What should I do if I scratched someone else's car?
2 Answers
Methods for handling the situation when you scratch someone else's car: Do not flee the scene. You can contact the other car owner for compensation, or call the police to have the traffic police contact the owner to handle the matter, and then contact your insurance company for damage assessment. If you scratch someone else's car and neither the other party nor the traffic police have arrived yet, the car owner can first take photos with a mobile phone as evidence. Capture the scene of the collision between the two cars, including the license plates, and then move the car to a safe location to avoid causing traffic congestion. If you flee after scratching someone else's car, as long as the other car owner has evidence proving it was your fault, this minor accident will be considered a hit-and-run, and the consequences can be very serious.
Having driven for many years, when encountering similar situations, my first step is to immediately stop and assess the extent of the damage. If the owner of the other vehicle cannot be found, I leave a note on their car with my name and phone number, along with a brief apology. I take several clear photos, including close-ups of the scratches and the surrounding environment, as evidence to avoid disputes. Afterwards, I proactively contact the owner to explain the situation and discuss compensation options—for minor scratches, I might pay directly in cash or via transfer, while deeper damage would require a repair shop estimate and insurance procedures. Throughout the process, maintaining a sincere attitude is crucial; avoiding responsibility could lead to serious consequences like being charged with a hit-and-run. Finally, I reflect on my driving habits to prevent future incidents, as safety should always be the top priority.
