Is a door-scraping incident between two stationary vehicles considered a traffic accident?

[DiHeidi]

Two stationary vehicles scraping each other while opening doors is classified as a parking lot traffic accident, which falls under the jurisdiction of the police. Parking on the left side of adjacent vehicles in parallel parking spaces: This refers to parking your vehicle on the driver's side of adjacent cars in a parking lot. Since drivers naturally pay attention to not hitting other vehicles when opening their doors, parking on the driver's side can reduce the probability of your car getting dented. Whenever possible, choose end-to-end parking spaces: When given the choice between parallel parking spaces and end-to-end parking spaces, opt for the latter. This arrangement ensures that opening car doors doesn't interfere with neighboring vehicles and eliminates the risk of side collisions, effectively preventing damage.

[LeHeidi]

I've been driving for decades and have encountered similar situations. A scrape caused by opening doors when both cars are stationary is considered a traffic accident, especially on public roads like roadside parking spaces. Legally speaking, it involves property damage and requires reporting to traffic police for documentation and insurance claims. I once had this experience—opened my door carelessly and scraped another car, ending up paying compensation and receiving a traffic violation. The key is to develop good habits: park a bit farther away, check the rearview mirror and rear window before opening the door, and ensure no pedestrians or vehicles are passing by. Avoiding such accidents saves trouble, particularly during peak hours when traffic and pedestrians are dense.

[ONevaeh]

As a parent of two children, I am particularly concerned about parking safety. If a stationary car door scratch occurs near a school or in a crowded parking lot, it can definitely lead to a traffic accident. It might only cause minor damage, but it still requires insurance claims, affecting travel plans and time. There was once a scratch near my home that almost injured a passing student. I recommend choosing an open parking spot and teaching family members to look left and right before opening car doors. It's best to install blind spot mirrors and protective measures. Preventing small incidents can avoid major troubles, especially when going out with kids.

[DelStephanie]

I just got my driver's license and was curious about this. My instructor told me that even if the car isn't moving, door scratches count as traffic accidents because they involve vehicle damage and right-of-way issues. During driving school, we practiced door opening safety techniques, like checking blind spots first and then confirming with mirrors. Beginners often overlook this, but it's crucial for preventing accidents and insurance premium hikes. Remembering simple actions can ensure safety.