You may assume the driver is the only person who can be responsible for a crash, but that is not always the case. Maryland law can also look at the passenger’s role in the vehicle. Here’s when that can matter.
When a passenger interferes with the driver’s control
You can face responsibility if something you do from the passenger seat interferes with the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Maryland law does not allow you to ride in a position that blocks the driver’s view or interferes with the driver’s control.
For example, reaching over and grabbing the steering wheel could affect how the driver handles the car and contribute to a crash. If your actions helped cause the collision, the other side may argue that you share some responsibility for what happened.
When the passenger owns the vehicle
Owning the car does not automatically make you responsible for a crash caused by the person driving it. Maryland once treated vehicle ownership differently, but the law no longer allows someone to rely on ownership alone to show that you controlled the driver.
If you own the car but someone else was driving, the other side needs more than proof that your name is on the title. They need evidence that you actually had control over how the vehicle was being driven or that something else about your role contributed to the crash.
Know when passenger responsibility may matter
If someone blames you for a crash even though you were not driving, you may wonder whether the law actually holds you responsible. A Maryland personal injury attorney can look at what happened, how you were involved and why the other side believes you share the blame. Getting that question answered can give you a clearer idea of where you stand.