| When I dropped my kids off at camp this morning, I accidentally left a scratch on a car. I didn't realize it until I was pulling out of the spots. I actually pulled out because it was too narrow to open the doors and so I pulled into another spot. I ran my kids into camp and came back to talk to the owner. Unfortunately, the owner of the other car had already left. What am I supposed to do? This is eating me up. I realize I should have left a note before I went inside. I honestly thought the other car would still be there when I came back out. There are several camps at this location, so I can't even be sure if they are at the same camp. Should I try to drive through the parking lot and find a vehicle? If I leave a note at a later time, is that OK? I read an old post on here about what is and is not a hit-and-run and I am a little nervous. I am a huge rule follower, so I want to do the right thing. Are the police going to come for me? I have never hit another car in my life, so I'm very nervous. |
| Perhaps you will see them on a subsequent day dropping the kids off at camp. |
| Can I get in trouble for not leaving a note before they left? I did not leave the parking lot and planned on going back to their car, but they left before I had a chance |
| Maybe we'll see another DCUM post about how someone scratched their car and just took off lol! |
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You're cute.
No the police are not going to come after you. The owner probably won't even notice the scratch, and if they do they'll wonder when it happened and forget about it. If you see the car/owner again you can mention it just to clear your conscience and apologize. |
| I did the exact same thing in a hospital parking lot and came back to a very stern note from security on my windshield. I was worried they were going to arrest me. I actually did not see a scratch and moved for the same reason - space not big enough - but it turned out there was one. I explained this to guard and after they collected my insurance etc they let me go. They had a tape of it. I was in a hurry to get to doctors. |
| Write down what you remember about the other car now while it's still relatively fresh in your mind. Then keep an eye out for it at future drop offs to see if you can catch them and leave the note. |
OP here - Thanks for the advice so far. My car has been dinged so many times in parking lots and I've never gotten a note. I don't want to be that driver. I also don't want to end up with a misdemeanor when I wanted to fess up at the scene. I've never even gotten anything other than a parking ticket!
11:29 - I did wonder if that would happen. :p |
| Why did you flee the scene of the accident? |
Oh, please. She didn't flee. She parked her car with the full intention of going back to give the owner her insurance information. I would keep an eye out for the owner on subsequent drop-offs, but really, this is not a big deal. |
I didn't flee. I couldn't even get out of my car. |
+1 She's on here asking for help because she wants to make things right. Don't be a jerk. |
| OP here - Sorry, maybe I've been watching too TV. Do I need to contact the police? I don't even know the license plate number of the other vehicle. I don't want to go to jail over a f'in scratch. |
Why not write the note immediately? |
You will not go to jail. Don't contact the police. |