Traffic accident - who is at fault?

[xCptMorganx]

Ya I know I [censored] up here. I was drunk and impulsive and wasn't sure what to do.

The reason I offered to pay was b/c I was only looking at my side of the situation:

1)I could have avoided it if I was paying more attention
2)I was drunk and didnt want to involve cops
3)I didn't think the damage was going to be as expensive as it is

I should have thought about it more but what's done is done. Now I have to figure out what the best play is from here. Maybe file a police report and he can get his insurance to pay for his and I'll pay for mine out of pocket.

[xCptMorganx]

Yes I usually look in the mirrors when I back up. In this case I shot a glance in the mirror and saw it was clear so I started backing up, prolly the same thing he did.

[daryn]

i always turn my whole head around when reversing. i can't imagine just looking in the rearview mirror.

[wet work]

I think in MD he would be at fault. It's called the "boulevard law." Basically any car pulling out onto the
road is at fault, even if the guy on the main street is driving drunk in reverse thru a redlight. FWIW, I've heard
that we are one of the few states w/ this dumb law.

I was in an accident where the retarded lady that hit me was clearly 'wrong'(breaking several laws), with a million witnesses, but I was still at fault because of this BS.

[NajdorfDefense]

[ QUOTE ]
As you originally guage, I too think this is your fault.

You cleared the driveway once already when you pulled up. Why would your roommate suspect that you would drive back past it again?

Since you had cleared, he probably figured he'd get out of the driveway and let you back into the driveway and then pull in behind you.

[/ QUOTE ]

[youtalkfunny]

[ QUOTE ]
i always turn my whole head around when reversing. i can't imagine just looking in the rearview mirror.

[/ QUOTE ]

I only use the mirrors. I've driven trucks where that's the only way to see behind you.

I'm positive that if OP was looking at his side-mirror and moving cautiously at the time approaching impact, he would've seen the other car.

Use the mirrors! If you can't see it, you can't hit it!

[youtalkfunny]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes I usually look in the mirrors when I back up. In this case I shot a glance in the mirror and saw it was clear so I started backing up, prolly the same thing he did.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is not "using" the mirrors. This is "ignoring the mirrors after an initial glance."

[L_Dude]

[ QUOTE ]
I think in MD he would be at fault. It's called the "boulevard law." Basically any car pulling out onto the
road is at fault, even if the guy on the main street is driving drunk in reverse thru a redlight. FWIW, I've heard
that we are one of the few states w/ this dumb law.

I was in an accident where the retarded lady that hit me was clearly 'wrong'(breaking several laws), with a million witnesses, but I was still at fault because of this BS.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the ruling. He's at fault. He is required to stop before leaving private property and ensure that public road is clear. This is the law in all states as far as I know.

[xCptMorganx]

[ QUOTE ]
This is not "using" the mirrors. This is "ignoring the mirrors after an initial glance."

[/ QUOTE ]

Ya I know...

[mooney]

You should split the costs.

But, the fact that you already said you would pay would make me feel obligated to pay if i was in ur situation.

If ur roomies cool, talk to him about it.