Legal Question in Traffic Law in Massachusetts

leaving scene of accident with property damage

While backing out of parking lot ''bumped'' unoccupied parked car. Saw no damage and late for picking child up at preschool so I left. Intended to call store when i got home. By the time got home (within hour), message from police that there was damage so being charged with hit and run. store gave personal info from frequent buyer card that i used for purchase. Called store and talked to car owner (an employee) and offered insurance info and/or pay for damage. He declined. How serious is this? Do I need lawyer? I have no record and spotless driving record. Am stay-at-home ''soccer'' mom of 3 under 7.


Asked on 3/27/03, 3:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Cook Cook & Ferreira

Re: leaving scene of accident with property damage

Hello. You have been charged with a crime and will likely need an attorney to assist you in court to face the charges. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a public defender to defend you on those charges. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident without reporting it immediately. The damage to the other party's vehicle is a seperate matter and that party can either report it to your insurance carrier for repair, or he could report it to his own carrier who will in turn contact you or your carrier for reimbursement. If you havent already done so, you should contact your insurance company immediately and report what transpired. If you saw no damage initially, then the property damage claim is likely to be very small. Best of luck with your situation.

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Answered on 3/27/03, 4:23 pm


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