Ask an Agent

Have a question? We're here to help.

Ask an agent for free

Question

Who is at fault if I opened my car door and it was hit by another driver?

I had just parked my car. I opened my door and another car pulled into the spot next to me, slamming into my opened door almost hitting me in the process. Are they at fault for hitting my door?

Nov 5, 2026 Dallas, TX

Answer

Author profile picture
The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Texas drivers who open a car door into another vehicle are generally at fault, though liability may be shared.


In situations where a car door is opened and subsequently hit, fault is generally with the person who opened the door. There are scenarios where both drivers may share liability and each situation is different, so it's difficult to say with any certainty where fault lies. Your best bet is to contact your insurance company and provide them with the other driver's insurance information as well. This way the two companies can work together to determine who is responsible for the damage.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

What happens if my parked car was hit by a FedEx truck?

I'm sorry you had this happen, I can imagine how frustrating the situation is! The short answer for what happens next is that it depends. Usually, the moving vehicle is found at fault for damage to a stationary vehicle, as you're required to be in control of your vehicle at all times. However, the …
Aug 13, 2024 Austin, TX

If I have an open claim on a totaled car, how do I handle the insurance?

There's a couple of things to think about. First, canceling the coverage on this vehicle will not cancel the claim. As long as the policy was active at the time of the accident (which it sounds like it was), you should be fine. Second, if your car is totaled, you can cancel your insurance if you a…
Jul 28, 2021 El Paso, TX

Is Cincinnati's underwriting strict?

Yes, it’s possible that Cincinnati Insurance asked more questions than other companies, and that doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your house. In many cases, it reflects a more thorough underwriting process.When insurers quote a homeowners policy, they’re trying to understand the ris…
Mar 12, 2026 Irving, TX

Fault when I was towing someone else's trailer

This can really depend on a number of things. Fault can only be determined by a claims adjuster who has reviewed the accident and any corresponding documentation. If you are at fault in the accident, your insurance will only pay for the damages you caused to the other car in the accident. The owner…
Apr 20, 2023 Indianola, IA