Parked Car Accidents In Maryland

Parked car accidents can seem like minor inconveniences compared to more severe collisions. However, these seemingly minor accidents can lead to significant challenges and expenses, especially when the damage to your vehicle is severe.

The impact of a parked car accident in Maryland often results in considerable damage. While it’s true that no one may be inside the car during such incidents, the aftermath can still be disruptive. The repair costs for a damaged vehicle can be substantial, as the damage may sometimes render the car undrivable.

This can create a significant inconvenience, mainly if you rely on your vehicle for daily commuting or essential tasks.

Additionally, the financial strain extends beyond repairs. If the damage is extensive, you might face the cost of purchasing a new car, which can be a significant burden. Even if the car is repairable, the expenses associated with the repair and potential time off work while your car is being fixed can add up quickly.

Understanding your rights and options in these situations is crucial. While parked car accidents may not involve personal injury, they can still considerably impact your life. Knowing how to navigate the claims process and what to expect can help mitigate some of the difficulties that arise from these accidents.

Are Accidents Involving Parked Cars Always the Fault of the Other Driver?

In most parked car accidents, the driver of the moving vehicle is liable. When a collision occurs, and a police report indicates that the other driver is at fault, the claims process is typically straightforward. If the at-fault driver is issued a citation, this clarifies their responsibility, often leading to a quicker resolution and settlement.

Situations Involving Illegal Parking

However, not all cases are so clear-cut. Liability might be shared if a parked car is illegally or dangerously positioned, such as blocking an intersection or parking in a no-parking zone. In these instances, the parked vehicle’s improper placement could contribute to the accident by creating hazardous conditions for other drivers.

Consequently, the moving vehicle’s driver and the parked car’s owner may be found partially at fault, complicating the claims process.

Contributing Factors from the Parked Vehicle

Another factor to consider is when someone inside a parked car opens their door into traffic. This action can create a dangerous situation for passing vehicles and may contribute to an accident. In such cases, the fault may shift to the person who opened the door, as they failed to ensure that doing so would not cause a collision. This type of negligence can impact the determination of liability, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Importance of Evidence

Determining fault in parked car accidents requires careful examination of the incident’s specifics. Essential evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and the conditions during the accident, plays a critical role in establishing responsibility. While the moving vehicle is often held accountable, factors like illegal parking or negligent actions by the owner of the parked vehicle can influence the outcome.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the claims process and ensuring all relevant factors are considered. This understanding empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for your rights.

What Are Some Causes of Parked Car Accidents in Maryland?

Parked car accidents in Baltimore, Maryland, can arise from various factors. Understanding these causes can help manage and prevent such incidents. Here are some of the common reasons why parked car accidents occur:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents involving parked cars is distracted driving. Drivers engaged with their phones, GPS systems, or other distractions may fail to notice stationary vehicles. When drivers ignore the road, they might accidentally veer into a parked car, causing significant damage.

• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding or aggressive maneuvers, can contribute to accidents involving parked cars. Drivers who weave through traffic or make sudden lane changes might lose control of their vehicles and collide with parked cars. The lack of consideration for safe driving practices increases the likelihood of these accidents.

• Poor Visibility: Inadequate visibility due to poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can also lead to accidents with parked cars. When drivers cannot see clearly, they may misjudge distances or fail to notice parked vehicles altogether. This can result in collisions, mainly if parked cars are in areas with limited visibility or poorly lit streets.

• Parking Violations: Improperly parked vehicles can create hazardous conditions. For instance, cars parked too close to intersections, in no-parking zones, or blocking driveways can obstruct traffic and create dangerous situations for moving vehicles. Other drivers might inadvertently crash into these improperly parked vehicles, leading to accidents.

• Driver Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers are likelier to lose control or misjudge distances, increasing the risk of hitting parked cars. Their reduced reaction times and compromised judgment make them more prone to accidents.

• Mechanical Failures: Occasionally, mechanical failures can play a role in parked car accidents. A vehicle with a malfunctioning braking system or other critical components might roll into a parked car, especially if left unattended on an incline or in neutral gear.

• Inattentive Parking: Sometimes, drivers parking their cars might be at fault. If they do not check their surroundings carefully or fail to secure their vehicle correctly, it could roll away or move unexpectedly, causing a collision with other parked cars.

Understanding these causes can help drivers take preventive measures to avoid parked car accidents. Awareness of common risks and practicing safe driving and parking habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

What Happens If The Person Who Hit My Parked Car Fled the Scene?

Maryland law mandates that drivers involved in a car accident must stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. This requirement is crucial for ensuring all parties can address any damages or injuries resulting from the accident.

