Would you fess up?

C

CarolfromTX

Senior Member
Location
Central Texas
Sometime in the last week or so, someone (pretty sure it was rhe neighbor across the street) backed into our mailbox. I know this because when I went out to get the mail, I found a bunch of silver plastic shards around the mailbox. Our mailbox is in a column made of limestone blocks (common in this neighborhood). There was a minimum amount of damage, a few chips and a black mark from the tire. Lucky, because I’ve seen mailboxes that were a pile of rubble after a collision. I’m not going to say anything because damage is almost nothing, and I know his wife has been in the hospital. Then yesterday I noticed he was driving a loaner, so it was probably him. I thought he might have said something like, sorry I hit your mailbox. But whatever. He’s probably embarrassed. I know I would be, but I’d still fess up, I hope.
 

He may not even have known he did any damage. As you say, he’s in a state of stress.

adding. I would have let you know too, maybe not right then if I were in a rush.
 

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Sorry that happened to your mailbox. Yes, I would definitely let anyone know I did damage to their property, no matter how minimal the damage.
Perhaps he was in a hurry, and unaware there was damage, but if he is driving a loaner.....I would bet he knew what he did.
 
Most people wouldn't fess up unless they thought they couldn't get away with it.
Funny story - a co-worker invited me to her daughter's 21st birthday party & they were also celebrating her engagement.
I arrived a few minutes early & decided to wait because there was only one car in the driveway. I was sitting in my car across the street. I reclined my seat a bit & turned on the stereo. It was starting to get dark.

A guy got into the car in the driveway & started backing out --too fast towards my car. I guess he wasn't looking & he hit the side of my car. Then he took off fast. I went after him to get his license number. After a couple of blocks, he must have noticed that the car he thought was empty was following him. He pulled over. The first (stupid) thing he said to me was, "I didn't realize I hit you."
I said, "Then why did you pull over?"
He said, "I don't know."
By then, it was too dark to see the damage. He gave me his information & we both left.
I went back to the party. I was chatting with people in the kitchen, when my co-worker says, "Hey, come & meet my daughter's fiancee."
YYYYYup, the fiancee was Mr. Hit & Run.
When I shook his hand, he looked both frightened & embarrassed. I didn't say a word; I just smiled.

He must have discussed the incident because later, at work, my co-worker asked me, "Why didn't you tell us what happened?"
I said, "Why spoil the party & maybe their relationship?" Then she gave me the same B.S. about "Ya know, if he knew he hit your car, he would have stopped."
Uh.....sure, you can slam into a car & not know it.
I said nothing; it wasn't worth the effect it would have at a workplace. I did think, "Hope they all live happily ever after." :ROFLMAO:
 
Jules said:
He may not even have known he did any damage. As you say, he’s in a state of stress.

adding. I would have let you know too, maybe not right then if I were in a rush.
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When you hit something with your car - even at low speed - you always feel it.
And, the point is, it doesn't matter whether or not you know there was any damage. A decent person would check and let the owner know so HE/SHE can decide.
 
He probably backed into your mailbox. He got out and saw your mailbox was okay, but he had damage to his car. From what you mentioned, he was probably looking at $2,500 to 5,000+ in damages to his car-that's punishment enough.
 
Sure, I would approach the neighbor and offer to make amends. But considering the damage is minor and he’s having enough problems, I would give him a pass.
 
Yes I would tell the neighbor. I once hit a car on the street with no witnesses and left a note. That’s why we all have insurance.
 
Yep I am a note leaver or knock on the door girl. My teenage son, just after he got his license backed out of our drive and hit the neighbors truck. It was normally in his driveway, the son's reason. This is why they teach you to always check in your rear view. YEA, Yea, sorry. Next time, he backed out he hit my car, got to pay the deductible and give up his car for a month. Has not backed into anything since. He is now thiry five.
 
I always get myself into more trouble, because I can't keep my mouth shut.. ''when in trouble engage brain, and say nothing if you can get away with it''.. should be my Mantra but it isn't.. to honest for my own good sometimes.. so I would definitely say it was me... :D
 
fuzzybuddy said:
He probably backed into your mailbox. He got out and saw your mailbox was okay, but he had damage to his car. From what you mentioned, he was probably looking at $2,500 to 5,000+ in damages to his car-that's punishment enough.
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His "punishment" doesn't compensate the victim.
 
Nope. Only because it is not normal where I live. Too many people have been harassed to replace things with minimal damage. A little paint and a chip? No way.
 

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