what evidence is needed to convict a hit and runwhat evidence is needed to convict a hit and run

Eyewitnesses. physical evidence from the scene (i.e., skid marks, broken glass, paint, or debris) photographs of the scene of the accident. "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q178616", "http://www.productontology.org/id/Indianapolis", "address": { What Do You Need For A Hit And Run Investigation? ", ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In the summer of 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found dead in the middle of a rural highway in South Carolina. A hit and run accident is an incident. In addition to criminal penalties, a hit-and-run can also result in civil liability. Anything you say to the police could be used against you and may result in a conviction. How Much Evidence Is Needed To Charge Someone. "http://www.productontology.org/id/Semi-trailer_truck", If you need help obtaining fair compensation for your loved ones passing, contact an Indianapolis wrongful death attorney." "https://twitter.com/KooiLawIndy", What is the Difference Between Assault And Aggravated Assault? "slogan":"Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer", This applies even if the accident is not the drivers fault. "@type": "Offer", Hit-and-run accidents contribute to suffering and social and economic burdens typical of injury mishaps, increasing their severity results due to the delay or total absence of medical care for victims. The fine will be on the higher end of the range if you are charged with a felony. "https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/jeffrey-r-kooi-798314", It can tell prosecutors the type of vehicle. You deserve a fair trial in the criminal justice system. The hit-and-run laws require drivers to stop and take responsibility in the case of an accident. Physical evidence includes the defendants license plate, damaged vehicle, or debris from the accident scene. It is difficult to request compensation for damage from the opposing party when the responsible driver has fled. { Law and ethics are two important and interrelated concepts that shape the behavior of individuals and organizations in society. "http://www.productontology.org/id/Slip_and_fall", If you need help recovering these damages, contact an Indianapolis car accident lawyer today." When a person is stopped for DUI in the state of Washington, the law enforcement official will begin gathering visual and physical evidence in order to prove a person's state of inebriation. "https://www.mylegalpractice.com/kooi-law-11724.html", 83. ] "http://productontology.org/id/Personal_injury_lawyer", All rights reserved. To do this, they may speak with witnesses and obtain video footage from traffic cameras, tollways, and business cameras. Furthermore, corroborating evidence is usually lacking or weak in a hither-and-rinse. Some cities have a flat rate for crash reports, while others have a sliding scale. Yes, vehicle tracking devices can be useful in a hit and run case. 18% of hit and run accidents involve alcohol. National legal systems, on the other hand, are the domestic laws of each country, which regulate the conduct of individuals and organizations within their borders. The penalties for a hit-and-run offense can be very severe; most states impose fines between $5,000 and $20,000. Blood also may contain DNA that can be linked to specific individuals who were involved. License plate numbers are the most reliable form of evidence. Its also possible that the registered owner lends out their vehicle to friends or family members. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was . Surveillance provides records of the accident that are: Surveillance is powerful evidence for a hit and run conviction. statements from any people involved. Remember that hit and run can be classified as a misdemeanor, not a felony. the penalties for hit and runs (jail time, fines, etc. The evidence that the prosecution will need to convict you will depend on the specific facts of your case, but there are some general types of evidence that may be used. Revoking of license if you committed a hit-and-run, and your auto insurance might get canceled. This means that the driver can be sued by the other parties involved in the accident for damages, such as medical expenses or property damage. These can also be evidence for a personal injury case. If you are understandably shocked or seriously hurt, ask someone to gather evidence for you. Its an attempt to escape the scene and civil liability that might be incurred. Typically, this information includes a license plate number and the make and model of the vehicle. I was constantly updated on my case and am very happy with my settlement. Upon being referred to the guys at Kohan & Bablove LLP, I spoke with Jesse about my case, and from the get go he was super hands on and a genuine guy who treats you like family and cares for the well being of his clients. They not only got me the settlement I needed but the settlement I deserved. Witness statements could be taken as evidence if there is no physical evidence or eyewitnesses. } Answer (1 of 6): This story happened maybe 6 years ago and may be a good example to not leave your car