QUESTION
Can I be charged with hit and run if there is no damage in the property?
Asked on Dec 02nd, 2013 on Automobile Accidents - Michigan
More details to this question:
I was at the gas station today and as I was backing out, my car grazed across one of those huge steel painted bumped poles. I checked the pole and it was not damage but it did leave a few scratches on my car. I felt like an idiot and was embarrassed because I rubbed against the pole. I saw no damage to the property (pole) and drove off thinking it was an honest mistake. Now I'm wondering if I should have reported it to the police. I've never had an accident and I am kind of worried that the gas attendant may have written down my plate and reported a hit and run. What are the laws regarding this and what should I do? No other vehicles/persons were injured and the pole had no visible/structural damage to it. I'm a law abiding citizen but am worried about getting into trouble.
7 ANSWERS
Edwin K. Niles
No harm, no foul. Relax.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2013 at 5:54 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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You must hit and knowing you caused damage, ran. If those things did not happen then no problem
Answered on Dec 06th, 2013 at 5:53 AM
Automobile Negligence Attorney serving Orlando, FL
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Kelaher Law Offices, P.A.
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If there was no damage to the property, then you are not required to report such an accident.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2013 at 8:01 PM
James Eugene Hasser
If you did no property damage to the station, you are okay.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
You should have notified the store of the accident.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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You could go back to the station, point out what was done and determine if the owner of the property agrees with you.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2013 at 7:59 PM
Ronald A. Steinberg
Technically, that would be a "property damage" issue, but from a practical standpoint, I do not think that you need to worry about it.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2013 at 7:59 PM