Parking lot accident | I did not know that it happened!

by Diane
(Arkansas)

I received a letter in the mail from the local police dept. The letter stated that over a month ago I had hit a car in the parking lot of a local shopping mall. I did not realize that this had happened, but upon contacting the police dept., I was told that someone had reported seeing it. I remember the day I was in the parking lot.

I was driving along the road and my cell phone started ringing, not liking to answer my phone while driving, I turned and pulled into the first parking spot at the beginning of the row. In doing so, I turned to shapely and my back drivers side tire went up over the curb, causing my car to bounce. When I came to a stop, I answered my phone, and a few minutes lasted, after finishing my phone call, I backed out of the spot and left. Later that day upon returning home and while unloading my car I happened to be walking past my car and realized the front bumper on the passenger side had scratches on it. I thought someone had hit my car.

Not knowing where it had happened or when, I just let it go. Now I find that I could have possibly hit someone. I live in Arkansas. What are my responsibilities in this case?


Answer:


Hello Diane,

You are liable. You must pay for the damages you caused. You had damages to your car, you know what happed at the scene, there is a witness… and you left the scene.

Although we can see how you simply were not paying attention and left; you are still liable. You need to call you insurance company and have them contact the other driver to see what damages they have. The other vehicle appears to be parked when you hit it so your insurance company will want to get on this as soon as possible.

Good Luck.


As always, it is very important that you talk with a local attorney!
Good Luck,
Auto Insurance Claim Advice