Specifically, Maryland’s law stipulates that drivers must stop at the scene, provide their name, address, and insurance information, and render aid if necessary.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Scenarios

In the unfortunate event that the person who hit your parked car flees the scene, the situation becomes a hit-and-run case. Hit-and-run accidents are severe offenses under Maryland law. The law requires drivers to remain at the scene and fulfill their legal obligations, and fleeing from the scene can lead to severe legal consequences for the at-fault driver.

When a driver leaves the scene without providing their information, they violate the law and complicate the process for the victim seeking compensation for damages.

Knowing the steps to protect your interests and resolve the issue effectively is essential in this situation.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Document the Scene: As soon as you realize your parked car has been hit, document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any debris left behind. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information and statements if they are willing to provide them.
2. File a Police Report: Report the hit-and-run incident to the Baltimore Police Department or local law enforcement as soon as possible. Provide them with all your details, including any descriptions of the fleeing vehicle or its license plate if you managed to catch it. Filing a police report is essential for documenting the incident and initiating an investigation.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run accident. Provide them with the police report number and any evidence you have collected. Your insurance provider can guide you on the next steps and help you navigate the claims process, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
4. Follow Up on the Investigation: Stay in touch with the police department to track the progress of the investigation. Law enforcement may use surveillance footage, witness statements, or other evidence to identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. Your active involvement can help ensure that the case remains a priority.
5. Consider Legal Assistance:  If you were injured and the investigation did not yield results or you faced difficulties with your insurance claim, seeking legal assistance can be beneficial. An experienced Baltimore auto accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with hit-and-run cases and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Potential Outcomes and Alternatives

While hit-and-run cases can be challenging, there are potential remedies available. If the at-fault driver is identified, they may face criminal charges and be held financially responsible for the damages. In cases where the driver remains unidentified, your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for repairs and other losses.

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident involving your parked car can be stressful, but knowing the appropriate steps can help you manage the situation effectively.

Documenting the incident, reporting it to the authorities, and working with your insurance company are crucial steps in addressing the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident.

What Should I Do If I Hit Someone’s Parked Car in Baltimore?

Accidentally hitting a parked car can be stressful, but knowing the appropriate steps can help you manage the situation correctly and minimize any potential legal consequences.

In Baltimore, Maryland, drivers involved in such accidents must adhere to specific legal requirements and take certain actions to address the incident appropriately.

Immediate Actions to Take

Stop and Assess the Situation

According to Maryland law, specifically MD Trans. Code § 20-105 requires you to stop your vehicle if you are involved in an accident, regardless of the circumstances.

As we mentioned, this law mandates that drivers involved in accidents must stop and provide their contact and insurance information to the other party involved. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties, including fines or more serious charges.

Provide Your Information

After stopping, you should provide the owner of the parked car with your name, address, and insurance information. If the car owner is not present, you must leave a note with your contact details on the vehicle.

Ensure that the note includes your name, address, and a brief explanation of the incident. This step is crucial for fulfilling your legal obligations and demonstrating your intention to address the situation responsibly.

Document the Accident

Take detailed photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the parked car. Capture images of the scene, including any relevant surroundings that might help illustrate how the accident occurred. This documentation can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or dealing with legal matters related to the incident.

Report the Accident

File a report with the Baltimore Police Department or local law enforcement. Provide them with all the necessary details about the accident, including the location, time, and any information about the parked car. This report will serve as an official incident record and can be crucial for insurance and legal purposes.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Provide them with the details of the incident, including the police report number and any evidence you have collected. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and help address any financial responsibility related to the damage.

Legal Considerations

In Maryland, hitting a parked car without stopping and providing your information violates traffic laws. MD Trans. Code § 20-105 outlines the legal obligations of drivers involved in accidents, including the requirement to stop and provide information.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious legal consequences, including potential criminal charges. In cases where you do not follow the proper procedures, you may face fines, points on your driving record, or even more severe penalties if the incident involves substantial property damage or other complications.

Follow-Up and Resolution

After addressing the accident’s immediate aftermath, it’s essential to communicate with your insurance company and any involved parties. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted promptly. If you encounter any difficulties or disputes regarding the accident, seeking legal advice may be beneficial to protect your rights and navigate the claims process effectively.

Handling an accident involving a parked car responsibly and promptly can help mitigate the impact of the incident and ensure that you meet all legal requirements. By following these steps and adhering to Maryland’s traffic laws, you can address the situation effectively and minimize potential complications.

Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland

Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference when navigating the complexities of a car accident claim. Attorney John Leppler brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of car accident law to his practice in Baltimore, Maryland.

Unlike large mega-firms, where clients often feel like just another case number, John is committed to providing personalized attention and is always available to address your concerns. His hands-on approach ensures you receive the dedicated support and clear communication you deserve throughout the legal process.

If you need expert guidance and a lawyer genuinely cares about your case, please contact Leppler Injury Law today for a free case evaluation to discuss your situation and explore your options for achieving the best possible outcome.