Should I worry about a fender bender if we didn’t exchange insurance info and make a police report?
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Should I worry about a fender bender if we didn’t exchange insurance info and make a police report?
Got in a little fender bender at night with a lady I turned right on a red because she had her right blinker on the 4-way and then went straight so that I kind rubbed up against her (no dents just 1 little scratch that I wiped off with a little spit). Nothing significant at all. No cops called; no information was exchanged. She didn’t write down my license number (no names, numbers nothing) nor did I hers. Also had a witness driving behind me (my girlfriend) that witnessed her signal a turn and then go straight and witnessed her tell me, “Don’t worry about it. Go on home sweetheart”. Am I off the hook?
Asked on August 28, 2011 North Dakota
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Generally speaking, you must always file a police report when an accident occurs. Even if it is a one vehicle accident (you and a pole). Not filing one can result in a fine being imposed at the very least. Now, I can understand why you are worried. Can she claim that it was a hit and run? Yes, I am sure that she can. But you can not do anything about it now unless you want to file your own police report. I would at the very least inform your insurance company (they may require that you file a police report). You have a witnss which is good - although she is a bit biased being your girlfriend. Let's hope for the best and learn from this to always call the cops. Good luck to you.
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You have nothing to be concerned about. These types of incidents are common where there is no property damage to the vehicles and no exchange of information.
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