I carefully inspect the door mirror, then when it's clear, open the door
a little way, then the rest of the way and only *then* do I step out.

I know :) finally it'll come down how much pain insurance company wants
to give me ;) as if it's not a hassle enough already.

My insurance company, Geico, said, "from what you have said us, it's
not your fault". Ofcourse other insurance co. Nationwide, won't be so
quick to make a statement. I presume the other person is already
telling them "i was getting out my car and he took my door off!".

I called police because I didn't see we were going to resolving the
liability issue among us, plus, when both of us are in a rather bad
mood slight diagreement might lead to more arguement and heat up the
situation. But, the cop said, because no one is hurt and no one needs a
tow we'll just need to exchange insurance information and insurance co.
will handle the issue. They did not come to the scene.

The front right corner of my car hit his driver side front door. There
were no passanger in either car only us drivers. Fortunately no one got
hurt--it could have been some serious injury. The other persons door
was badly damaged, bent awkwardly and we were struggling to close that
door afterwards. But, it did not come off the car. His door, damaged
the right indicator of my front, badly damaged my right fender--needs
to be replaced, took my right mirror off, dented my front right
door--repair would do, put a minor dent on rear right door.

I remembered to mention the state because I was looking for any legal
document for the state that clearly specifies the liability in such a
case, but, I could not find any.

His door was so much into the traffic that vehicles coming from behind
that car were stopping, honking, and going around the door in turn. I
thought this was quite strong evidence that he opened the door into the
traffic. I am cursing myself for not taking some photos of where his
car was :(

Vehicle Code, Chapter 37, Section 3705 has wording very similar to
California's, and IMHO aligned with plain old good sense:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter37.pdf

Of course, lawyers can dine out quite well over the definition of
"reasonable" in this or any other issue, though if it happened just as
you describe (no complicating factors such as your driving abnormally
and avoidably close to parked cars, or under poor seeing conditions
without lights on, or distracted...), well, my personal opinion would
be, "Bet he looks before he opens his door next time!"

Depending on what problem you are trying to solve (cops decided you
were partly at fault and ticketed you too?  defending yourself against
the other guy's insurance company?  trying to get either his insurance
or yours to fix your car? pick one or more) you might find that a
consultation with a lawyer experienced in traffic affairs could be a
few twenties well spent, even if you  don't actually engage him or her
to represent you in any further action.

Good thing he merely opened the door and didn't jump out of the car
too!  (Also a good thing you were in a car rather than on a bicycle or
motorcycle -- this is referred to as "winning the door prize").

--Joe

Ahem.  How the hell are you supposed to get out of one of these cars with 2
bucket seats and a big console in the center with a stick shift pointing up
into the air inside the vehicle if you parallel park it at the side of the
road?  Izzat another one of those laws that cannot be obeyed so's the state can
make some more money off an impossible situation?

DPH