Possible Hit and Run

[WarrantSeeker]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Mississippi

I posted the following Friday, and nobody has responded. Why not? I'll be happy to confess liability and have the claim filed on my insurance, but I don't trust the police not to seek action against me if I try to find the other driver. I don't fully understand the law and what is required in these situations. Please reply.
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While backing out in a parking lot last night, I hit a black car I did not see and dented the door pretty badly. I pulled back into my parking space and called my friend to ask what I should do. A couple of minutes later, I look in the rearview, and I see the car pulling out and driving off, before I could leave a note. I guess they didn't notice the damage right away. I don't believe there were any witnesses. What should I do? Should I file a police report? I have insurance. If I file a police report, will I be turning myself in for a hit and run?

 

[ecmst12]

You are a bad person. And it's not a "possible" hit and run, it's a definite hit and run. You can contact the police and report the incident and hope the person you hit has already made their own report so they can pass on your information. You can return to the scene and see if you can find the same car. Or you can do nothing and continue to be a bad person.

 

[WarrantSeeker]

Oh I'll never be able to find the same car, and I didn't leave, he did! He ran! Are they going to arrest me if I call the police?

 

[Zigner]

Oh I'll never be able to find the same car, and I didn't leave, he did! He ran! Are they going to arrest me if I call the police?

You failed to leave your information at the scene of an accident. Same thing.

 

[ecmst12]

Had you still been standing there when he got there, like you should have been, you could have talked to him.

Arrest you? Unlikely, but possible. You will more likely get a ticket for leaving the scene and/or failure to pay time and attention.