Can I leave if there are no marks after hitting a car?
4 Answers
You cannot leave if there are no marks after hitting a car. The following steps should be taken after a collision occurs: Protect the accident scene: Protect the accident scene and send the injured to the hospital for emergency treatment. Call the police to report the incident, and let the traffic police intervene to investigate the accident scene. Conduct questioning and investigation: The traffic police will question both parties involved in the accident and conduct technical inspections of the vehicles. Based on the overall circumstances and causes of the accident, they will determine the liability. Once the liability is determined, the traffic police will issue an accident liability determination report and deliver it to both parties. The traffic police will also mediate between the two parties to reach a settlement. If the mediation is successful, both parties will sign a settlement agreement.
The other day I accidentally scraped someone else's car while driving, and there were no visible marks on the surface. But I knew I couldn't just drive away. The law states that you must stop and inspect after any collision, otherwise it counts as a hit-and-run, which can result in fines, points on your license, or even jail time for serious cases. Not to mention, the impact could damage internal components like the suspension or radar system—issues that aren't visible but can cause problems later. I had a similar experience once when a friend’s car later suffered steering failure due to internal displacement that wasn’t repaired in time. So, it’s best to stop, take photos, check the other vehicle, and exchange contact info—prioritizing safety and preventing future trouble. With so many city surveillance cameras now, the risk of fleeing is high. Don’t let a small issue escalate into a big one; developing good habits is the best long-term solution.
Even if there's no visible damage after a collision, you shouldn't just drive away. I believe it's basic decency to stop and check if the other party is affected—there might be internal injuries or psychological shock. Taking responsibility means having a brief conversation with the other party and documenting the incident to avoid future disputes. From an insurance perspective, concealing an accident can lead to disadvantages during claims, potential claim denials, or even accusations of fraud. I've personally experienced this—after a minor collision, handling it proactively led to an amicable resolution. Don't gamble with it; if complications arise later, repair costs could be higher, and your integrity could be compromised.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I'm telling you: even minor collisions matter. Low-speed impacts can damage the frame or sensors - the surface may look fine but internal damage compromises safety. I learned this the hard way in my youth and paid hefty repair bills later. Always stop to inspect both vehicles and exchange phone numbers as a precaution.