LogFAQs > #966191942

Beveren_Rabbit posted...

someone gives out fake info. now what? how are they going to be caught?

Depends. Let's say you hit me, give a fake name and insurance and drive off. If your license plate was on your car, I can snap a picture of that during the info exchange. They can track the registered owner through that. Same with the VIN number. Police show up at your house, and see your dented car that matches what I showed/described. Now, instead of a minor fender bender, you're on the hook for multiple misdemeanor charges and they can potentially suspend your license if you don't actually have proof of insurance.

People have also found hit and run drivers by taking a picture of their face and finding them on social media.

So... if you have valid insurance and a valid license, it's not worth the hassle of lying. Most people won't care about coming in contact with you, once they pass that info on to their insurance.

Beveren_Rabbit posted...

so you can call 911 for a police officer to be a witness even though there's no emergency?

Yes. And in California, highway patrol will show up, even for minor accidents, if it's in their jurisdiction (highways and unincorporated cities). Local PD might not show up unless there are injuries. Always better to have a police report for accidents. They will typically investigate and list someone as the primary cause of the collision. Super helpful for insurance claims to prove it wasn't your fault.