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At the actual scene of the accident, one's ability to accurately measure elapsed time between events tends to be limited. I've since had the chance to review the time-stamps on the outgoing and incoming calls from my cell phone's call log:
11:34:02pm - I called 911 about the original accident
12:06:03am - I called my parents' house to arrange a ride later
12:58:17am - A CHP officer called following his visit with the other driver.
It actually took about a half hour for the CHP to arrive because my call to my folk's house took place shortly after she hit me and took off. I didn't bother calling 911 again because the CHP were already on their way anyway. So the cops interviewed the woman less than an hour after she'd hit and ran.
I've decided for the moment that what, if any, civil action I take will depend entirely on how cooperative she and her insurance company are willing to be. Since I happen to be a claims adjuster by profession, I already know all the rules, regulations, and time frames required for California's "Fair Claims Settlement Practices." I'd rather not have to go to court over this, but would have no problem doing so if required. As it turns out, my dad is also a claims adjuster (different company), so between the two of us, we've got access to a rather large selection of attorneys and experts.
I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt and forgive her (however undeserving of it she plainly is), but before I can bring myself to do so, she's going to need to make a genuine act of contrition by cooperating fully and not trying to change or story, delay the process, or any other nonsense. It's up to her, really.
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