IfI hit someone with my car but there were no injuries, doI have to report the incident to the police?
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IfI hit someone with my car but there were no injuries, doI have to report the incident to the police?
I was driving and turned a corner where the street light was out and hit a woman walking her dog. I got out to see if I had hurt her and to help her up. She said she thought she was fine and would have her husband take her to the hospital. I watched her instead of turning back to where she lives continue walking her dog and going another 4 blocks. I gave her my name and number and she did the same. This happened at 5:26 AM and it is now 6:38 AM. No police were called and she seemed to be walking fine. Am I in trouble? She also had a dark blue coat on and blue jeans , that’s why I didn’t see her.
Asked on October 18, 2010 under Accident Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you should absolutely report the accident to the police and you should absolutely report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You do not want to be accused of failing to report an accident which is against the law or failing to cooperate under your insurance policy by failing to report the accident. Hopefully this will never happen again but you should always insist on calling the police to the scene. It really protects you from any wrong doing or appearance of wrong doing. So go down to the precinct or station house closest to the accident scene right away and file the report. Indicate that no one appeared to be hurt and that she left the scene on her own walking. Good luck.
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