Virginia Am I Guilty of a Hit and Run?

[Jennifer05]

I was pulling into a parking space yesterday and I hit the left rear fender of a parked, unattended vehicle. I got scared and left the parking lot. Later I called the police to report the accident. The police officer said that the report had been labeled as a hit and run because they found no notifying information at the scene but since I called in to do the right thing that he wasn't going to charge me with hit and run. I got the info of the lady that I hit and contacted her and exchanged insurance information. Insurance is taking care of the damages. Should I be worried about the police going back and charging me with hit and run or because I called and reported the crime within 24 hours of it taking place, does this mean that it should not be considered as a hit and run? I need some advice as I am scared that I will be arrested and sent to jail. This is my first EVER time getting in trouble with the law in any way.

[disagreeable]

Likely, as long as you pay for the repairs, the police won't pursue it, since it was on private property.

[mightymoose]

Yes, you left the scene without contacting the owner or leaving your contact information- the moment you left it became hit and run.
With the circumstances you describe it seems the officer simply facilitated the exchange of information and will not submit a hit and run offense.
Understand that it is not because you called within 24 hours. The officer, at his discretion, cut you a break.

[michelaw]

It does sound like hit and run case.