Location: Seattle, WA. My son (17m) turned left out of a parking lot. He was blocking the sidewalk and a pedestrian walked into the street to get around his car and when my son drove forward he knocked him down. The pedestrian got back up and went into the store. My son followed to make sure they were ok. They spoke and everyone seemed fine and my son went about his day. No info was exchanged and no video was taking of their interaction. A picture was taken showing my son talking to them so there is proof it wasn’t hit and run. A few hours later the cops show up because the pedestrian went to the police station to report him. Apparently he took a picture of the car and they tracked us down via license plate. The cops want him to go into the station to answer a few questions. The cops say my son did everything correctly so shouldn’t have anything to worry about. My paranoid brain thinks he should have a lawyer there or at least speak to one first. Am I being too paranoid? What do you all suggest?
Comments
Get a lawyer
Report the incident to your insurance and see if they will provide a lawyer. They usually will not do so for an investigative interview but it doesn’t hurt to ask. And you have to report the incident anyway, since there is a duty to notify the insurance company of incidents that could lead to claims, and failing to do so can sometimes waive coverage.
I would not be at all happy about a 17 year old participating in this without a lawyer. Even if there is very little risk of charges, a civil claim based on BS claims of injury is quite possible. Granted, insurance should take care of that, but its just prudent to have a lawyer.
Yeah, I wouldn’t talk to cops without one. They’re free to twist things like you’re only going to answer a couple questions for our file to close out the report and actually use statements to use towards charging him with something.
I’d at least consult one on actions going forward.
Do not let your son talk to police without a lawyer.
He doesn’t have to talk to them.