Location: Virginia, USA
I am in a really bizarre situation. Had a state trooper show up to my house at 6am on the 28th of September saying I was accused of being involved in a crash in which I left the scene on September 25th. The person reported that I switched lanes from left to right, and then immediately switched back and made contact with their passenger side. The person said I then pulled over to the shoulder, and when she pulled over, I took off from the scene. The trooper said that there is an “independent witness” that verified these claims. The other vehicle has significant damage (scrapes on its passenger side and a broken mirror) and the driver apparently went to the hospital.
The wild thing is none of this happened. There was not even a close call, and I do not recall even seeing her vehicle in traffic. There is zero damage to my vehicle, not even a scratch. However, I was absolutely where this “wreck” occurred at the time they said it happened. I do not know this lady, nor would I possibly have any mutual connections. From my perspective, it seems she just picked me out randomly which is what makes this so bizarre to me.
The cops did not charge me with anything and even though the investigating trooper stayed professional, I could tell that he found the situation weird as well. I assumed that since I have zero damage on my vehicle, that it was over and she would even potentially be charged with filing a false police report.
Fast forward to a few days ago, my insurance contacted me about a claim being filed. I explain the situation and send them a bunch of photos of my vehicle. My insurance said they will deny the claim, and agreed that this is a crazy situation. The agent said I should be prepared for them to file a lawsuit and to let them know ASAP if/when I get served these papers.
For what it’s worth, I have since purchased a dash cam but that doesn’t help me now.
Is this a situation where I need to hire an attorney, or is that on my insurance to handle? The criminal investigation for leaving the scene of an accident is closed. I’m just bewildered that this lady has not been charged with filing a false police report and now insurance fraud.
Any other advice is welcome and greatly appreciated. I do not think I left out any details, but feel free to ask any questions.
Edit: I am also aware that I should have hired an attorney from the very beginning for the criminal investigation and not talked to the police, but that’s my mistake.