When a driver involved in an accident flees the scene, there are several essential steps to follow. The immediate action is to file a report with the State Traffic Inspectorate. This guidance is echoed by a legal professional interviewed for the program Behind the Wheel, namely attorney Sergei Smirnov.
Smirnov explains that once a formal application is submitted, the traffic police must open an administrative investigation. Within this process, the authorities determine the facts of the incident, record the damage to all vehicles involved, and identify everyone who participated in or witnessed the event. During the course of the investigation, the fleeing driver will be located and documented by the officers on duty.
According to the attorney, if the victim is not at fault for the collision, they are recognized as the injured party in the incident. The next step is to wait for the traffic police to forward the case to the court and for a decision that holds the culprit administratively responsible. This procedural timeline is key for moving the case toward a formal resolution.
After the administrative decision is issued, the victim can obtain a copy of the ruling. This document serves as the basis for contacting the insurance company to pursue compensation under compulsory motor insurance, often referred to as the minimum liability coverage required by law in many jurisdictions. [Source: Legal Expert]
If the at-fault driver does not possess a motor vehicle policy, the victim may still seek compensation directly from the responsible party. This typically involves arranging an independent vehicle inspection to estimate the repair costs or obtaining a repair work order from a trusted service center. The goal is to establish a verifiable cost for repairing the damage and presenting a concrete claim to the liable party. [Source: Legal Expert]
There are penalties in some regions for attempts to conceal or alter a vehicle’s license plate, including fines and the potential suspension of driving privileges. Instances of even harsher sanctions have occurred when the concealment was aimed at profiting from such acts. If an inspector suspects that the car is clean but the license plate appears obscured or dirty, there could be grounds for accusing the driver of deliberately hiding the plate. These scenarios illustrate how compliance with reporting requirements and license plate integrity matters in accident investigations. [Source: Legal Expert]
Earlier explanations from the attorney also addressed whether compensation under compulsory motor insurance is possible when fault is shared between parties. In cases of mutual fault, compensation may still be achievable, depending on the specific laws and the evidence presented during the claim process. It is important to review all available coverage options and engage with the insurer to understand how fault distribution affects compensation entitlements. [Source: Legal Expert]