Is it considered hit-and-run if the other party scratches my car and flees?

[HarleyAnn]

Is it considered hit-and-run if the other party scratches my car and flees: If a party scratches another person's car and then flees the scene, it falls under the circumstances specified in Article 3 of the "Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Specific Application of Law in the Trial of Criminal Cases of Traffic Accidents"; this constitutes hit-and-run. In the event of a traffic accident, if a party flees, the fleeing party bears full responsibility. However, if there is evidence proving that the other party was also at fault, the responsibility may be reduced. If a party intentionally destroys, falsifies the scene, or destroys evidence, they bear full responsibility. Scratching someone else's car and fleeing is considered a hit-and-run act. After a traffic accident occurs, any act of fleeing to evade legal consequences is considered hit-and-run. According to Article 70 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," in the event of a traffic accident on the road, the driver of the vehicle must immediately stop and protect the scene. If there are personal injuries or fatalities, the driver must immediately rescue the injured and promptly report to the on-duty traffic police or the traffic management department of the public security organ. If the scene is altered due to rescuing the injured, the original positions must be marked. Passengers, drivers of passing vehicles, and pedestrians should assist. In the event of a traffic accident on the road that does not result in personal injuries or fatalities, if the parties involved have no disputes over the facts and causes, they may immediately leave the scene, resume traffic, and negotiate compensation matters on their own. If they do not leave the scene immediately, they must promptly report to the on-duty traffic police or the traffic management department of the public security organ. In the event of a traffic accident on the road that only causes minor property damage and the basic facts are clear, the parties involved should first leave the scene and then negotiate. Article 71 states that if a vehicle flees after a traffic accident, eyewitnesses and other informed individuals should report to the traffic management department of the public security organ or the traffic police. If the report is verified, the traffic management department of the public security organ should provide a reward.

[AbigailDella]

Regarding the question of whether it counts as hit-and-run if someone scratches your car and drives away, I'll share some insights from the perspective of traffic regulations. According to the law, even in minor fender benders that cause property damage, the involved parties are obligated to stop immediately to handle the situation and report it. If the other party knowingly caused the incident but intentionally left the scene, it constitutes hit-and-run behavior. This isn't simply a matter of fleeing—once verified by authorities, it will be treated as a hit-and-run case, potentially resulting in license demerits, fines, or administrative penalties. Penalties vary by region, with some areas being more lenient towards minor accidents, but in most cases, reporting the incident will lead to accountability. I recommend that car owners immediately take photos for evidence, including collision marks and the surrounding environment, which can assist police in investigating vehicle characteristics and route trajectories, thereby preventing further personal losses. Remember to stay calm during accidents, avoid letting emotions cloud judgment, and prioritize the safety of your vehicle and others.

[Fred]

I've encountered a similar situation where my car was scratched while parked on the roadside, and the other party fled the scene. This absolutely constitutes a hit-and-run, and legally, the perpetrator must stop to resolve the accident. The consequences of fleeing are severe, and you'll regret not reporting it immediately. You should call the police, report the time and location, and describe the other vehicle's make, model, and color. The authorities can review surveillance footage to track them down. When filing an insurance claim, you'll also need to prove it wasn't your fault to get full coverage. The key is to preserve evidence, such as recording videos or taking photos of the damage details, in case the other party denies responsibility or is hard to locate. Hit-and-run offenders suffer reputational damage in society and are more likely to be reported, facing harsher penalties. I believe honesty is paramount—it's better to address minor issues openly rather than hide them. Car owners should also pay attention to parking habits, avoiding crowded areas to reduce such risks.

[OKyle]

It is indeed common for a car to be scratched and the other party to flee, which falls within the definition of a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run refers to the responsible party knowingly leaving the scene of an accident without addressing the damages. When handling such cases, the police will file a report, review surveillance footage, and gather witness statements. Even minor scratches that do not involve personal injury are still legally pursued as hit-and-run offenses, which may result in a record on file or fines and education. Proactively reporting the incident can help expedite resolution.