Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Financial Responsibilty for a rental care accident

I had a rental car that was used for a trip to Ohio. When I let my cousin drive it to go somewhere, he got in a car accident. the conditions of him driving the car at that moment was for him to accept responsibility for what happened while he was driving.

My insurance company paid for it leaving a balance of little over $1,000 which they want me to pay plus monthly monthly interest charges. My cousin is giving me the run around and avoiding me. I want to sue him for the full balance that is to be paid. Where do i stand legally and what are my chances of winning?


Asked on 9/23/01, 9:30 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: Financial Responsibilty for a rental care accident

If your cousin lives in MD, you can use the small claims court to bring suit for any amount less than $2,500.00.

You may have a claim for negligence against your cousin if you were harmed by his actions. Likewise, your claim be technically called "contribution" or "indemnification". However, in small claims court it won't matter so much what you technically call it, just make sure that you don't ask for more than $2,500.00. If you do you will be in the general district court where all of the formal rules of court apply. The small claims court observes fewer rules and is intended for people to represent themselves without attorneys.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

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Answered on 11/06/01, 8:17 am


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