Accidentally hit parked car

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Sun 23 Feb 2020 16:31
Accidentally hit parked car - KimBee
Hi all

Completely stupid but I accidentally hit a parked car whilst pulling into a space on the side of the road. I didn’t have a pen or paper in the car so I went to a local shop to get paper to write down my details. When I returned, the car had driven off. I phoned 101 to try to report the incident and they told me to go to the local police station within 24 hours, which is closed until tomorrow day time. As I’m at work tomorrow, I won’t be able to report the incident until well beyond 24 hours later.

Any advice on what I can do? I don’t want to be done for hit and run. I was focussed on getting a pen and paper so didn’t take a proper look at the damage done to the other vehicle, but there’s a large scratch down my car.
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Sun 23 Feb 2020 17:03
Accidentally hit parked car - Bromptonaut

I think I might have tried being assertive with 101 and got details of the call handler's name/location so that there was evidence of having tried to report the incident. I suspect however the calls are recorded so that given you know the time and location of your call to 101 and presumably which force then there will be a record.

Did the driver of the other car have any reason to know or suspect his car had been dinged? If you scraped the nearside and he approached from driver's side and drove off he'd be none the wiser until maybe hours later.

Long time ago now, c2001, somebody put a dent the size of a dinner plate in my Xantia. I suspect it happened while on a station car park in Milton Keynes. He/she must have known they'd hit it but they scarpered and, returning to the car in the dark, I didn't see the damage. Reported it to Police but TBH I couldn't even be certain it happened on the car park as I'd been out later in the evening to pick the kids up from a school disco.

If you report it as soon as practical I think you'll be fine. Only other suggestion is could you report it first thing tomorrow and be a few minutes late for work or get permission to leave work for 30minutes to report it?

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Sun 23 Feb 2020 22:05
Accidentally hit parked car - KimBee
Thanks for your reply. It was their driver’s side I hit, I’m assuming their front wing but I can’t be sure. As I was in a rush to get paper, I didn’t get a proper look at the damage but I think I would have noticed a wing/bumper hanging off. I wouldn’t like to guess if they’ve saw it before driving off or not. Lesson learnt to assess the damage and take photos before trying to get some paper.

I will go to the station tomorrow and at least report my side of things. I just feel so guilty for hitting the car.
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Tue 25 Feb 2020 14:43
Accidentally hit parked car - concrete

Just like Brompt I have been on the end of that situation. Collect your car in the dark and don't notice the damage until next day. That is why, just like you, I would always own up and face the consequences. Do the right thing and pay up and look big. It strangely makes you feel better with yourself. I commend your efforts to try to trace the other motorist, but fear it will be in vain. The police won't really be interested. There is nothing to solve. They have your statement and are unlikely to trawl through CCTV to find the other person. Unless he reports it and they marry the two reports there is little to do. If they do show up then the only thing to beware of is them taking advantage. Some twerp trying to get a full respray for a small scratch etc etc. Well done to you though KimBee for bring a good citizen. Good luck.

Cheers Concrete

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 15:44
Accidentally hit parked car - HGV ~ P Valentine

When you just make sure you get the officers name and number, the place you reported it to and of course the date and time. Not much more you can do, if they do it try and get a copy of the report. Its about covering yourself and not relying on the police doing their job properly.

I think nothing will come of it.

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