Hit and Run After Rear-Ending a Car

[killersoundz]

My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: Ohio

The other night I was following a guy that I signaled to him to pull over so we could have a talk at a gas station. He kept going and he ended up slamming his brakes on me (he's driving a brand new Honda and I'm driving an old honda with air in the brake lines) so he stopped really quick and I ran into him, leaving a couple marks on the cars back bumper that would probably buff out of the clear coat. He pulled into a gas station and I also pulled in, then he gets out of his car on his cell phone and I panic because he's obviously calling the police and I didn't know what kind of story he was going to try to tell them so I left. This is a guy that my ex girlfriend that I dated for 3 years (and lived together with 2) weaseled his way into my relationship. Her and I were just living together a week ago. I just wanted to have a talk with him and let him know how I felt about what he was doing, that it's just a disrespectful thing to do. I'm not sure what kind of story he left in his statement to the police but I can only imagine it's exaggerated as the guy doesn't like me obviously. The police came to my door the night that this happened apparently but I was dead asleep, it was like 4am. I got a call the next day from the state highway patrol and missed it, but I called them back and set up and appointment to come in tonight at 10 for a statement.

How should I handle this? I can only imagine the kind of fairytale this guy said happened and I'm not sure what I should do. I doubt they even have my face or license plate on survillence at the gas station, and I doubt he even got my license plate number. I think it's just speculation at this point that it was even me. Should I say that, or just give my side of the story?

[flyingron]

What kind of fairytale are you telling?

The fact your car is in disrepair is not an excuse.
The conjecture that you thought he might lie doesn't indicate any reason why you should break the law and run.
You'd be well advised to get a lawyer involved.
And by the way he bears no responsibility of respect from you, Keep away from him. You're just going to get into further trouble.

[cyjeff]

Yup... an attorney.

You turned a traffic citation into a felony by leaving. Not smart.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Probably a misdemeanor.

The bigger issue is that the other driver may have described the actions to the police as having been intentional, in which case we could be talking about assault charges.

[Klindsey54]

You should not have fled the scene. It doesn't matter that he slammed on the brakes, you rear-ended him. You may not have even gotten a ticket from the police for the accident. What you did is only a misdemeanor though and if you then reported the accident to your insurance company to have them take care of the damages, then the court would likely be more lenient on you.