I was driving a van for my university last night (I am a student) and accidentally backed up into a parked car. I did not even feel the impact of the van and thought at most I barely touched the other car. It was dark and I couldn't see any damage so I left. I later got nervous and checked the back of the van thinking that if there was any damage to the van then maybe I actually did damage the other car. There was no damage on the van so I thought nothing of it. Well, it turns out I did put a dent in the other car and I have been issued a hit-and-run with vehicle damage citation and a improper backing citation.
Would it be worth getting a lawyer to try do get these dropped? I realize now I should have stopped and done something but at the time I didn't think anything actually happened. I would never have left if I thought I had actually damaged the other car. I have never been in trouble with the law before.
Additionally, as I mentioned before this was the University's van. I do not have insurance (as I don't have my own car) but the school's van was obviously insured. Was it necessary for me to have additional insurance? Nobody ever mentioned it before.
Lastly, I never received proper training on driving the van. The person who was supposed to administer the training did not feel like doing it and just passed me without a test. Can I use this to my advantage?
Would it be cheaper to just pay the fines and accept the consequences or to hire a lawyer for this. I am more worried about having a criminal record and future insurance fees than the money itself. I apologize for the lengthy thread, but I am very new to this. Thanks a lot for your help.
Thanks again,
Kretow
Would it be worth getting a lawyer to try do get these dropped? I realize now I should have stopped and done something but at the time I didn't think anything actually happened. I would never have left if I thought I had actually damaged the other car. I have never been in trouble with the law before.
Additionally, as I mentioned before this was the University's van. I do not have insurance (as I don't have my own car) but the school's van was obviously insured. Was it necessary for me to have additional insurance? Nobody ever mentioned it before.
Lastly, I never received proper training on driving the van. The person who was supposed to administer the training did not feel like doing it and just passed me without a test. Can I use this to my advantage?
Would it be cheaper to just pay the fines and accept the consequences or to hire a lawyer for this. I am more worried about having a criminal record and future insurance fees than the money itself. I apologize for the lengthy thread, but I am very new to this. Thanks a lot for your help.
Thanks again,
Kretow
