Does Not Being Responsible After a Few Days of Scratching Another Car Owner's Vehicle Mean No Liability?

[LeAaliyah]

Regardless of how many days have passed since the scratch, as long as there is relevant evidence, the car owner can report to the traffic police department at any time and pursue corresponding liability. Therefore, if you scratch someone else's car, do not try to evade responsibility with a fluke mentality. You need to take the initiative to bear responsibility. Methods to handle scratching someone else's vehicle: Call the traffic police promptly to report the incident, explain the reason, and follow the instructions given by the traffic police department; call your vehicle's insurance company for the insurance personnel to handle the matter; if the driver is in a hurry, they can leave their phone number for the other car owner; if the scratch is minor, you can discuss compensation with the other car owner; if the scratch is severe, be sure to notify the traffic police department and the insurance company to handle the matter to avoid extortion. Consequences of fleeing after scratching: Fleeing after scratching is considered hit-and-run for vehicle damage. As long as a hit-and-run occurs, it can be determined as full liability. Fleeing after causing a traffic accident without constituting a crime will result in the traffic management department of the public security authority imposing fines or deducting points on the driver based on the severity of the circumstances.

[OLena]

When you scratch someone else's car, the responsibility doesn't automatically disappear after a few days. As an ordinary car owner who has experienced a similar situation, I believe the key lies in insurance and actual circumstances. Many insurance companies have reporting time limits; for example, in China, you're usually required to report the incident within 24 hours. Filing a claim beyond this period might result in rejection or point deductions, ultimately leaving you to pay for the repairs out of pocket. Legally, there are also claim deadlines, such as the 1-3 year validity period for civil claims in traffic accidents, but this doesn't mean you're exempt from liability after a few days. If there are witnesses or surveillance footage identifying you, you'll still be held accountable. I think delaying only increases risks, such as evidence becoming unclear or being charged with hit-and-run, which isn't worth the consequences. My advice is to stop immediately after an accident, take photos, exchange information, and contact your insurance—this makes resolution easier and helps maintain honest relationships.

[McElle]

From a legal perspective, you may not necessarily be exempt from liability several days after a car-scraping incident. Based on my consultation with a friend experienced in legal affairs, I learned that liability determination depends on specific circumstances and statutes of limitations. Typically, the statute of limitations for civil claims in traffic accidents is 1-2 years. For example, in China, if you fail to address the matter promptly, the other party retains the right to seek compensation within this period. However, this doesn’t mean you’re automatically exempt after a few days; if you’re found to have intentionally avoided reporting the incident, it could be deemed as hit-and-run, potentially resulting in fines or additional penalties. As a driver, I believe it’s crucial not to delay—promptly contact the other party or your insurance company as needed. Additionally, inspect your vehicle’s damage to prevent minor issues from escalating. Remember, the statute of limitations protects your rights, but proactive action saves both hassle and money.

[SamanthaFitz]

Last year, I accidentally scratched my neighbor's car while driving and didn't report it immediately to avoid trouble, only to be discovered a week later. As a result, not only did I have to pay for the repairs, but I was also criticized for being dishonest. Responsibility doesn't disappear with time; on the contrary, delaying can make things worse, leading to more disputes or insurance complications. It's advisable to take photos for evidence and exchange information right after an accident occurs.