Auto Insurance Claims: Car Accident in Parking Lot, notory, stationary object

Question
Hello,
I'm hoping I can get some answers about an incident that happened to me last week in a local mall parking lot. I was backing out of a spot when I bumped into a car that was parked perpendicular in the aisle (the girl was waiting for her friend to get something out of her car). My rear bumper hit her rear driver side bumper. My car has absolutely no damage to it however, her bumper is a bit off (nothing horrible). At first, I assumed that it was my fault because I was backing up but now everyone that I spoken to says she was illegally parked that way in a parking aisle. She is wanting me to pay $400 to get this very minor damage fixed and she also refuses to get more than just 1 quote which has me questioning my fault in all of this. I'm hoping someone can give me advise as to who is more at fault or what recourse I have? There was no police report filed. All suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Any time you hit a stationary object, whether it should have been there or not, it is considered to be your fault.

As for the estimate, $400.00 is not very much. The bumper cover likely needs to be repaired and repainted and the price sound to be in line.

What you should do is to make up a final release form for her to sign at the same time that you give her a check. It should state that the $400.00 is full and final settlement of all claims arrising fron an auto accident occuring on or about (the date of the accident). You should have her sign the form in front of a notory who will also sign the form. This way shge can not come back for more money even if the cost ends up being more.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh