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Am I responsible for damage caused by a friend's parked car?

Am I responsible for damage caused by a friend's parked car?

Q: Can I call the police if someone parks in my driveway?

Yes, you can call the police if someone parks in your driveway without permission. This is considered trespassing, and law enforcement can help resolve the situation. However, it’s often advisable to try to contact the vehicle owner first, if possible.

Q: What to do if a stranger parked in your driveway?

If a stranger parks in your driveway, first try to locate the owner and ask them to move the vehicle. If you cannot find the owner or they refuse to move it, you may contact local law enforcement for assistance. They can help address the situation, as unauthorized parking can be considered trespassing.

Q: Is using someone's driveway to turn around trespassing?

Using someone's driveway to turn around can be considered trespassing if done without permission. Driveways are private property, and the owner has the right to restrict access. Always seek permission from the property owner before using their driveway for any purpose.

Full question:

My son's friend parked in my driveway, cause he ran out of gas. While he walked to the nearest gas station to get gas, his car was left in neutral and rolled down the driveway into the street, hitting my neighbors car that was parked across the street. When he got back, my neighbor asked the kid to exchange information as my neighbor was on the phone with the police. The kid asked my neighbor if they could just exchange information without the police involvement. and of course you can't do that cause it happened on city streets. Unfortunately, the kid made it look like he was getting the information out of his car, when he just drove off. Do I have responsibility to this matter? I'm sorry it happened to my neighbor's car, but my son really didn't know him that well. He just happened to use my driveway.

Category: Civil Actions
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

I cannot provide a legal opinion. Generally, in auto accidents, the owner or authorized driver of the vehicle that caused the damage, or their insurance, is responsible for the costs. A property owner where a vehicle is parked may only be held liable if they are found at fault in some way for the incident. In this case, since your son’s friend parked in your driveway and left the car in neutral, liability may primarily fall on the driver and their insurance, not you as the property owner.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Is it illegal to walk on someone's driveway?

Generally, it is not illegal to walk on someone's driveway unless there are specific local ordinances prohibiting it. Driveways are typically considered private property, so it’s best to have permission from the property owner before walking on it. If you have concerns about trespassing, consult local laws or a legal expert.