Auto Insurance Claims: Backing up accident, parking lot accidents, parking stall

Question
I pulled into a parking space with my truck at night and realized I was to close to the car to my right. I immediately began to back up to pull further to the left. I hit a car that was backing out the the stall behind me it was not hard because I was not going fast but I cold not see his car out the back of my truck. I got out of my car and the other driver said I honked my horn (I did not hear it). He did honk as I had a friend who had also pulled into a different parking stall and was out of her car and heard it just before we hit. I believed I was at fault because he honked. She said she did not see either car put on their brake lights. There was no damage to my truck but his car had a ding about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long about as wide as a pin and just deeper than a scratch caused I believe by my receiver hitch. (I took a picture). We traded names and he called to say I needed to pay $470. My brother-in-law who is a policeman said he probably would have cited us both for improper lookout and assigned blame 50/50. I want to pay for what I am responsible for but now I am wondering if it is all my fault. What are your thoughts?

Answer
Hi Tammy,

IN this kind of situation it is difficult to assign blame. It is true that in many parking lot accidents where both parties are backing up, blame is assigned as 50/50.

You should explain this to the other driver and offer to pay 50% of the damage in exchange for a signed release form. If he refuses, you can either negotate a different percentage or simply refer him to your insurance company who will likely assing 50/50 liability.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh