I forgot to call police at scene of hit and run

[xremx95]

New York

I was just in a hit and run on the highway today that involved myself and a motorcycle. The motorcycle sideswiped me while I was changing lanes. Neither of us lost control of our vehicles. Immediately after this occurred, the motorcyclist sped off at speeds well above the posted limit. I was so freaked out that I just completely forgot to immediately pull over and call the police about it. I don’t know what to do or how badly I messed up by not calling the police right away.

 

[pac72]

was the motorcyclist in the lane you were merging into ?

 

[xremx95]

Yes, but well behind where I was merging to when I began the merge.

 

[Zigner]

Yes, but well behind where I was merging to when I began the merge.

In other words, you cut him off.

 

[HighwayMan]

What about damage to your car? Are you filing a claim with your insurance company?

How long ago is "just"?

 

[pac72]

In other words, you cut him off.

id call it failure to yield right of way myself

 

[pac72]

Yes, but well behind where I was merging to when I began the merge.

then how did you hit him then ? the lane wasn't clear to merge if there was a collision

 

[Taxing Matters]

New York

I was just in a hit and run on the highway today that involved myself and a motorcycle. The motorcycle sideswiped me while I was changing lanes. Neither of us lost control of our vehicles. Immediately after this occurred, the motorcyclist sped off at speeds well above the posted limit. I was so freaked out that I just completely forgot to immediately pull over and call the police about it. I don’t know what to do or how badly I messed up by not calling the police right away.

If NY law requires you to report this accident (and I have not checked) then report it now. With this kind of situation, the phrase "better late than never" is the one that leaps to my mind.

 

[FlyingRon]

In New York, there's no duty to get the police involved except when there is an injury or death. You were supposed to exchange information with the other driver, but since he fled, I doubt you will be responsible for failing to do that.

If the combined damage (we'll say to your car since the other guy fled) is over $1000, then you're required to report to the DMV (https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf). within ten days.

 

[Zigner]

id call it failure to yield right of way myself

Whereas I'd call it an improper lane change.

 

[HighwayMan]

Whereas I'd call it an improper lane change.

No such charge in New York, there is however "unsafe lane change" which would certainly be appropriate it seems.