Minor fender-bender, other driver screamed I was fleeing — now I'm scared about hit-and-run charges

Almost identical thing happened to me a couple years back. Minor sideswipe in traffic, I pulled ahead to a safe spot, other driver accused me of running even though they literally parked right behind me. I was terrified for weeks. In my case, the dashcam footage showing my hazards on and the short distance I traveled made all the difference. Do you have a dashcam? That's the first thing I'd check.

Not legal advice, but generally speaking, most hit-and-run statutes require intent to flee — meaning you knowingly left without making a reasonable effort to exchange information. Moving a short distance to a safe stopping point with your hazards on and the other driver following you doesn't really fit that profile. Leaving written contact info also works in your favor. That said, if police reach out to you, don't explain yourself without talking to someone first. Anything you say can shape how this gets characterized.

Watch out — if she files a claim, her version of events is going to be the first thing your insurer hears. Adjusters often just go with whoever calls first and sounds most upset. Get ahead of this. Call your own insurance company today and report it from your perspective before she does, or at least at the same time. Don't let her narrative be the only one on record.

Worked claims for years. The "hit and run" label gets thrown around a lot in minor accidents and it usually doesn't stick when there's evidence the person stopped nearby and attempted contact. The note under the wiper is actually a smart move — it shows intent to comply, not intent to flee. Keep a copy of what you wrote if you have one, and note the time and location you left it. That stuff matters if this escalates.

A few practical things: First, write down everything you remember right now — time, exact route you drove, where you stopped, how many times you approached her, what you said, what she said. Memory degrades fast and details matter. Second, check whether any nearby businesses or traffic cameras might have caught any of this on video. If this goes anywhere legally, your attorney is going to want that footage before it gets overwritten, which can happen in as little as 72 hours.

I know this isn't a physical injury situation but the stress from something like this is real and can mess with your sleep, appetite, all of it. Just wanted to say that's valid. Take care of yourself while you sort through the logistics — anxiety about legal stuff hits hard even when you know you didn't do anything wrong.

Genuine question — how long total were you stopped trying to interact with her before you left? Because "a few minutes" could mean a lot of things. And did anyone else witness any of this? I'm not doubting you, I just think those details are going to matter a lot if police or insurance get involved.

Honestly the fact that you turned your hazards on, stopped in the nearest safe spot, attempted contact twice, and left written info is pretty much a textbook "I tried to do the right thing" situation. That paper trail and your own conduct are going to be your best defense here. Most people don't think clearly in the moment like that.