Who does that?

It was a good night.  Earlier in the evening I had successfully completed my first experience back in the classroom.  Unlike so many years before, I didn't even skip a class, fall asleep or leave early.  I was a dedicated student soaking up every bit of information that my teacher shared.  Joining two of my classmates, we stopped nearby for a pizza and to recap our shared experience of learning. 

It was a good time as we learned more about each other and the work we each do.  Saying good night and walking toward our vehicles, I was approached by a maintenance worker who pointed toward my car and asked, "Is that your car?".  I responded affirmatively and he quickly announced that I was victimized by a hit and run.

As I drew nearer to my vehicle it became clear that I had sustained significant damage to the rear end on the driver's side.  My first reaction was disbelief as it had only been six weeks earlier when I was rear-ended on the passenger's side coming out of a grocery store parking lot.  It took two weeks for them to repair the damage of that collision.  My second reaction was the thought of my tentative deal made two days earlier with the local Honda dealership.  That was history now.  No one wants a vehicle that has been in two accidents, let alone one. 

The maintenance man retrieved his supervisor and they both shared the story of the SUV that backed into my vehicle.  As they approached the man driving the SUV,  he floored it and sped away before they could get a good look at his license plate number.  I shared with them my thanks for their diligence and effort on my behalf.  As I spoke with these two gentlemen, I called the police. 

I happen to be one of those folks who have the police number memorized.  It's funny, don't know my own cell phone number but I have memorized the non-emergency police number.  Just one of the many benefits of being a hospitality manager is the frequency with which you call the police.  The traffic officer arrived shortly and took all of our statements.  Looking at my vehicle, he indicated that the SUV evidently had a trailer hitch as he said the hole in my bumper was caused by one. 

The officer indicated he had patrolled the parking lot just thirty minutes earlier and that he was going to look through his tape to see if he would notice the SUV.  He had the cruiser that has the cameras mounted on the trunk which is used to identify stolen vehicles.  As he reviewed the tape in his cruiser, it became evident that he had not driven the row where my car was parked.  Unfortunate but I appreciated his effort.

Why does someone hit your car and leave without informing you or calling the police?  What's that about?  I'm sure the individual had insurance.  South Carolina requires it and most drivers have it.  His risk in leaving the scene of an accident if apprehended would have been far greater resulting in fines and perhaps suspension of his license.  More to the point, why victimize someone.  Me, in this case. 
I have yet to have the car repaired.  I am sulking about it.  It is such a great inconvenience.  I have to arrange to rent a car.  I have to give up my car for probably two weeks.  I have to pay my deductible.  It just doesn't seem fair.  This is the second time I have been a victim of a hit and run.  The last time I was actually in the car when the truck sped away. 

I feel sorry for the man who hit me.  Maybe he thinks he got away with it and it doesn't bother him.  On the other hand, he may have panicked and now regrets his action.  Either way, he will have to live with the fact that he damaged my car and failed to report it.  For me, it's just a matter of having my car fixed.  For him, who knows - maybe regret.