Parking lot collision in California :(

[AVM1]

I was just involved in a very minor fender bender in a grocery store parking lot in California. I was parked in a coveted, front-of-the-store parking space and was backing up to leave and collided with a woman behind me, whom I did not see. As a matter of course, I always use my mirrors and look very well, twisting my head around so much that I always feel like Linda Blair in the Exorcist! I had no damage to my rear bumper/fender, but the other car did have very minor damage - a 2 or 3 inch scratch/dent. Well, this elderly woman went ballistic, and insisted on calling the police even though no one was injured and I gave her my info. the police were angry after they arrived, of course. I think she was eyeing my space, and started to inch forward as I was backing out so she was sure to get the spot. she claims she was stationary in an aisle behind me. Problem is, where she claimed to be was at least three cars lengths away from my spot, and it is not logical that I would have backed up so far. However, she got two witnesses and I have none. I think both are bogus busy-bodies, especially the woman who was parked beside me (and couldn't have possibly seen the accident) who was also elderly, and had some sort of vendetta against those who drive that are under 50 (i'm 48). This "witness" went to get the store manager for no reason other than to embarrass me, then called the police, and she said they were going to "take me to jail" just because I was arguing that it wasn't my fault! The other witness was a man who had been parked far away, and it would have been impossible for him to have seen where she was stopped, or was she truly stopped and not inching forward. She may have been stopped (foot on brake) but she was not behind me when I started to leave my parking sopt, and must have scooted up to be able to take my prime space. Does anyone know how this will be resolved? I have a very good driving record and have only a couple of extremely minor incidents in all my years of driving, and no moving violations or real accidents.

 

[PILawGirl]

Considering the amount of property damage it is not likely this woman would be able get a personal injury attorney to accept her case (not to mention parking lot accidents are no good) if she is claiming to be injured. I'm assuming that you have auto insurance, cases like these are a big part of the reason why people have auto insurance in the first place. As their insured it is their duty to protect you. That's why you pay your premium! If she made a claim against you through your auto insurance they will do an investigation, I'm sure her own auto insurance will do their own investigation as well. The investigation will most likely include a recorded statement to be taken over the phone from the parties involved as well as any witnesses. They will work together on coming to a resolution and determine what percentage each party is at fault. Did the police officer cite you for any violation? I'm assuming a report wasn't made because it was a non-injury accident. Unless they took a property damage only report. If the amount of damage to the vehicles is under $750.00 you aren't even required by law to report it to the DMV!