Auto Insurance Claims: car door accident in parking lot, mini van, car door

Question
My son was pulling into a parking space, next to a mini-van which had just pulled in. The other driver opened her door and smashed the passenger door of my son's car ($1600 damage).  She claims he ran into her door, he says she opened the door while he was pulling in.  There is no damage to the front of his car or his mirror, only the door handle area of the front passenger door.  Will an adjuster see that the mini-van driver was at fault for not checking before opening her door?  Thank-you !

Answer
Hi Sue,

In situations like this, the adjuster will likely find the fault lies with both drivers. A driver has a responsibility to be sure the path is clear before opening a door. But a driver also has a responsibility to be sure the path is clear when entering a parking space. You will just have to try to negotiate the percentages of liability determined.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh