Hit And Run Reporting

Summary

Reporting a hit-and-run to the police is crucial, even without all details. Law enforcement can request footage from nearby cameras. Californias pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if partially at fault, but compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. Emotional distress and property damage can also be claimed.

Full Conversation

jacob
Hey Jacob! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I was involved in a hit and run and as I did not have a live recording camera am looking for something that can try and help me report my case to law enforcement. The person was in a vehicle and I was on bike so I also couldn't try and pursue them even though I was only clipped and didn't fall off my bike, merely lost balance and was pretty flustered. Anyway I am trying to locate cameras in the area that could have possibly recorded the incident or possibly getting a license plate.Aas of right now, the only store front I have located, which has a camera that might help is a Bank of America, and I feel like typically banks would have no reason to release footage of such.
Hi Jacob! Sorry to hear about the incident. Here's what you can do:
- Report the hit-and-run to the police immediately.
- Ask if they can request footage from nearby businesses, like the Bank of America.
- Check with other nearby establishments for possible camera footage.
Have you already reported the incident to law enforcement?
No I wanted to report it after I have the footage or better information on the car because without it I'm a sitting duck
Hey Jacob! It's really important to report the hit-and-run to the police as soon as possible, even if you don't have all the details yet. They can assist in gathering evidence, like requesting footage from nearby cameras.
Have you tried asking any other nearby establishments if they have cameras that might have recorded the incident?
I just said there's a bank of America with a cam that might have but don't know if they release footage to the public
Hey Jacob! It’s essential to report the incident to the police immediately. Law enforcement can request the footage from Bank of America and other nearby establishments. They have better authority to obtain such evidence.
Have you considered reporting to the police first and letting them handle the evidence collection?
no and the reason being when it happened I was running late to an appointment I had a lot of things on my mind and also I know how witness memory can be altered or misremembered so I'm nervous that it might show that I am partially at fault for the situation
Hey Jacob! Your concerns are understandable, but reporting the hit-and-run to the police is crucial. They can help gather evidence and your detailed account will be important.
One question: Are you comfortable providing the exact location of the incident so the police can focus on the right area for camera footage?
yes, but iu want to know what happens if the latter is true
Hey Jacob! If the footage shows you are partially at fault, California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Reporting the incident is still beneficial to establish the facts and gather evidence.
Would you like more details on how comparative negligence works?
but if I wasn't hurt mostly startled and a bit traumatized that they kept driving then what financial benefit do I have to gain?
Hey Jacob! Even if you weren't physically hurt, you might still be eligible for compensation for emotional distress and property damage to your bike. Reporting the incident helps document the event and can support a claim for these types of damages.
Would you like to know more about how to pursue a claim for emotional distress and property damage?
but wouldn't that require evidence
Hey Jacob! Yes, pursuing a claim for emotional distress and property damage would require evidence. Reporting the incident to the police is the first step in gathering that evidence. They can help collect footage and witness statements to support your case.
Would you like more information on how to file a police report or pursue a claim?
I feel like that would require more for me to do then its outcome which is only a percentage likely to happen
Hey Jacob! I get where you're coming from. Dealing with this can feel overwhelming, especially when the outcome isn't guaranteed. However, even if the chance of success seems small, reporting the hit-and-run can still be beneficial. It helps create an official record and might uncover evidence you didn't expect.
Would you like guidance on how to make the police report as straightforward as possible?
I want to know what would help me prove emotional evidence
Hey Jacob! Proving emotional distress can be challenging, but here are a few steps that may help:
- Medical Records: Seek therapy or counseling and document your emotional distress.
- Witness Statements: Gather statements from those who observed your emotional state after the incident.
- Personal Journal: Keep a detailed journal of your emotional experiences following the event.
- Police Report: An official record of the incident can support your claims.
Would you like more information on any of these points?