What to Do When Your Car Is Scratched by Another Vehicle and They Flee the Scene?
4 Answers
When your car is scratched by another vehicle and the driver flees the scene, you should promptly report the incident to the public security authorities, who will investigate and handle the matter. The fleeing driver will bear full responsibility for the hit-and-run. According to Article 71 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' witnesses and other individuals with knowledge of the accident should report the incident to the traffic management department of the public security authorities or to traffic police. Those who provide truthful reports will be rewarded by the traffic management department. Additional information: 1. Article 91 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' states that the traffic management department of the public security authorities shall determine the liability of the parties involved in the accident based on their actions and the severity of their fault in causing the accident. 2. Article 92 stipulates that if a party involved in an accident flees the scene, they shall bear full responsibility. However, if there is evidence that the other party was also at fault, the liability may be reduced. If a party intentionally damages, falsifies the scene, or destroys evidence, they shall bear full responsibility.
Having driven for over a decade, don't panic when encountering this situation. The first thing is to pull over safely—never chase the fleeing vehicle to avoid greater danger. Note down the other party's license plate number, vehicle color, and direction of escape; it's best to include the time and location if possible. Then take out your phone and take clear photos of the scratched area and the surroundings to have solid evidence. Immediately call the police or contact local traffic officers afterward—they can check surveillance footage to track the culprit, as hit-and-run is illegal. After handling it, report it to your insurance company; the process is usually straightforward, and the photos you took can speed up the claims. Finally, when getting your car repaired, choose a trusted auto shop to ensure quality. Installing a dashcam beforehand is the most practical precaution—they're affordable and useful nowadays. My experience has taught me that staying calm can save you a lot of trouble.
As a young person who drives frequently, it's really annoying to get hit and run. My first reaction is to pull over to a safe place and calm down for two minutes, then use a mobile app to record details of the hit-and-run vehicle, such as the license plate number and escape route. Nowadays, many navigation apps can also help. Then immediately contact the traffic police to report the incident—they handle things faster. I'm also used to taking photos and uploading them to the insurance company's app to initiate the claims process with one click, which is much more efficient. Don't forget to check the car's condition; small scratches should be repaired promptly to avoid rust. Installing a good dash cam is key—high-definition lenses provide all-weather monitoring, so you'll have solid evidence in case of an incident and won't have to worry about disputes. By the way, adding a protective bumper strip during car maintenance adds an extra layer of protection. Stay calm throughout the process—life experience has taught me that acting impulsively won't solve anything.
I always pay attention to traffic safety regulations, and hit-and-run accidents must be taken seriously. After you stop your car, don't move it to ensure your own safety first. Record key information such as the other party's license plate, time, and location, and taking photos with your phone for archiving is very helpful. Quickly call the police to notify them, and they will investigate through surveillance. Just cooperate by providing testimony. Avoid private settlements. Legally, the fleeing party should bear full responsibility, so following the formal procedures is the safest way. When reporting to insurance, submit all evidence materials to ensure a smooth claims process. Afterwards, go to the repair shop to check for damages, and simple treatment can restore your car. I emphasize developing good driving habits. Driving slowly and maintaining enough distance can reduce accidents. Safety should always come first.
