Parking in a city street accident.

The car infront of me pulled in to a parking space. I drove on. The nose of his car hit the side of my car as he was readjusting. I though he had parked.
He was parking in an illegal spot outside of a gate, and behind him was an empty disabled spot. He was not disabled but intended to pull back to this spot.
He says it is my fault as I should have waited.
He did not indicate nor see me.
There was no witness'. He wants to go through the insurance. My side door will not open. His bumper has a scratch. He thinks it was my fault, I think it was his.
Who has the best chance of winning this case.
1. Shouldn't he look before he reversing?
2. His front bumper banged my side door.

Should we try and settle without involving insurance?