, I’m feeling really stressed out because I panicked and left the scene of an accident. I know it was wrong, and now I’m not sure what to do next. Can someone please advise me on what steps I should take? Should I report myself to the authorities or seek legal advice? Any guidance or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated.
If you leave the scene of an accident, it’s important to contact a lawyer with experience in these cases. They can help you understand your options and guide you on the best steps to take next. Reporting the incident to authorities is also a good idea.
The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as an incident involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area that results in:
Injury or damage to anyone other than the driver of that vehicle.
Injury or damage to an animal, excluding those being carried on the vehicle (animals include horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats, or dogs).
Damage to a vehicle other than the one that caused the collision.
Damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise part of the land where the road is.
You might be liable under “damage to a vehicle,” but given the minimal damage and the other party not planning to claim insurance, it would be wise to consult a lawyer if you are charged. As your lawyer, I would argue that the damage could have been pre-existing and require proof that your vehicle caused it. This argument could potentially lead to the charges being dropped, even with the dashcam footage, as many factors can damage a car, and a skilled lawyer could create reasonable doubt.