My question involves an accident that occurred in the state of: Los Angeles, California
I am visiting the state of California from Ohio for an audition. My friend drove my car across the country so we could both make a road trip out of this opportunity. A week and a half ago when my car was parked in a less than pleasant ally with no cameras, I was outside with my friend when we witnessed a white truck back into the front of my car trying to leave. The guy in the truck got out, we both took pictures of the minor damage done to the front of my car and the back of his truck. He said he had insurance, him and I exchanged information, and we mutually agreed to not go through the police or our insurance. I was okay with this decision, because I currently do not have insurance due to suspension (hence why I have had other people drive my car here and driving me back to Ohio).
I thought I was doing him a favor by not raising his insurance rate and I allowed him to just send me money the following FRIDAY. I knew he was never going to get back to me, and it would pass. I was honestly okay with this because the damage was so minor and I already had a bump on the front of my car. We both parted on good terms.
I get a phone call yesterday from a deputy in Los Angeles who called me from a MOBIL gas station phone number and left a message of the office he is from and his name stating, "Yeah I got a guy here who says, I guess, you hit the back of his truck on the highway and agreed to pay him FRIDAY and you just never showed up to his house with the money. So get back to me or him soon before I have to write up a report on you for a hit and run."
Welcome to L.A. right? I am infuriated this guy is trying to get money out of me. I absolutely did not hit his car on a highway, how can this cop even think it was a Hit and Run if the other guy has my information because we clearly exchanged information. Based on the officers message, there is no report filed yet. I am returning to Ohio in the next couple days, the friend who witnessed it is staying in L.A. and I would prefer this case to be suggested to Civil Court, where he would have to sue me. I know he will lose considering I have a witness and I think he would have to come to Ohio to sue me? Do I have to handle this cop first even if no report was filed? What happens if I call the officer back, explain what REALLY happened, but I'm back home in a different state where he can't come and see the vehicle? Once hearing my side of the story over the phone, would the officer likely suggest to both parties to handle it privately? Should I call the officer back before I leave so he can look at my car in person where I can explain what happened or ignore the situation until the officer goes through with filing a report and the guy has to take me to court? Sorry for all the questions, my first time being in this situation and I don't want to look like I'm running from a violation. Thank you.

