Failure to check mirrors or blind spots
Before opening a door into a bike lane or traffic lane
Dooring Accident Lawyer for Injured Cyclists
A dooring accident can happen in an instant. These collisions often throw cyclists into the door, into traffic, or onto the pavement, resulting in serious injuries. Dooring accidents are especially common on busy urban streets where cars are parked along designated bike lanes.
Although these incidents are often preventable, injured cyclists are typically left facing medical bills, time away from work, and disputes with insurance companies over fault. Working with a dooring accident lawyer can help protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and pursue compensation under California law.
REPORT A CRASH
These crashes often occur when a driver turns directly across a cyclist’s path, leaving little room for the rider to react.
What is a Dooring Accident?
A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision. The cyclist may strike the door directly or swerve to avoid it and crash into another vehicle, a fixed object, or the roadway. In many cases, the rider has little or no time to brake or change direction safely. Even at moderate speeds, the sudden obstruction of an open car door can result in a severe bicycle crash with lasting consequences.
California Dooring Laws
California bicycle traffic laws protect cyclists. Under California Vehicle Code section 22517, no person may open a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with traffic. This includes bicycle traffic traveling in a bike lane or along the roadway.
When a driver or passenger opens a door into the path of a cyclist without first checking for approaching riders, that conduct may violate the statute. A violation of Vehicle Code section 22517 can be important evidence in a personal injury claim arising from a bicycle accident. Establishing that the door was opened when it was not reasonably safe to do so may help demonstrate negligence and support a cyclist’s claim for damages.
Potential Injuries in a Dooring Accident
In dooring accidents, cyclists often experience a “double impact,” first striking the open vehicle door and then hitting the pavement or another vehicle. Because riders have little protection, these bicycle accidents frequently result in significant physical trauma, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and more severe head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and back damage, which may lead to long-term mobility issues
- Fractured bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, collarbone, ribs, and legs
- Facial injuries and dental damage from direct impact with the door or roadway
- Internal injuries and organ damage, especially in higher-speed crashes
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries, which can lead to infection and scarring
The severity of these injuries often depends on speed, traffic conditions, and whether the cyclist was forced into adjacent traffic after the initial impact. Proper medical documentation is critical when pursuing a dooring accident claim in California.
COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE DOORINGCOLLISIONS
Dooring bicycle accidents often result from inattention, haste, or a failure to recognize that cyclists have the same right to use the roadway. This can include:
Ride-share passengers exiting quickly
Especially in high-traffic areas, without looking for approaching cyclists
Drivers parking too close to or within designated bike lanes
Creating hazardous conditions for riders
Distracted behavior
Such as using a phone, talking with passengers, or focusing on navigation instead of checking for bicycle traffic
PROVING LIABILITY IN A DOORING ACCIDENT CASE
For a dooring accident case to be successful, the injured cyclist must demonstrate that the person who opened the door failed to act reasonably under the circumstances and that this failure caused the bicycle crash and resulting injuries. Evidence may include:
- Police reports documenting the incident
- Photographs of the scene, vehicle position, and bike lane markings
- Witness statements from bystanders or other motorists
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Medical records linking the injuries to the collision
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the cyclist was riding too close to parked cars or was partially at fault. Under California’s comparative negligence system, a rider’s recovery can be reduced by their percentage of fault. A careful legal strategy is often necessary to counter these arguments and protect the cyclist’s right to recover compensation.
What Kind Of Compensation Is Available?
A dooring accident can leave a cyclist facing significant financial and personal losses. A personal injury claim seeks to recover compensation for the harm caused by the collision. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages in a dooring accident claim may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and follow-up treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs throughout the healing process
- Future medical care related to long-term or permanent injuries
- Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity, if injuries limit the ability to return to the same employment
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of the bicycle and gear
- Pain and suffering, reflecting the physical pain and emotional impact of the crash
The value of a claim depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and how fault is determined under California law. Careful documentation and legal guidance can help ensure that all appropriate categories of damages are considered.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOORING ACCIDENT
The steps you take after a dooring collision can affect both your physical recovery and any legal claim that follows. If you are physically able, consider the following:
- Prioritize medical care: Seek treatment right away, even for minor symptoms. Dooring crashes often involve sudden impact and falls, and injuries like concussions or internal trauma may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident: Contact law enforcement and request a police report. This can help document that a vehicle door was opened into traffic and create an official record of the incident.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the open car door, your bicycle, the bike lane or roadway, and any visible injuries. These details can help show how the crash occurred.
- Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from the driver and the person who opened the door. Focus on gathering facts and avoid discussing fault.
- Identify witnesses: If anyone saw the door being opened or the crash itself, get their contact information. Witness statements can be important if liability is disputed.
- Preserve damaged equipment: Keep your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other gear in their post-accident condition. These items may help demonstrate the force and mechanics of the collision.
- Be cautious with insurance companies: Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements early on. Insurers may try to argue that you share responsibility, which can affect your recovery under California law.
WHY HIRING A DOORING ACCIDENT LAWYER MATTERS AND HOW BICYCLE LAW CAN HELP
Dooring accident claims often involve disputed liability and insurance companies that attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist. Bicycle Law, in affiliation with Coopers LLP, brings decades of experience representing injured riders across California. We aim to help cyclists understand their rights and pursue compensation.
Contact Bicycle Law, serving all of California, today for a free consultation. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is typically a percentage of the recovery, and in some cases, clients may be responsible for prevailing-party costs as determined by law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dooring Accidents
Still have questions about your bicycle crash?
After a dooring accident, your priority should be safety and medical care. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. If possible, call the police to document the incident and gather evidence at the scene, including photos of the vehicle, open door, bike lane, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver or passenger involved. Avoid discussing fault at the scene, and consider speaking with a dooring accident lawyer before dealing with insurance companies.
In many cases, the person who opened the vehicle door may be responsible if they failed to ensure it was safe before doing so. Under California law, opening a door into moving traffic without checking for cyclists may be considered negligent. However, liability can be disputed, and insurance companies may try to argue that the cyclist shares some fault.
Yes. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total compensation would be reduced by that amount.
Dooring accidents often result in serious injuries due to the sudden impact and lack of protection for cyclists. Common injuries include concussions, broken bones, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and road rash. In some cases, cyclists may also be thrown into traffic, increasing the risk of more severe harm.
In most cases, California law provides a limited time to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. Because deadlines and exceptions can vary, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
We’re happy to discuss your situation in more detail. Call us now at (866) 835-6529 or email us for a free initial consultation.