Rideshare driver hit me, we agreed to handle it ourselves, now I have 3 tickets??

Oh wow, almost the exact same thing happened to me two years ago — other driver convinced me we didn't need to call anyone, then I ended up with a citation anyway. The camera footage is your best friend right now. I tracked down the property manager of the lot and got them to preserve the video before it got overwritten. Do that TODAY if you haven't already, seriously.

Not legal advice, but worth knowing: "leaving the scene" charges usually hinge on intent to flee, and a 20-minute mutual conversation in a parking lot looks nothing like that. The camera footage and your witness could be significant. These charges aren't a slam dunk for the prosecution. I'd at least consult a traffic or PI attorney before your court date — many do free consultations.

I'd be willing to bet the rideshare driver filed with his insurance company the same day he shook your hand, framed it however he wanted, and YOU got the blame. These guys know the system. Don't wait — notify your own insurance now and let them know you're contesting the citations.

Speaking from experience inside insurance companies: when there's no police report, adjusters fill in the blanks with whatever the first caller tells them. If he called in first and said you left the scene, that's sitting in a file right now shaping how your claim gets evaluated. Get your version documented ASAP — with your insurer, in writing.

A couple of practical things: First, write down everything you remember about the conversation in the parking lot — what he said word for word, the order of events, how long you were there. Do it now before details fade. Second, most courts allow you to plead not guilty by mail or online for a first appearance. Check your citation carefully so you don't miss a deadline while figuring out your next move. Third, these ticket charges and any civil insurance claim are separate tracks but they can influence each other, so it helps to have someone looking at the whole picture.

Please don't ignore the neck stiffness. I know you've got a million other things on your plate right now, but soft tissue injuries from side-impact collisions can take weeks to fully show up and they get harder to treat the longer you wait. Get seen, get it documented, and make sure your doctor knows it's accident-related.

This sounds incredibly stressful and honestly so unfair. You did what seemed like the reasonable, human thing to do and now you're the one holding the bag. I hope you have someone around you right now because this kind of thing can really mess with your head. Take it one step at a time 💙

Three things, in order: secure that parking lot footage today, call your insurance and report the accident today, and call a PI or traffic attorney today. I know "call a lawyer" sounds like generic advice but in your case the tickets alone could affect your license and insurance rates long-term. Don't try to navigate this solo.

Quick question — did the rideshare driver actually exchange any information with you before he left? License, insurance, anything in writing? Because if you drove away with nothing documented on your end, that's going to complicate your version of events a little. Not saying you're wrong, just want to understand what you actually have to work with.