Hit and run: A note under the windshield wiper is not enough
Created: 04/05/2022, 14:36
By: Janine Napirca
It is not uncommon for parked cars to be damaged when manoeuvring.
(Iconic image) © Erik-Holm Langhof/Imago
It is not sufficient to leave a note with contact details if you damage another vehicle.
Then you commit a hit-and-run.
If you leave the scene of an accident that
you caused
, you commit a
hit
-and-run .
The same applies if, for example, it is a question of an
unsuccessful parking maneuver
in which you accidentally damaged another vehicle.
Why is a piece of paper with your contact details not enough?
A report by the
ADAC
provides information.
Hit-and-run or hit-and-run is not a minor offence, but a criminal offence
Being stressed or on the way to an important appointment are no excuses for leaving the scene of an accident without permission.
According to the report, if you do not report the damage caused, you are committing a
criminal offense under Section 142 of the Criminal Code (StGB)
.
By the way, according to the legislator, sticking the contact details on a piece of paper under the windshield wiper is not enough to avoid a hit-and-run penalty.
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Injured parties are often left with the costs
If someone damages a car, then hit and run and is not caught by the police, the injured parties are often left with the costs.
Even
fully comprehensive insurances
only step in after the deductible.
In addition, according to the report, the no-claims discount also downgrades the victims.
Why is it not enough to leave a note on the car if you have damaged it?
According to the ADAC report, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident without permission.
That's why it's not enough to just leave a note with a phone number.
You can't be sure that the message actually reaches the owner of the car.
Here you can find out why the exact arrival time is not important for the parking disc.
By the way:
You can also commit a hit and run as a pedestrian or cyclist.
According to the ADAC, the type of locomotion does not matter if you have damaged a car and leave the scene of the accident without permission.
Here's what to do if you accidentally scratched someone's car or knocked off their side mirror
According to law, to avoid a hit-and-run penalty, you must:
Wait a
“reasonable time” for the driver of the damaged vehicle
.
However, the report does not give any information as to what time seems appropriate, because the legislator has not specified anything in this regard.
Report the
accident to the police
if the driver does not show up.
You have to reckon with these consequences if you commit a hit and run
Anyone who commits a hit-and-run is severely punished in Germany.
According to the ADAC report, you must
expect
at least two points in Flensburg
and a serious
fine if you hit and run.
In addition, you are threatened with a
driving ban
or even the
withdrawal of your driving license for no less than six months
.
You should also reckon with the fact that your motor vehicle liability insurance will recover up to 5,000 euros from you, and even up to 10,000 euros if you are under the influence of alcohol.
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