So a week ago I was leaving my bank and as I was backing out of a parking sapce I looked out my rear window and it was clear. I wasnt accelerating, just using the natural cars power as I rolled out of the space. When I was almost halfway out I looked off to the side to see if anyone was coming and it was clear. Then I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a Prius stopped sirectly behind me. As I hit the brake our cars tapped each other. Thinking it was a minor bump and being thankful I looked at the Prius and noticed the front bumper bashed in. My car had minor scratches that will cost just over $600 at a bodyshop. My question is could my car do this much damage? I think the Prius had prior damage myself, and if it was my fault I would admit it. It seems like a lot of damage for such a low impact hit, my car was barely scrathed, and the scratch marks dont even line up. Thoughts?

 

Its possible because front ends of cars are crumple zones so they get messed up pretty easy. But one question, how does the title relate to the story? I dont see a mention of insurance or fraud

 

I am being charged at fault and I believe the car had pre existing damage. She has liability only, so why not stop behind a Roush while I'm backing up and get your car fixed.

 

From the looks of it, you were backing up and turning right and she came from passenger side? If she hit you way on the driver side then you must have pulled almost fully? So it almost makes me think she wasn't paying attention much

 

what did the cop say?

 

When I lived in Kalifornia, the cops didn't write accident reports for stuff that happend in parking lots unless someone was injured as a result. You were backing out of a space, and are at least partially at fault. If you have witnesses (especially someone that doens't know you) that could work to your favor when dealing with the insurance companies.

Liability-only on a Prius?

 

The bank should have security cameras that would show the accident and if the Prius was already damaged.

 

My sister in law had a Pious, said if you looked at it crossed-eyed it would dent!

 

Here in Ontario Canada, a parking lot accident is considered 50/50 and owners pay for there own car damage. Don't admit to being at fault unless you really think you are. You fix your car, she fixes her own.

 

In the US, if you're backing up, generally you're at fault regardless of circumstances. Of course, that wouldn't include prior damage.

 

I was backing out of a diagnal space, she was coming from right and hit my drivers side which is my argument. I was out of the space pretty far.

 

Backing up doesn't make you at fault. This will most likely be a 50/50 fault by your insurance. The cop can put anyone at fault, but it's the insurance company who decides. She wasn't paying attention or was going too fast.

 

No cops its Cali and it was in a parking lot with no injury. Called the bank about security cameras, no help there. I was in the back parking lot away from building. I never admitted fault but my insurance comapny is determinig I am at fault. I have 30 days to appeal which I am going to do.

 

You were backing, you're at fault, end of story. Sounds like you can't take responsibility for backing into someone.

 

I can take responsibility if I'm at fault no problem. Tell you what, next time I see you backing up I'll speed up and ram ya. Your fault...end of story

 

In Florida I know that if your pulling out of a parking spot forward or reverse and you come in contact with another it's your fault, the law is parked vehicles don't have the right of way

 

But if you're pulling out of a parking space you're not a "parked" vehicle, you are in motion. Right?

 

Years ago, I was involved in a parking lot accident in which the lady behind me and I were both backing out and hit each other. The insurance companies determined I was at fault since it appeared that based on location of the damage on the cars that she was further out than I was and thus had the right of way. Personally, I felt she backed out very quickly and without looking at all but there was no way to prove it.

 

Based on past experience, the "striking" vehicle is at fault. In other words, you hit the Prius, based on what you previously wrote, so that is what the insurance company most likely based their decision on. If you had been stopped, and the Prius drove into you, that would put the Prius driver at fault.

As to the damage, it really don't look above and beyond what would have happened in this type of accident.

 

Cant beleive they didnt see you backing out of that spot, oh wait they are driving a Prius... Most likely your gonna have to bite this one.. Bummer for sure.