Auto Insurance Claims: Car door hit in parking lot., parking lot accident, auto liability


Question
I was pulling into a parking space and hit the open door of the car next to me.  I say that she swung it open as I was pulling in and she says that it was already open.  I hit the edge (pretty much exact edge, no more inside than outside) of her door with the front of my car.  My car has no damage and hers has a small dent, but the door functions normally. Am I liable for her damage?

Answer
Yes you are.
If you had been pulling into the space with all due caution, a door opening in front of your vehicle should have been easily avoided. Someone actually operating/controlling a moving vehicle is always going to bear the majority of responsibility.  
A generation ago, this was common knowledge.
If it were a child running across the space, would you be writing me or caring for the child?

This type of accident has become common in recent years but it didn't used to be.  Folks need to start slowing down and exercising some consideration for the other people around them, especially when the people around them are in parked cars or walking through parking lots.