What to Do When Opening a Car Door Hits Another Vehicle?
1 Answers
If opening a car door hits another vehicle's door, the person opening the door is fully responsible. Of course, if it's just a scratch on the paint, you can negotiate a settlement privately. If you don't want to pay out of pocket, you can file a claim with your insurance company. However, note that filing more than two claims within a year may result in a premium increase the following year. Below are methods to prevent hitting another vehicle's door when opening yours: Open the door only after the car is fully stopped: Do not park in prohibited areas, and only open the door after the vehicle is completely stationary. Otherwise, you will be fully responsible whether you hit a person or another vehicle. Check the rearview mirror before exiting: The driver should check the rearview mirror before getting out to ensure no people or vehicles are passing by before opening the door. Of course, if there are obstacles or the passage is too narrow, it's not suitable to open the door. Open a small gap to observe: When opening the door, first open a small gap. You can use the hand farther from the door to gently push it while holding the door with the other hand to effectively prevent the door from opening too wide. This method is commonly referred to as the "Dutch Reach." Check the rear again to confirm it's safe before exiting.