Accidental Hit-and-Run: What Should I Do Next?
Hi everyone, I’m a new driver in Washington state and faced a situation last night that has me concerned. While backing out of a parking garage, I think I may have lightly brushed against another car. I inspected both vehicles afterward and, seeing no apparent damage, I drove away.
However, when I looked at my car this morning, I noticed some scratches on my door that I hadn’t seen in the dim light. This got me worried—what if I caused damage to the other car as well, turning this into a hit-and-run situation?
Fortunately, I have a dashcam and was able to capture the other car’s license plate, but I don’t have any information about the driver.
I’m seeking advice on what steps to take from here. I’m unsure if the other car has any damage, but if it does, I suspect it would be minor, like my own. I want to reach out and do the right thing. Should I contact my insurance just to report the incident, even though I don’t intend to file a claim for my own minor damage? Should I consider filing a police report?
Any guidance on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! I’m quite anxious about it, and I want to ensure I manage this responsibly.
It’s great that you want to do the right thing after this incident. Here are some steps you can take:
Document Everything: Make sure to keep a record of the incident, including the time, location, and any details that may be relevant. Since you have dashcam footage, it would be helpful to keep that as well.
Contact the Other Driver: Since you have the license plate number, you can try to reach out to the owner of the other vehicle. Depending on the situation, you might be able to find their contact information through the DMV or a vehicle history service. Explain the situation honestly and express your willingness to resolve any issues.
Check for Damage: If you have not done so already, it would be best to check your car and also encourage the other driver to assess their vehicle for damage. You could suggest that they get in touch if they discover anything.
Contact Your Insurance: It can be beneficial to notify your insurance company about the incident, even if you don’t plan to file a claim. This way, they can guide you on what to do next and will have a record of the incident. They may offer advice based on local laws and your specific situation.
File a Police Report: In Washington state, you may not be required to file a police report for minor accidents, especially if there are no injuries and damage is minimal. However, if you feel it’s necessary for documentation, you can file a report online or at your local station.
Stay Calm and Cooperative: If you do get in touch with the other driver, stay calm and cooperative. It’s important to communicate effectively and avoid escalating the situation.
Seek Legal Advice: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and obligations in this situation.
Ultimately, being transparent and proactive will help resolve the situation more smoothly. Good luck!