Can I still be held responsible for causing an auto accident even though I didn't realize that I caused it

Question

I live in Maryland. Today, I saw a 3 car accident. The only problem is that I didn't realize that I caused it. I am in a wheelchair and I pushing my wheelchair traveling to my house from a fast food place. There was a point where I saw 3 cars hit each other. I knocked on this one lady's window and told her that she had fluid leaking from underneath her car. After I did that, I called 911. When the police arrived at the location, I started to tell the police officers what I saw. Then this one lady said that I caused the accident. When the officer asked me what happened, the lady said that I was eating at the same time, I was traveling that road. Now, I'm not that stupid to do that. Can I still be held responsible for the accident even though I did not realize I caused it.

Answer 1

I can't figure this one out. let the police handle it.

Answer 2

Yes , you can be held responsible for an accident even though you did not realize you caused it .  For example, if you fell asleep at the wheel , caused an accident  and then woke up.

HOWEVER , in your story I see no reason to believe that you caused this accident.  The police officer should have told this lady to be quiet until he had taken your statement, and then he would take hers.

Answer 3

I'm not sure that I understand the question? Were you in a wheel chair in the middle of the road? If you were, I would ask, why? Every time I see a wheelchair outside, it is on the sidewalk. If you were in the middle of the street, I would think that you could be charged with the accident. Did I miss something in what you said?

Answer 4

You do not know what caused the accident.  It is the job of the police to figure that out.  Most people in an accident will tell the police any story that makes it sound like they were not at fault.

It would be nice if there were proper crosswalks, and sidewalks sloped so people with wheelchairs can cross safely & get onto sidewalks that are safe for them to travel on, but the reality is that most city infrastructures are such that wheelchairs have to travel on the public streets, shared with autos.

I have seen wheel chairs on the highways, where the back of the wheelchair has that big triangle to indicate slow driver, and the wheel chair operator giving hand signals which way they plan to go.

If you were doing that, and someone saw you, and suddenly slowed down, and someone else crahsed into the back, it was all the motorists fault for driving too hast for conditions, and following too closely.

If however, you left sidewalk, and went into street where it was not legal to cross street, that is like a pedestrian who jumps out into moving traffic.  They try to avoid you, cannot always do so.

Answer 5

Yes you could be help responsible and I have seen this many times before, you need to be more careful.............

Answer 6

I don't see how the accident was your fault. If the police officer didn't take down your license and insurance info, you should be fine.