Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Maryland

Judgement- Co-Onwer Accident Property Damage

My 24 year old daughter was involved in a minor auto accident in August 2005, she hit a car in the rear at 10-15mph. Her car had a dented license plate and the gentleman's car did not have any damage. They agreed to just exchange names. There was no contact from the other party until late March of 2006, when a summons was delivered for a civil suit. The summons was issued in her name and mine, as car is in both of our names. I immediately filed a intent to defend with the court. I never received any further communication. Now this week I get a court document stating a judgement has been filed against me. I had nothing to do with the accident, nor had any opportunity to dispute. No-fault accident, if no fault was ever found, how can I or Am I liable? How can I resolve this? I have perfect credit


Asked on 5/12/06, 11:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Press Chung & Press, P.C.

Re: Judgement- Co-Onwer Accident Property Damage

The summons had a trial date on it (assuming it was Md. District Court). Once you file the notice of intention to defend, you still have to show up for trial. If you act quickly, you can file a motion to vacate the judgment, stating the facts you provided and an explanation of why you did not attend the trial. Your insurance should cover this, but it won't if you did not provide them with the lawsuit in time to provide a defense. It may help to get a lawyer to assist you with all of this - it would have been more cost effective to do that at the beginning.

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Answered on 5/13/06, 7:18 am


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