Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Auto Accident

Involved in car accident in DC. I reside in MD, other car involved resides in PA. Both given tickets. I was travelling straight and cited for passing a yellow light. She made a left hand turn into the intersection. Tried to avoid her but she hit the entire driver side including the rear passenger side also. Insurance company says we are both at fault. I appealed my ticket and just received notice that the ticket has been dismissed.

Is her insurance company now liable for repairing my vehicle? If not, can I file a small claims and where would I file it? Would it be in the District Court where I reside? Unsure, since accident was in DC and she lives in PA. Also, do I need an attorney, and if so, what kind since there were no personal injuries?


Asked on 8/08/05, 1:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: Auto Accident

Jurisdiction is where the collision occurred, that is Washington D.C.

The standards for civil liability (that is property damage in this instance) and criminal liability (that is for the traffic ticket) are different. It is possible that you could not be liable criminally but can be liable civilly.

A general practice attorney should be able to assist you. Due to the multitude of factors that apply in your situation, an attorney should be contacted if not to do more than perfect the insurance claim to final resolution so that you are sure of where you stand.

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the collision so that your rights can be protected.

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Answered on 8/09/05, 1:01 pm


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