I sideswiped two parked cars late at night
Maryland Jul 22, 2026
Im 18/F Location: (Maryland) and last week i was driving at night to pick up my dinner around 11pm so it was pretty dark. In my side door cubby/cupholder on my driver side i had a bottle that fell out and was rolling on the floor near my gas and brake pedal so of course i tried to grab the bottle so it wouldn’t interfere with me driving. As i was trying to grab the bottle i took my eyes off the road which is completely my fault as i should have pulled over to get the bottle. But i side swiped a parked unoccupied car and broke both of our driver side mirrors and dented both of our fenders, the other drivers car also had a bent rim and popped tire. I panicked as this was my first accident ever and im only 18 so i drove off and parked up the street for a minute to collect myself. I didnt have any paper or pen in my car to write a note so i went to pick up my dinner and went back home to write a note and return to the car to leave it on the windshield. I know i should have called the cops and reported it or called my family member for advice because i was just down the street from my house but i was scared and embarrassed because the damage was more than just a little paint swap. The owner of the vehicle contacted me and agreed to settle it without insurance and is being very understanding that mistakes happen but he also told me i had swiped his uncles car that was also there too which i did not see the damage on because it was dark and he has a video of me leaving the scene before leaving my information (because i didnt have a way to write anything down) and im worried the costs of the repairs for their car will be too much for me to pay out of pocket and my dad will have to end up paying thousands because i dont have it. I am also scared to go through insurance incase the guy gets upset and tries to report me for hit and run. I did not get any pictures of the vehicle’s unfortunately but im sure the guy will give me pictures if i ask. Im not sure what to do
