If I bumped my car door into the car next to mine when opening it but the owner said it was OK, can they later take me to court?
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If I bumped my car door into the car next to mine when opening it but the owner said it was OK, can they later take me to court?
It happens all the time in parking lots and it never leaves damage. However, the owner was there and examined the door but then gave me a thumb’s up as to say it was okay so I drove away. Yet, as I pulled out he took a picture of my license plate. Can he take me to court over this or will anything else happen?
Asked on January 30, 2016 under Accident Law, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Yes, he may sue you. If he can prove, whether by photographs, credible (that is, believable) testimony, invoices or estimates from repair shops, etc. that 1) you banged your door into his and 2) that some amount of damage was caued by that, he could potentially recover the repair costs.
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If there wasn't any damage to the other car from your door, then the owner of that vehicle does not have a claim against you.
If he took a picture of your license plate to subsequently claim damage to his car from this incident, refer the matter to your auto insurance company if you hear anything further about property damage to his car.
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