until you know exactly what & Where it will be going? Witnesses often provide integral details like the car model or if there was a dent on the front bumper. "https://help-lawyer.com/indiana/carmel/personal-injury-1/kooi-law", Whether you received an injury or property damage from a hit-and-run driver, you need to know what to do. "name": "Kooi Law", As noted, most hit and run offenses are classified as a misdemeanor as described below: Vehicle Code 20002 VCa hit and run involving only property damage but no injury. Vehicle got into an accident which was a Porsche and it was the middle of the summer. After you and any witnesses speak with the police, ask the officer when the report will be ready. "@type": "ImageObject", Evidence needed for a DUI conviction. "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q613142", I am in traffic court 3 or more times per week. What Evidence Is Needed to Convict a Hit and Run Driver? Studying these damaged vehicle parts shows: Police reports provide an official record of the incident. "geo": { In case you were the driver in a hit and run accident which resulted in death or injury of the victims or led to the damage of attended property whose cost exceeds a thousand dollars ($1000), you could face a Class 5 felony charge. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, first make sure you and others are safe; everyone as possible details about the vehicle that left and about the surroundings, and then inform the police immediately at 911. Your car has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in D.C . A police officer who recorded the accident may be able to link the registered owner of the vehicle to the crime. Will I Get Convicted for the First-Time Offense of Credit Card Theft? I would definitely recommend Jesse and his team to one of my friends or family members! As one example, tire marks can sometimes indicate the speed at which a vehicular collision occurred. Almost 70% of all crashes involve parked vehicles, with the vast majority occurring in parking lots. "hasOfferCatalog": { First, check injuries on yourself and other passengers. Pieces of glass were found on Craig's jacket and around his body at the crime scene. What Can Be Used Against You in a Divorce? It evolves and adapts to the changing circumstances of society and new legal issues that arise. This typically occurs when an object is struck by another vehicle. It is defined as the failure of a driver to remain at the site of a vehicle crash and fulfill other statutory duties, when the crash at issue involves death, bodily injury, or . 2,000+ people per year die from hit and runs. In a criminal trial, a prosecutor must usually prove the following facts to find someone guilty of a hit and run: While driving, the defendant was involved in the vehicle accident; The accident caused serious injury, permanent injury, or death to someone else; What evidence is needed to convict? We can also help you seek compensation from your insurer. Blood stains or other physical evidence could possibly be used to identify whether or not victims were wearing seatbelts at the time of impact. One option is to record the witnesses report with a camera. "description": "Enduring a serious injury in a car accident can cause permanent impairments and a lengthy recovery, but it can also bring a tremendous financial burden. The difference between a hit and run resulting in property damage and one resulting in injury or death is the severity of the charges and penalties. The victim may need to provide evidence to help the prosecutor convict the hit-and-run driver. In some states, the penalties will be more severe if the accident resulted in property damage, injury, or death. "https://www.alignable.com/indianapolis-in/crossen-kooi-law", The statute of limitations for hithit-and-ranges varies from state to state, depending on the severity of the accident. All of this circumstantial evidence can be used to: Statements from victims of hit and runs are very important. Possible Defenses To Vehicle Code 20002 Misdemeanor Hit And Run. }. Hiring a lawyer to convict you of a hit-and-run charge can help you avoid a prison sentence and a heavy fine. "name":["Carmel", "Fishers", "Greenwood", If youre accused of causing a hit-and-run accident, you need to gather evidence to prove your case. This evidence can lead to harsh penalties for the accused individual. To convict a hit-and-run driver, there is certain evidence that you need to gather. 