Hatrack River Forum: Prosecuting Idiots?

This is topic Prosecuting Idiots? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Question (legal, and maybe moral too) from my SIL:

While starting to make a left turn, she was forced to stop suddenly. The car behind her hit her. After both turned, my SIL pulled over, but the other car refused and drove off. Turns out there was no damage to my SIL's car (I guess there's one advantage to having an SUV). Can/should she file a police report for hit-and-run? If there's no damage, is there anything to REPORT? [Dont Know]

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

She can, and should.

Quite often people are injured but don't realize it until a few days have passed. A report is going to cover her butt if something goes wrong.

Kwea

Posted by Psycho Triad (Member # 3331) on :

I'd say yes, just in case the other idiot tries turning it around and say your SIL hit them

Though I'd say nay to reporting to insurance, especially if no damage.

Maybe a police report, just-in-case.
Did she get a license plate # or any other indentifying info on the perp?

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

Yes, she should report it. Did she get the license number?

There are two reasons: First, if she does this again, police will be more inclined to believe the next victim. Second, there may be damage that isn't apparant.

She also doesn't want the other person to report it as a hit and run - first one to report it is more credible for some reason.

Dagonee

Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :

I heard that there needs to be damage of at least $400.00 for it to be considered as a hit and run, but I'm not a lawyer.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

She has a partial license plate and a description (sounds like the car was fairly distinctive).

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

Still worth reporting. With no damage, they'll likely not investigate. But it's always good to have a record.

Dagonee

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Thanks, guys. She's calling to report it right now. [Smile]

Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :

Hatrack saves the day once again [Cool]

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Ok, since there was no damage, they couldn't take a report. But they were quite willing to take a statement. [Smile]

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

Cool. Assuming someone is not calling them every week, police generally would rather get a call about something if the caller has a doubt about whether to report it.

Dagonee