Union City, NJ asked in Car Accidents for New Jersey

Q: Can I be cited for a hit and run after a car mirror tapped another with no damage?

A car was parked in the middle of the street, I beeped and the car didn’t move so I went past the car. Going 2 mph I squeezed through the car and the other car however my mirror tapped her mirror with no damage. I continued to drive being there was no damage. Can the person have me cited for a “hit and run”?

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Possibly and that is up to a judge. For example in NJ an accident requires damage and if $250.00 or more damage occurs by law if you did not report it you are presumed to have knowledge of the accident and can be issued a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident. $250.00 is a very low threshold and means even a scratch. If charged get a lawyer.

A: In the future don't try squeezing through.

If you didn't stop, get out and check, how do you know there's no damage?

You are unlikely to get a citation but if you do you need to not ignore it and contact an attorney who handles misdemeanor charges in the county where the ticket will be heard. Even though it sounds like a case that shouldn't be, the penalties can be significant so it's worth hiring a lawyer if you get cited.

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