QUESTION
Not reporting a minor accident in a private parking lot
Asked on Oct 24th, 2016 on Traffic Violations - Louisiana
More details to this question:
I hit someone from the back at the mall (private property), the damages were very minor. The driver that I hit said he could call the police, but he will not and he will work out a payment plan with me and I will pay him out of pocket. I do not have a job or extra money sitting around and I told him this. Still he said he will work it out with me. I was extremely grateful at this moment. But now, a few days later, he is texting me telling me I need to pay him today or else he will report a hit and run. What do I do? I am starting to think this guy does not have insurance, because why else would he not want to call the cops after the accident? I have also been doing research this morning online and seen that not reporting an accident is against the law. I did not know this and now i'm afraid that i will get in trouble if I go to the police. What do i do? Please help!
1 ANSWER
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Assuming the accident happened in Louisiana - almost all police jurisdictions in Louisiana refuse to report on accident occurring on private property. So it wouldn't matter whether or not either of you called the police - they likely would have told you they don't report on accidents occurring on private property. You can contact your local sheriff's office or police department and inquire.
Second - the other driver is trying to scare you. If it was a hit and run, how would he have your information? And text messages and phone records will show otherwise - that you and he have been in constant contact.
I would call your local law enforcement agency and 1) ask about the issue of accident reporting on private property; and 2) see if they will take a report about either the accident or this guy blackmailing you (he's claiming he will make up a crime that you committed unless you pay him – you committed no crime and therefore it's extortion).
Answered on Oct 31st, 2016 at 6:10 AM