Can police refuse to give a summons to a truck driver who hit a car in a parking lot and then left the scene?

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Can police refuse to give a summons to a truck driver who hit a car in a parking lot and then left the scene?

Accident happened on a parking lot; my car was parked. Police argued that it was reasonable that a tractor trailor left the scene of an accident after I had stopped him to inform him. He apologized, claiming that he’d pull over. He instead left the lot and drove 7/10 mile onto a highway entrance ramp. I fled after him and called 911. Finally he pulled over when he realized. Police say they can’t give a summons because it was on private property. $3-4K damage to my BMW. Didn’t cite him at all. Instead threatened to arrest me when I insisted on getting their names, and they refused, and I took a picture of them. I am female. Did they act properly?

Asked on August 23, 2010 under Accident Law, Connecticut

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

No, I would not say that from the way you described the events that anyone acted properly.   As for issuance of the summons, that may be a local law.  But did they at least take a report?  That they are obligated to do.  And yes, they are obligated to give you their names (were they wearing name tags?).  Did you get the insurance information in the end?  Did you report the claim?  Report it to your insurance company.  And go to the police station that would have jurisdiction over where the accident happened and make a police report if there is none.  And speak with an attorney about filing a complaint.  Good luck.


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