I stopped at traffic lights on my way to work and my foot slipped of the break and I rolled forwards and bumped the car in front (not a major bump), there was no damage to either cars and the driver in front drove off down the motorway so I carried on with my journey only to find that he had pulled over further down the motorway by which time I couldn't stop as it would have been dangerous for me and other people. What should I do? It has knocked my confidence, have been shaking all day and I am scared that the police are going to turn up and arrest me (I always fear the worst). Anyhow what should I do now, should I go and report it to the police saying that i was in a bump with a car couldn't stop as it was unsafe but here are my details if he gets in touch?
elliecat77 i suggest you follow your own advice after all honesty is always the best policy and if they do turn up at your door you've covered yourself.
i wouldnt lose any sleep over it , it was the other driver who drove off not you.
The chances are the police wouldnt get involved over such i minor incident especially when you say there was no damage.
Report it to your Insurance Co. Then if the other driver makes a claim, your ins co will have all the details to hand - The police are unlikely to be interested if no one was hurt.
The driver of a motor vehicle who has been involved in an accident and failed to stop and exchange particulars, has a duty to report the accident to the police within 24 hours. This 24 hour period begins from the time of the alleged incident.
There is no requirement for the motorist to report the accident to the police if he or she has stopped after the accident and exchanged particulars with the other motorist, or provided details at the scene of the incident.
think hard about informing your insurance co. at this stage, once done its on record and may end up in the pending file which could affect your no claims (until such time as its resolved) when your insurance comes up for renewal .
thanks everyone, I called the Police last night, got them to log the incident just in case (although he did say that I didn't need to as the other person had driven off) and he checked and nothing was reported and he was very kind, told me not to worry about it. In fact his words were 'you can breathe now, you don't have to worry.'