car on account of their willful negligence.  Use all the evidence you have, the police report, photos, diagrams of the angle of impact, etc.

Best wishes