Q: I was issued a hit and run citation. I didn’t realize I hit the other vehicle in a parking lot. What should I do next?
I am prepared to repair the damage but I really had no idea it made contact. I knew I was close but didn’t tell or hear any contact. My car had a light scratch only. The other has a plastic 1/4 panel that will need to be painted and dent removed. I have no criminal or traffic infractions on my record. I am an up standing citizen. Can it be negotiated to a lesser offense? If the other party is satisfied can the charge be dropped?
A:
Only a North Carolina attorney could advise here, but your question remains open for three weeks. If you haven't already done so at this point, you could reach out to local attorneys to discuss handling of the matter (while at the same time looking into arrangements to cover the property damage claim). In any jurisdiction, it would be helpful for your defense attorney to be onboard with ongoing arrangements to cover the collision shop bill - whether you're handling it yourself, or treating it as a third-party claim through your carrier. You could search attorneys independently on your own, or you could use the tab above (Find-a-Lawyer) to search N.C. attorneys in your area. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
A: Every county handles these differently. In some, if the owner of the other car is made whole (i.e. if your insurance pays for the damage or you pay for it out of pocket) the DA will dismiss your case or reduce it to a lesser offense. It would be best for you to get an attorney in the county where you received the ticket, and they should be able to get this resolved for you. Nothing to panic over, but also not something to disregard completely.
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