Open a parked car door while someone reversing

Jay351830

Hi there,

I was at my workplace and parked my car in a private parking next to our office (My car was parked at the L shape dead end). Before I leave my car, someone just drive really fast and stop next to me. (My car is facing the front and his car is facing the end)

I then opened my car door as I didn't aware that the driver is trying to reverse his car into another parking slot, as result he scratched his front car and right front light by reversing, my car didn't have any scratches though.

He said this is fully my fault and want me to pay 100% of the cost, claimed that the one who opened the door is always at fault. I don't quite agree with this as my car door wasn't really open towards a 'flowing traffic' and i didn't know he is trying to reverse into another parking slot.

I'm thinking to contact my insurance company but afraid that this may affect my premium next year since his car is a very expensive luxury car.

Quentin

You breach your policy conditions by not reporting this to your insurer


This leaves them the opportunity to void your policy and if a successful claim is made by the third party come after you to reimburse them their outlay

missile

Based on the limited information you have provided, IMHO you are at 100% to blame. Report it to your insurer, no doubt he will be reporting to his.

You do not want to have a disagreement over this, if he is a with a work colleague?

Jay351830

Hi Quentin,

He is someone from other office next to mine, I was told at first place that he will not go through insurance and check how much it will cost as it may be pricey for him to repair, so we could probably split it half.
But few days later he claimed that it's going to cost him £1,100 to repair and he wants me to pay 100% of this.
Do I need to inform my insurance company?

[Deleted User]

Jay351830 wrote: »

Do I need to inform my insurance company?

See post 2.

Jay351830

Hi Missile,

I thought I shouldn't be 100% liable to this since he should check his surrounding before he reverse his car. I also didn't know that he would reverse into another spot since he stopped his car next to mine.

Not sure if he informed his insurer as he said he wants to settle this without going through the insurance in the first place. Shall I still inform my insurer about the incident?

He is working next to my office and before this incident I barely had a chance to speak to him other than Hi and Bye.

Really upset that I would have to pay £1,100 just because i opened my car door.

shiny76

Jay351830 wrote: »

Hi Missile,
Really upset that I would have to pay £1,100 just because i opened my car door.

Thats why you have insurance. Notify your insurer and let them sort out liability.

[Deleted User]

Just to clarify, you had your door open and he was reversing into the space? That sounds like it is his fault.

Jay351830

DELETED USER wrote:

Just to clarify, you had your door open and he was reversing into the space? That sounds like it is his fault.

Hi Mojo

I will explain the situation in a more detail way.

This is a tiny private parking space which don't fit quite many cars in. The car park is a U shape car park which only have one entrance facing the north.

Entrance
A1_B1_C1
______ C2
A2_B2_C3
______ C4
A3_B3_C5

So all slot A and B are parked vertically and slot C are parked horizontally.

At that time A1 and A2 were occupied and no car was at row B + C4, so I was reversing my car into A3. While I was reversing, that car drive straight into the car park facing towards my car and wait at B1.

After I parked my car at slot A3, the car quickly stopped at B3 facing the dead end of the car park.

However, I wasn't aware that he is trying to get into C4 and reversed his car while I've already open my car door to leave my car, and his front car eventually scratched the edge of my car door.

I still feel silly why am I liable to pay everything, everyone that I asked said it is 100% my fault.

angrycrow

You opened your door into his car so you are at fault. You should have made eye contact with the other driver to ensure they had completed their manoeuvre before you opened your door.

You don't say what car he was driving but with modern led headlights the headlight alone can be over £500. Some mercs have headlights costing thousands. £1100 for a headlight and scratched wing could be a bargain depending on the car.

As you do not feel you are at fault I suggest you place it in the hands of your insurers. This is what you pay them for and you need to notify the accident anyway.

John_G_Jones

Jay351830 wrote: »

Hi Missile,

I thought I shouldn't be 100% liable to this since he should check his surrounding before he reverse his car. I also didn't know that he would reverse into another spot since he stopped his car next to mine.

He probably did check his surroundings, and saw a clear space to move into.

You, on the other hand did not check your surroundings and as a result opened your door into another car.

You are 100% at fault here, you did not see a who,e car approaching as you opened your door, so you need to let your insurance take care of it.