People have neither knowledge nor respect. If they did, these stories would never see the light of day. I hit some blokes BMW a few years ago in Melbourne. I took the ute home and walked back and owned up, paid for the damage and it was all good. I told him I'd be gutted if someone hit and run my vehicle, so it was the right thing to do.
I'm certain people have no idea what a sports mirror would cost to replace. I'm equally certain they don't care. It's unfortunate.