Hit the door of a vehicle while pulling into parking space.

by Dustin
(San Diego, CA, USA)

I was pulling into a parking space, the space was clear at the time of my entry. After I entered the space and was approximately halfway in, a woman opened the door of the car to the right of me.

I immediately braked and moved to the left to avoid the door, but I was already too close to the car to be successful in this. I hit the edge of the door. There is a vertical dent on my front bumper and her door is now dented and unable to close due to this.

I have uploaded pictures to show the damage.

Am I correct in assuming that because I was already halfway in the space she is responsible for not being more aware of her surroundings?

Her door was clearly not open when I entered the spot, you can see this in how her door was hit.


Answer:


Hello Dustin,

You are correct IF there is no dispute as to where you were. It will be hard for her to dispute your position as the only way you can hit that door is if you past at least the trunk area.

What this means is that the person opening a door must ensure no vehicle is coming and only open when it is safe, which she failed to do.

You tried to avoid, but when someone opens a door it is very hard, if possible to avoid.



As always, it is very important that you talk with a local attorney!
Good Luck,
Auto Insurance Claim Advice