What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident?

The other day I was involved in an accident in a parking garage, but I had no idea that I had actually hit the other girl's car and so I kept driving. No one was injured and I guess she must have gotten my plate number because the cops found me and approached me today. He said that I might get a citation for leaving the scene but I might not and I have to wait until Friday to talk to the officer in charge of the case. In the case that I do get one, how heavy will my penalty be? The officer today told me that the damager on her car is not major, but not minor either.
Additional Details
I would also like to say that I didn't even feel a bump or hit, and my music was up loud and I didn't hear anything. The girl never got out of her car or honked her horn or anything either. I have no previous speeding tickets, traffic violations, accidents, etc. Is there any way I can get out of this by just paying for her damage? Is there any way the officer won't end up giving me a citation?

evolve_thinking

In most states you will be charged with fleeing the scene of an accident and/or hit and run. They may also try to uncover any other violations (insurance lapse, etc) if you do something to provoke it. The cops may understand that it was an honest mistake, but the fact of the matter is you caused damage to property and you will have to make resitution, plus pay at least one fine. If you have insurance, then expect to get penalized by them as well. If you don't have insurance, expect to get penalized by the state (some states it is worse than others)

matt k

Penalty is DEATH

Jason N

you gotta think about points....i think the points on a license do more dammage then you did...just for the fact that your insurance company will see it and most likely bump up your rates...but no jail time, court costs, its gonna cost you....maybe next youll get away ;-).....good luck....hope the punishment isnt to bad

Love always, Kortnei

There is a possibility of jail time depending on the state (I know that first hand because one of my friends intentionally drove off from an accident and had to spend some time in jail)....just do right by paying for the damage or getting your insurance to pay for the damage....you should be fine...if they decide to charge you try finding a place to do some community service at or if you're in school have teachers or professors or even your boss at your job write a letter about how well you do......

madracer74

As long as you can prove you didnt intentionally leave the scene, you should be fine. Just tell them that when you felt the bump, you thought you ran over a pothole. They cant say you're a liar

Jason

Either way, don't sweat it, you're definately going to do any time. Just make sure that you stick to your story. "Nobody was hurt, and Hell, I didn't even realize that I made contact with another vehicle." They'll go easy on you. You'll get a citation for leaving the scene which will probably be a ticket for about $250.00. You'll then contest the citation in district court at which point you'll plead "Not Guilty" and make your case to the judge. Show up at court, cleanly dressed, on time. Act respectful and you'll be fine. If everything goes as planned, you'll get out of there with a fine for about $50. You'll probably not get points on your license either, which is the essential point. No big deal.

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