Q: Can you sue someone and also press criminal charges if they negligently caused a car accident?
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- Maryland
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A: Yes. You can certainly file a civil suit. The choice to pursue criminal charges depends on the facts, but the choice is ultimately up to the State.
A:
It's up to the police to charge. Assuming they came to the scene they will charge or not as they see fit. You can't get them to press charges. Violations of the laws of traffic don't result in criminal charges--but in traffic citations--unless the person is drunk or engages in vehicular manslaughter.
You should be addressing these questions to a member of the Md.Assn for Justice which is who you'd want to contact as they give free consultations. Direct your energies to making a good case for your injuries against the other driver.
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A: Of course. You really can't "press criminal charges" in a case like this. You can seek criminal charges but that is a decision for the police and the prosecutors.
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