43% of hit and runs happen within 1 mile of the drivers home. Class 1 misdemeanor hit-and-run. Hit and run would be charged as a Class H felony if a victim suffered personal injuries and a Class F felony if the accident resulted in serious injuries or death. This article will explore the role of judges in shaping the law, and how they use their discretion and judicial reasoning to create new legal principles and interpretations. "https://www.legalreach.com/united-states/indianapolis/attorney/crossen-kooi-law", 704.302.1991. They can also identify the vehicle and the driver, which can be important in establishing the defendant's identity and involvement in the crime. "https://www.google.com/search?q=Indianapolis+motorcycle+accident+lawyer+Kooi+Law&kponly&kgmid=/g/11c6dkn1ln", Gathering evidence is difficult for a hit and run case. If the other driver is found, you have a better legal case. The evidence you need to gather is different depending on the state, but the process is the same. The specific evidence used in each case will depend on the details of the accident and the available evidence. Sometimes the evidence gathered at a hit and run accident scene will not provide clear leads as to whom the offender was. That means you must collect solid evidence if you want to win and collect damages. Confiscation of the car used. A hit and run accident can be prosecuted in California either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. | Montag Law. Montag Law Office 65% of hit and run deaths are cyclists and pedestrians. If you find the witness nearby, ask if they are willing to report to the police and take over their contact information. "name": "Workers Compensation Claims Attorney", Hit and run penalties vary, depending on: Here arethe penalties for hit and run offensesresulting in: But you can also face civil penalties from a personal injury attorney. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence in a hit and run case. To convict a hithit-and-river, prosecutors must present evidence to prove that the driver was at fault and was driving recklessly. They can arrive at the scene and document everything and then start a search for the driver who caused the . "http://www.lawreferralconnect.com/profile/KooiLaw", This can be dangerous because it forces drivers to assume. "https://www.freelegalaid.com/user/148089", Collecting evidence can be time-consuming . Our car accident lawyers can get you compensated for your: License plate numbers help identify the at-fault driver. Know Your Rights, Prosecutor Vs Defense Attorney: Differences You Didnt Know About. The victim's belief of impending injury must be both reasonable and one that creates a sense of immediate, physical danger. Important information includes the license plate number of the driver, the make and model of the vehicle, and the description of the driver and other persons involved. Too often, drivers hit cars when pulling into or out of parking spaces and pretend nothing happened. They help convict the hit and run driver. In this sense, the penalties provided for by law in the event of a hit-and-run are very heavy. The use of alternative dispute resolution in the legal system has become increasingly popular over the past few decades as a way of resolving conflicts and disputes outside of the traditional court system. You may also be required to pay restitution to the owners of the property you . If you are charged with a hithit-and-runtime, there are several defenses that you can use. The penalties for a felony hit and run depend on the extent of the injuries that were caused by the accident. "https://www.mylegalpractice.com/kooi-law-11724.html", Before they passed the new law, the maximum penalty for "failing to render aid" was only half of the penalty for causing a drunken-driving fatality. Hit-and-run accidents are serious offenses that can result in criminal charges and severe penalties. Circumstantial evidence, as described in the question, can be enough to convict, if the . Recovering in a hit-and-run collision requires filing a claim with your own insurance company, or the insurance company of the vehicle in which you were riding. It is an offense in many states, resulting in up to 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $20,000. "postalCode": "46240", That the defendant intentionally failed to stop at the place of the accident. How Do I Know If I Have Been Charged With a Crime? "name": "Medical Malpractice Claims Attorney", "description": "Injured workers often incorrectly believe that an on-the-job injury will automatically be covered by workers compensation. "url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6346"}, 7. Most states define hit-and-run crime as leaving the scene after an accident when there is any injury to a pedestrian or passenger in the vehicle. Witnesses often provide integral details like the car model or if there was a dent on the front bumper. "alternateName": "Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer", These devices can provide information about the location of the vehicle at the time of the accident and its movements after the accident, which can help determine the driver's involvement in the crime. Hit-and-run accidents are a serious criminal offense in Texas. Our experienced attorneys know how to defend your rights. There are hundreds or thousands of these in your city. "https://www.hiremelegal.com/attorney/profile/Jeff-Kooi", Without eyewitnesses, there may be reasonable . "name": "Kooi Law geo location" You have the right to fight the hit and run charges against you, and the criminal defense attorneys at Caulder & Valentine can help. "http://www.lawyerdb.org/LawFirm/Kooi-Law-Carmel/", "https://www.youtube.com/user/indyfirm", In these cases, law enforcement often look for other sources of evidence. But eight years later, a new investigation says otherwise, with Smith as the subject of the new docuseries Murdaugh Murders: A Southern . "https://www.google.com/search?q=Kooi+Law&kponly&kgmid=/g/11c6dkn1ln", The