If I bumped someone with my truck and they asked me for money instead of calling the police, couldI be charged with hit and run?
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If I bumped someone with my truck and they asked me for money instead of calling the police, couldI be charged with hit and run?
The guy said that my tire bumped his leg. I went forward about half a foot forward and he said that I hit him.
Asked on May 22, 2011 under Accident Law, Florida
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
This could absolutely be considered a criminal violation (assault, even if accidental or gross negligence) and of course the civil lawsuit implications are absolutely large. You need to talk to a criminal defense attorney who also handles civil lawsuits that arise from such issues. What you need to do is discuss whether giving money to this guy was sufficient to possibly consider this a settlement of any claim he may have against you in the future and whether you need to get a written waiver from him and contact the police. Don't let a situation like this eat at you. It was an accident and if you attempt to sweep it under the rug it may become worse for you. You need to explore how it came to be that you bumped this person's leg, whether he was in the wrong, you were in the wrong or it was a contributory negligence situation.
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