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Lily0222
Aug 19, 2010, 12:29 PM
Hello. There is a spot near the entrance of the parking deck and my office that isn't actually a parking spot, but many people use it as one (illegally). The other day, I was running late and parked there temporarily. When I came back an hour later to move my car, there was a note on my windshield stating that this person had just been in a fender bender accident because my car was parked illegally and that they had my license plate number and their attorney would be contacting me. My question is, do they have any grounds to sue me? I'm sure I could get a ticket for the illegal parking, but will I owe damages? Any help is much appreciated. This happened in the state of Georgia, by the way. Thanks!

twinkiedooter
Aug 19, 2010, 07:17 PM
I doubt you would be able to be sued successfully for their damages. Sounds like someone didn't take the time to proceed cautiously around your illegally parked vehicle.

P.S. Don't park there any more... ok? This way you won't cause any more accidents for other people.

Wait until you get the letter from the attorney to get worried...

Fr_Chuck
Aug 19, 2010, 07:24 PM
Was your car hit ?

Most likely there was no accident, it was most likely ( even a co worker messing with you) or someone who did not like you parking there.

And no in GA, the cars moving are responsible for the wreck, they are to take care. A parked car, even parked illegally will not be at fault.

Now in many cases, ( like Atlanta) they will boot you or tow you away. Happens many times a day for illegally parked

AK lawyer
Aug 19, 2010, 10:29 PM
... My question is, do they have any grounds to sue me? I'm sure I could get a ticket for the illegal parking, but will I owe damages? ...

Negligence per se (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negligence_per_se) is the theory they might use. Don't know how it is applied in Georgia, but the big question would be whether your parking there caused the kind of harm the parking prohibition was designed to prevent.

JudyKayTee
Aug 20, 2010, 03:38 PM
I'm a liability investigator but in NY. "Here" if your parking was the cause of the accident (it's a no parking zone because a car parked there decreases the sight line, makes the lane too narrow for a turn, something along those lines), yes, YOU are at least partially responsible for the accident.

What does your insurance carrier say?