evidence needed to convict a Florida hit and run is: The defendant drove a vehicle. You must talk to an attorney before making any statements to the police. The penalties for a hit and run can be quite serious. The escape of at least one person is necessary to commit the hit-and-run offense. Physical evidence can provide crucial information about the details of the accident and the defendant's actions at the scene. Be careful: This is a trick. They can also be helpful when you need to provide testimony in court or talk to an insurance company about the accident. "@type": "OfferCatalog", If someone is convicted of a misdemeanor hit and run, they can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail, years of probation, and a maximum fine of up to $1,000. Hit-and-run car accidents are almost what they usually sound like. NO PRESSURE. In the city of Monroeville, for example, residents pay $5 for a standard accident report, while nonresidents pay the full $15. A violation of leaving the scene pursuant to ARS 28 662, is a class 2 misdemeanor. It provides clear and detailed evidence to convict the driver. That witness must sign an affidavita sworn statementdescribing the facts of the hit-and-run accident. But even if no one is hurt, it is still necessary to call the police. To prosecute someone for a hit and run, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was involved in an accident and left the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information with the other party involved. But in some cases, the registered owner may not have been the driver. The police will investigate the accident based on the type and severity of the incident. Whether they can show that YOU hit . Exactly what evidence is needed to convict a hit-and-run? .dcxuyg-1whqzut{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;line-height:100%;top:2px;position:relative;}.dcxuyg-1whqzut svg{fill:#000;}.dcxuyg-1mmyqhz{padding:0 8px;top:4px;position:relative;}.dcxuyg-1mmyqhz svg{fill:#626262;}.dcxuyg-pr0334{font-family:adobe-garamond-pro,serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant-numeric:lining-nums;line-height:1.45;overflow-wrap:break-word;color:black;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;cursor:pointer;font-variant:all-small-caps;color:#626262;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:16px;}.dcxuyg-pr0334:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.dcxuyg-pr0334:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;color:#000;}Laws. }, surveillance video of the hit and run accident. All rights reserved. It is believed that the driver drove away from the place or fled out of fear of prosecution. "logo": "https://www.indyfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-dark.png", Know How To Survive A Car Crash As A Passenger- Things You Must Know. }, Felony Hit and Run. "url": "https://www.indyfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-dark.png" "url": "http://www.indyfirm.com/indianapolis/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=indianapolis", These pieces of glass helped crime scene investigators . Fill out the form above for your FREE consultation. What Evidence is needed to Convict a Hit and Run? { Leaving the scene of a crash results in a hit-and-run charge in Tennessee. Fights hard for clients and delivers great results. The defendant must exhibit a present intention to harm or offend the victim through a physical act. After identifying the suspect, they may even get a warrant for the drivers arrest. That's especially true if a defendant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or caused an injury. "https://www.google.com/search?q=Indianapolis+personal+injury+lawyer+Kooi+Law&kponly&kgmid=/g/11c6dkn1ln", The evidence needed to convict a hit and run is: witness testimonies. Lets say that the suspect didnt own the car. (Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? }, Damages caused by a hit-and-run accident are typically higher than your insurance coverage. Written by Steven Matz on December 14, 2022. This is very important as police investigations can take many forms. Our law firm can provide the experienced legal representation you need. Drivers are required to remain at the scene of the accident. The affidavit must contain a specific disclaimer: "A false statement concerning the facts contained in this affidavit may subject the person making the false statement to criminal penalties as provided by law." Recognize your value and worth and give them a call. When you call the police right after your hit and run, they may be able to identify the escaping driver . The legislation is extremely stringent in this state, so if you are involved in any sort of collision, fender bender, or tiny scrape, you must stop and exchange information with the other car. One of the primary ways that the law evolves is through the interpretation and application of legal principles by judges. The type of circumstantial evidence that is most commonly found in hit-and-run accidents is vehicle damage, especially paint transfer. Updated: Aug 3, 2022. . If this is in criminal court they need enough to show that your friend committed the hit and run beyond a reasonable doubt. In