Am I at fault with the other driver parked illegally?

[berdeniafaye]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Calif.
I drive an SUV Jeep Cherokee which sits high up. I parked at 10:00 at night, in the last metered parking spot, on a major blvd. there was a red curb zone in back of me. A man parked behind me, so close as to squeeze in as not to hang out into the intersection. He was unloading his car , which was very low to the ground. With him parking so close to me, when I looked out of the rear view mirror, as well as the back window, I saw no one. And of course it was dark. I backed up into his car, with my Jeep going partially over his hood, & my tailpipe going into his car making a half moon image. There was no damage to my Jeep. Am I completely at fault if he was parked illegally in a red zone, and within 2 feet from me??
I appreciate feedback on this situation. Berdenia Broes

 

[ecmst12]

Yes you are 100% at fault for hitting a parked car.

 

[Zigner]

Since you have received the legally accurate answer, I will suggest that you invest in some sort of rear-view camera system to allow you to see behind your vehicle.
Next time, it could be a kid playing...

 

[VeronicaLodge]

and i'll add, first, didnt you see it before you got in your car?

and how fast did you slam on the gas? when I'm parked and start to back up, if something was that close, i would have "bumped" it and stopped before any major damage such as partially rolling over his hood and piercing his car?!