Pensioner convicted of hit-and-run: 750 euros for parking collision!

Pensioner convicted of hit-and-run: 750 euros for parking collision!

Unusual situations often happen unexpectedly, and sometimes you just don't have control over what's happening. This is also the case with the story of a pensioner from the Uckermark who now had to answer to a criminal judge. The reason? A harmless parking accident, which, however, led to the issue of a hit-and-run and really disrupted the senior citizen's life. As Nordkurier reports, the incident happened while parking when the pensioner lightly touched another car.

The pensioner, who has had his driving license for over 60 years, encountered a lot of traffic when turning. His wife instructed him and he said he was not aware that he had damaged anything. After the incident, he continued driving because his wife assured him that everything was fine. However, he was later alerted to the accident by another woman. Five witnesses confirmed that the vehicle was shaking, complicating the situation.

The consequences of a hit-and-run

The public prosecutor's office estimated the damage to the other vehicle at 700 euros. Although the pensioner tried to deny guilt and argued that the scratch could not have come from a collision, the legal situation was different. Hit and run, even with a minor scratch, can be considered a criminal offense. The legislature stipulates in Section 142 of the Criminal Code that hit-and-run can be punished with fines or up to three years in prison if a driver leaves the scene of the accident without permission.

In this specific case, a penalty order of 750 euros, corresponding to 25 daily rates of 30 euros each, was issued. However, the defendant objected. In order to clarify the matter, his defense attorney suggested that the proceedings be discontinued, which the public prosecutor accepted with a fine of 200 euros. The judge ultimately decided that the proceedings against the payment to the “Victim Aid State of Brandenburg” could be temporarily discontinued.

A less serious case?

It is not unusual to classify this incident as minor damage. According to Bussgeldkatalog, minor damage is typically damage under 750 euros. The pensioner can count himself lucky that the proceedings have now been finally discontinued, without an entry in the Federal Central Register. However, injured parties and witnesses who observe such an incident should always be aware that a piece of paper under the windshield wiper alone is not enough to fulfill the obligation.

Even though such parking collisions seem to occur frequently in crowded parking lots, it is advisable for everyone involved to immediately seek legal advice or contact their insurance company in the event of an incident. This way, when in doubt, you stay on the safe side and protect yourself from unpleasant consequences.