If I found the person who hit me and run, can I press charges?
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If I found the person who hit me and run, can I press charges?
I was recently involved in a hit and run car accident. My car may or may not be deemed totaled. I had a truck pulling a trailer change lanes in front of me and rip the bumper off my car. They drove away but not before I got a picture of them. My insurance company identified and contacted the man that has now filed a claim with his insurance. Obviously, I’m still going to lose some money over this accident.
Asked on July 24, 2018 under Criminal Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
1) You can file a police report for his driving and also his leaving the accident scene ("hit and run"); the police will determine if the facts justify charges, but you can certainly contact them, provide the information, and state that you would like to press charges.
2) You can sue him for any amounts or costs not paid by insurance (such as if your own insurer paid you for your car, but you had a deductible--you could sue for deductible).
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