Question from a reader:
This is an urgent consultation. While traveling using a rental car, I accidentally hit a car while backing up in a supermarket parking lot. In a panic, I immediately got out to check, and there were no scratches on my rental car, and it seemed like there were no scratches on the other car either. I parked
in a different spot and met up with my friends, but I couldn’t get it out of my mind during the trip and was sweating nervously. It seemed that the other car did not have a dashcam, but I realized there were security cameras in the supermarket parking lot. After returning from the trip, I have come to understand the seriousness of the situation. I regret not contacting the police, but I thought it would be fine since there were no scratches. When I returned the rental car, no one mentioned any scratches, so I truly believe there were no scratches on the car I was driving. Could you please advise me on the following? – If I overlooked and caused a scratch on the other car, is there a possibility of being identified through the security cameras or the dashcam of the neighboring car? (I think my clothing and features would be captured since I got out to check immediately after the incident, but I was so flustered that I couldn’t thoroughly check for scratches on the other car.) – When can I expect to hear from the police? – Is there a possibility that I won’t get caught? (Do you think the police will take action?) – Should I contact the police now? Since I was traveling, the rental car company and the supermarket are out of the prefecture. I fully understand that I did something wrong, so I would appreciate it if you could respond in the gentlest terms possible.

What You Should Know After a Rental Car Accident

Unexpected troubles during travel, especially when you cause an accident while driving a rental car, require knowledge of the law to be a strong ally. From my own experience working in the entertainment industry for many years, I have faced various troubles. Among them, traffic troubles are one of the situations everyone wants to avoid. Therefore, I would like to discuss this urgent consultation from a legal perspective.

How to Handle the Accident Scene

First, let’s reflect on the situation you experienced. An accident while backing up in a supermarket parking lot. I completely understand the panic you felt. It’s difficult for anyone to remain calm in such moments. However, it is crucial to handle the situation calmly when an accident occurs. What would happen if you overlooked and caused a scratch on the other car? With the presence of security cameras and the dashcam of the neighboring car, there is a significant possibility of being identified. Especially in public places like parking lots, cameras are often installed, and footage from surrounding cars’ dashcams can serve as evidence of the accident. I also encountered a similar situation while driving with a friend. I lightly bumped into a car coming from behind, and while I was relieved that there were no scratches on my car, the other driver came to check later and said, “There might be a scratch.” In the end, we resolved it on the spot, but I was worried about how our statements would hold up if there had been cameras or dashcams.

Police Action and Contact

Next, let’s consider the contact from the police. Whether the police take action depends on the severity of the accident and the response of the other party. If there are no scratches on the other car or if they are minor, the police may not get too involved. However, if the other party claims any damage or if there is evidence of the accident, there is a high likelihood that you will hear from them. Generally, when an accident report is made, the police often contact you within a few days, but specific timings can vary by region. A friend of mine received a call from the police a few days after a minor collision. Thus, whether the police take action depends on the circumstances at that time.

Possibility of Not Getting Caught and Subsequent Impacts

Now, regarding the “possibility of not getting caught,” to be honest, it is better to assume that the chances are slim. Especially in public places, many people may have witnessed the incident, and with the presence of cameras and dashcam footage, the risk of getting caught is high. I have also been called by the police as a witness to a traffic accident in the past, and during that time, I realized how important video footage and witness testimonies can be. If the other party contacts the police, an investigation will likely take place. Records of the accident, witness statements, and camera footage will be examined. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the low likelihood of not getting caught and to prepare accordingly.

Should You Contact the Police Now?

Finally, regarding whether you should contact the police now, my opinion is that it is better to reach out as soon as possible. You understand your mistake, so it is important to consult the police with that sincerity. By talking to the police, you might avoid future troubles. Contacting the police about the accident can also provide you with peace of mind and is important for preventing future issues. I once consulted the police about a traffic violation, and I received kind advice. By honestly discussing my situation, my sincerity was conveyed, and I gained trust in return.

Conclusion

When you cause an accident, feelings of anxiety and urgency can spread within you. However, by handling the situation calmly from a legal perspective, you can lead to the best outcome for both yourself and the other party. From my experience, I feel that sincerity and calmness are the most important things. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation in the future, I recommend first calmly assessing the situation at the scene and consulting the police if necessary. The impact of an accident may be a fleeting event, but how you respond afterward can significantly change your future. As you take this incident seriously and strive to avoid similar troubles in the future, let’s acquire knowledge and act cautiously.