Riding a bike should be safe, but all it takes is one careless moment from a driver or passenger to cause a serious crash. Dooring happens when someone opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, often without looking. With little time to react, the rider may collide with the door or swerve into traffic, both of which can lead to severe injuries. These accidents are preventable, but they still happen far too often. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, you may have the right to seek compensation.
What Is Dooring and How Does It Happen?
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger swings open a car door without noticing an approaching cyclist. The sudden obstacle leaves little room for escape, forcing riders to either crash into the door or swerve dangerously into traffic. Both scenarios can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences.
These bike accidents often occur in areas where cars parallel park along bike lanes or busy streets. A person inside the vehicle may not check their mirrors or blind spots before opening the door, assuming the space is clear. Cyclists, especially in urban areas, may not have enough room to avoid the sudden obstacle.
Distracted driving and rushing to exit a vehicle increase the risk of dooring. At night or in poor weather, visibility issues can make it even harder for drivers and cyclists to see each other. While cyclists must stay alert, it’s ultimately the responsibility of those inside a vehicle to check before opening a door.
How to Prevent Dooring Accidents
Both cyclists and drivers can take simple steps to prevent dooring accidents.
- Cyclists should stay outside the “door zone” whenever possible, keeping a safe distance from parked cars. Slowing down in high-risk areas and staying alert for movement inside vehicles can also help.
- Drivers and passengers should always check their mirrors and blind spots before opening a door. A simple habit, like the Dutch Reach—using the far hand to open the door—forces a person to turn and look for cyclists.
- Cities can help by designing bike lanes with buffer zones between cyclists and parked cars.
Common Injuries in Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents can cause serious injuries, especially since cyclists often have little time to react. The impact can throw a rider off their bike, send them into moving traffic, or result in direct contact with the car door. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones – Cyclists often instinctively put their hands out to break a fall, leading to fractures in the wrists, arms, or collarbone.
- Head injuries – Even with a helmet, a dooring crash can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Road rash and deep cuts – Hitting pavement or sharp metal edges can cause painful scrapes, bruises, and deep wounds that require stitches.
- Spinal injuries and whiplash – Sudden impact or twisting motions can result in serious neck and back injuries.
Some injuries may not seem serious at first but worsen over time. Seeking medical attention after a dooring accident is always important.
Legal Rights of Cyclists in Dooring Accidents
Cyclists have legal protections when they are injured in dooring accidents. In California, the law places responsibility on the person who opens the car door. Drivers and passengers must check their surroundings before opening a door, and failing to do so can make them liable for the injuries they cause.
Injured cyclists may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and bike damage. Many claims are resolved through insurance, but in some cases, legal action may be necessary to recover full damages.
Comparative negligence laws can affect a case if the cyclist is found partially at fault. For example, if they were riding too close to parked cars or distracted, their compensation could be reduced. Acting quickly is important, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims. Seeking legal guidance after a dooring accident can help protect your rights.
What to Do After a Dooring Accident
Taking the right steps after a dooring accident can help protect your health and legal rights.
- Get medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time.
- Take photos. Document your injuries, bike damage, the car door, and the accident scene.
- Get driver and witness information. Collect names, contact details, and insurance information.
- File a police report. A report can help establish fault and support your claim.
- Speak with a lawyer. We can help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Our Experienced Walnut Creek Bicycle Accident Attorneys
A dooring accident can leave you with serious injuries and unexpected expenses, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Casper Meadows Schwartz & Cook, we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward.