Hagerstown, MD asked in Car Accidents for Maryland

Q: I hit the open passenger door of a parked car on the driver side who is at fault

Driver side was in flow of traffic

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2 Lawyer Answers
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Not enough facts to answer. Probably if the door was already open as you approached, so that you could have avoided it if you were paying attention, then you’ll be at fault. If the person flung the door open right as you reached them and you had no opportunity to avoid hitting the door, then it will be their fault. Anything in between those two scenarios can go either way, or even be part your and part their fault. If both of your negligence contributed in any degree, even 99% and 1%, then neither of you can claim against the other. Turn the matter over to your insurance company, and your and the other car owner’s insurance companies will sort it out.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: I hope no one was injured. If that was the case, reputable carriers generally resolve these types of claims without too much contention if they only involve property damage. If there were injuries and the stakes were higher, the carriers could look more closely at moving vehicle's speed, distance from parked cars, distractions, and Mr. Oakley's relevantly raised issue of the manner and timing with which the stationary vehicle's door was opened into the flow of traffic. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

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