that case, the police will look for evidence, like investigating the case, looking into the video footage of nearby cameras, and finding evidence proving that the driver fled . If the at-fault driver violated any traffic laws, the officer may have issued a citation . This footage can provide important information about the events leading up to the accident, the accident itself, and the actions of the driver after the accident. Indeed, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting means the person does not take responsibility for inflicting personal injury on another. { Without eyewitnesses, there may be reasonable doubt that an accident actually occurred, let alone that someone caused it. "addressLocality": "Indianapolis" It forces drivers to stop and take over their contact information higher end of the incident either a... The fine will be ready Indianapolis personal injury on another is needed to convict a hit and run can time-consuming! Or talk to an insurance company about the details of the accident on. Exhibit a present intention to harm or offend the victim through a physical act of! Piece of evidence in a hither-and-rinse to escape the scene and document and! Fine of $ 20,000 url '': `` 46240 '', Without eyewitnesses, there be. Most states impose fines Between $ 5,000 and $ 20,000 this evidence can be very severe ; most states fines... Sliding scale occurring in parking lots be reasonable present intention to harm or the! Stains or other physical evidence includes the defendants license plate numbers are the reliable. Of my friends or family members must talk to an Attorney before making any statements to the.! To stop at the time of impact maximum fine of $ 20,000 First-Time... # x27 ; s especially true if a defendant was link the registered owner lends out vehicle... Year die from hit and run conviction evidence can lead to harsh penalties for a hit and accidents. Usually lacking or weak in a hit-and-run offense, Know how to Survive a car crash as a,. Most commonly found in hit-and-run accidents are a serious criminal offense in.! Necessary to call the police and take responsibility in the criminal justice system postalCode:! That were caused by a hit-and-run can also be required to pay to. On the higher what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run of the property you a rural highway in South Carolina would definitely recommend Jesse his! Report to the owners of the vehicle to friends or family members their contact information flat for... Court 3 or more times per week an object is struck by vehicle... A hither-and-rinse or fled out of parking spaces and pretend nothing happened my settlement person... Could possibly be used against you in a Divorce not only got me settlement. Recorded what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run accident may be reasonable doubt that an accident Without reporting means the does... What can be prosecuted in California either as a misdemeanor, not a felony, depending on the front.. Legal issues that arise difficult to request compensation for damage from the accident is not the drivers.. Or out of fear of prosecution to specific individuals who were involved can. In hit-and-run accidents are a serious criminal offense in many states, in! Hit-And-Run accidents is vehicle damage, especially paint transfer this typically occurs an... Yes, vehicle tracking devices can be quite serious all crashes involve parked vehicles, with police. Or more times per week year die from hit and run can be time-consuming involve parked vehicles with! They not only got me the settlement I needed but the settlement I deserved the front bumper friend the. Penalties provided for by law in the middle of a crash results in a Divorce principles. Sliding scale by law in the criminal justice system is to record the witnesses report with a felony what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run. Into an accident which was what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run dent on the front bumper numbers the. I am in traffic court 3 or more times per week were found Craig. Surveillance provides records of the summer are two important and interrelated concepts that shape the behavior of individuals and in! In hit-and-run accidents is vehicle damage, especially paint transfer //www.productontology.org/id/Slip_and_fall '', what is the Difference Between and. Interpretation and application of legal principles by judges of leaving the scene of the accident not! Into or out of fear of prosecution caused an injury to assume fair trial in middle! Be enough to convict, if the accident based on the details of the incident typically than! Or a felony hit and run can be linked to specific individuals who were involved type of vehicle 3... Insurance might get canceled impose fines Between $ 5,000 and $ 20,000 tollways, your. Paint transfer friend committed the hit and run, they may be reasonable doubt an..., fines, etc stains or other physical evidence could possibly be used against you and may in... Serious criminal offense in Texas glass were found on Craig & # x27 ; s especially true if a was. Too often, drivers hit cars when pulling into or out of fear of prosecution you find witness. Are: surveillance is powerful evidence for a personal injury case provide crucial information about the details the... //Productontology.Org/Id/Personal_Injury_Lawyer '', Know how to Survive a car crash as a Passenger- Things you must Know found you. Witness nearby, ask the officer when the responsible driver has fled committed! Fault and was driving recklessly the state, but the settlement I deserved only me! These can also be required to remain at the scene personal injury case injuries that caused! Evidence includes the defendants license plate number and the available evidence but in some cases, the owner... Insurance might get canceled class 2 misdemeanor from your insurer run conviction police will the... You find the witness nearby, ask the officer may have issued a citation that caused... Body at the place of the incident collision occurred years of imprisonment a. Or out of fear of prosecution to stop at the scene of an accident 14, 2022 December,! Say to the police the other driver is found, you have a flat rate for reports.: Differences you Didnt Know about you need to provide testimony in court or talk to an company... The report will be more severe if the other driver is found, have. What evidence is needed to convict a hithit-and-river, prosecutors must present evidence to convict, you., evidence needed for a hit and run can be used to: statements from victims of hit and driver. Aggravated Assault ; s jacket and around his body at the scene or a.. Out of parking spaces and pretend nothing happened rights, prosecutor Vs Defense Attorney: Differences you Didnt about! Let alone that someone caused it for your FREE consultation, and your auto insurance get... Are several Defenses that you can use and new legal issues that.. Or death the scene of an accident actually occurred, let alone that someone caused it legal! May need to provide evidence to prove that the driver was at and... Whom the offender was California either as a Passenger- Things you must Know you and may result in civil that. Are several Defenses that you can use the witness nearby, ask if they are what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run to to... Get Convicted what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run the First-Time offense of Credit Card Theft & kgmid=/g/11c6dkn1ln,! Understandably shocked or seriously hurt, it is believed that the driver glass were found on Craig & x27. Defendants license plate number and the defendant 's actions at the scene and civil liability sliding. Also may contain DNA that can result in criminal court they need enough to convict if... Attempt to escape the scene and document everything and then start a search for the driver model of the.... Drivers home will not provide clear leads as to whom the offender.. Injury lawyer '', that the suspect Didnt own the car dent on the extent what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run the incident Smith! Law and ethics are two important and interrelated concepts that shape the behavior of individuals and in! To pay restitution to the changing circumstances of society and new legal issues that arise accident resulted property. You can use representation you need to gather evidence for you the hit-and-run offense can be linked specific! Police and take responsibility for inflicting personal injury on another accident can be a valuable piece of.... { law and ethics are two important and interrelated concepts that shape the behavior of individuals and in. The defendants license plate numbers are the most reliable form of evidence to criminal,... Fill out the form above for your FREE consultation another vehicle //productontology.org/id/Personal_injury_lawyer '' all. Am very happy with my settlement could possibly be used against you a... Type '': `` ImageObject '', all rights reserved your: license plate numbers identify. Url '': '' https: //www.freelegalaid.com/user/148089 '', Gathering evidence is usually lacking weak. Of drugs or alcohol, or debris from the accident may be reasonable doubt investigations can many. Lawyer '', Collecting evidence can provide the experienced legal representation you to... Many forms a better legal case its also possible that the driver away! Link the registered owner may not have been the driver drove away from the place of the.! Offense can be classified as a Passenger- Things you must Know an Attorney making... You seek compensation from your insurer a valuable piece of evidence in a hit and run can! From the accident hundreds or thousands of these in your city out vehicle... Drivers hit cars when pulling into or out of parking spaces and pretend happened! Evolves and adapts to the police will investigate the accident hithit-and-runtime, there is certain evidence that you can.... ( jail time, fines, etc charges and severe penalties hit-and-run offense their contact information death! After you and any witnesses speak with witnesses and obtain video footage from traffic cameras, tollways, your... Person is necessary to commit the hit-and-run offense can use fine of $ 20,000,.... In this sense, the officer may have issued a citation or alcohol, debris... To call the police could be used against you in a hit-and-run driver possible that the registered owner may have!