Saint Paul, MN asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota

Q: There is a bad snow storm happening with significant wet snow. I was trying to make the turn onto my street.

I was driving very slowly but there was no stopping, the car kept sliding on slusshy snow and hit the pole holding the street names. The pole tilted a bit. Not realizing how much damage had happened to my car, I drove the one block to my house. Now, I can see the extent of the damage and it is significant. I don't know what my next step should be. Do I call the police? Am I in trouble for leaving the scene? The thought to call police never crossed my mind until I got home because no one else was involved.

1 Lawyer Answer
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: You could call and check with police. Whether they want to respond directly may depend on the amount of damage to the sign pole. You may want to check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage, and whether they need a police report. They might not other than a hit & run hitting you. Minnesota law may require you to file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report depending on the amount of damage. You could check with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for more on that. Hope your day goes better!

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