Glen Burnie, MD asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Maryland

Q: Can I sue a driver hitting my parked car and run off but was caught and went back to the scene?

The driver hit my parked car and ran off but was caught by our neighbor when he chased him and convinced him to go back to the scene which he did. The police arrived and found out that the driver apparently has a suspended license. Insurance company said that that most likely will happened is for his insurance company to pay for repairs. Do I deserve addition compensation since the value of my vehicle will drastically go down and if he or his insurance company refuse, can I sue the driver that hit me?

2 Lawyer Answers
Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Towson, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: depending on the age of your vehicle and the extent of the property damage, you may have a civil claim against the opposing individual for diminution of your vehicles value. however, you have not provided sufficient information to comment on whether it is worthwhile to pursue such a claim.

Eric Todd Kirk
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: If his insurance company refuses payment or if you can't come to reasonable terms, you can sue the other driver. You may be able to make a claim for the diminished value of your automobile if you have evidence that the vehicle is worth less then it would otherwise be after having been wrecked and repaired.

Lee Eidelberg agrees with this answer

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