'I'm About to Crash Out:' NYC Driver Hits a Car, Leaves a Note and $80. Then the Owner Sees the Damage
A New Yorker says he's 'about to crash out' after discovering his car was sideswiped in a hit-and-run—and the driver left behind nothing but a baffling note and a handful of cash.
In a viral TikTok, user @trappingfanatic appears to have just stumbled upon the aftermath. His car had clearly sustained a beating: deep scrapes ran along the driver's side from the back wheel to the front door. Paint was stripped, and panels were dented—the kind of damage that screams side-impact collision.
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The culprit was long gone, but they did leave something: a yellow note stuck to the back of his
Mazda
.
'Sorry I hit your car, I left [$]80. I hope that's good, sorry!' the note reads. Twenty-dollar bills are visible behind the note.
That was it. No name. No phone number. No explanation.
'I'm about to crash out,' the voiceover in @trappingfanatic's post says.
In a follow-up
video
, he doubles down on his frustration.
'He could've left at least $250 or a whole $100,' he says. 'I don't understand. He really left $80, bro.'
As of Tuesday morning, his original clip has racked up over 1.9 million views. Viewers are equally appalled by the disappearing act and the laughable payout.
What if This Happens to Me?
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If a driver sideswipes your car and takes off, like in @trappingfanatic's case, there are a few things you should do before losing your cool.
First, make sure you're safe and they're not coming back for seconds. Then
start documenting
. Take clear photos of the damage, any debris, skid marks, and the exact location of the accident. Keep anything the driver left behind—yes, even a ridiculous apology note with $80 taped to it.
Contact the police right away and file a report. The more details you can provide about what happened, where it happened, and what you found, the better.
Next
contact
your insurance company, even if you're not sure whether hit-and-runs are covered under your policy. Your carrier can guide you through the next steps, assess the damage, and help determine liability. They'll also review any evidence you've gathered, including the police report, photos, and videos from the scene.
These cases can get messy fast, and many
insurers
have deadlines for reporting accidents, so don't delay.
And don't stress too much about fault, either. If you didn't cause the crash, you shouldn't be held responsible. The at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover vehicle damage and any medical bills. Nearly every state requires drivers to carry some form of liability coverage.
If the damage is serious or if you were injured, it may be worth talking to a lawyer who handles car accidents. An attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with the paperwork, and fight for the compensation you're owed, even if the other driver is nowhere to be found.
Not All Accidents Are Alike
After a car accident, drivers should exchange names, contact info, and insurance details. For extra thoroughness, swapping driver's license numbers is also a good idea. And no matter who's at fault, always document the scene by taking photos or video and noting the location, time, and weather.
If you hit a parked car and the other driver isn't around, legal experts
say
you must leave a note.
But not the kind @trappingfanatic got. It should include your name, address, and a brief explanation of what happened.
If you're driving someone else's car, include the owner's information too. It's also smart to report the incident to the police to protect yourself legally. This makes it much less likely you'll be charged with a
hit-and-run
, which can be a felony.
Viewers Express Shock
Many commenters were stunned that the culprit left just $80, especially since the damage to @trappingfanatic's Mazda likely runs into the thousands. The entire side of his vehicle appears to have been damaged.
'80$ try 1800$,' one TikTok user wrote.
'At first I'm like $80 will cover that then it just got worse lol,' another echoed.
'It's not that ba- OH DAMN,' a third viewer quipped.
To make matters worse, this may have been a new car. On May 22, he posted a TikTok about car shopping.
Some urged him to take immediate action, specifically by calling the police.
'Delete, pocket the $80 and file a police report,' one user advised. 'I would turn into a detective asking to see street cameras.'
'Calling the police immediately and I don't even play like that,' another said.
Others zeroed in on the bafflingly low amount left behind.
'That $80 would have made me more mad,' one man wrote.
'I think buddy forgot a few 0s with that 8,' another joked.
Motor1
has reached out to @trappingfanatic via a TikTok comment and Instagram direct message. We'll be sure to update this if he responds.
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