Dooring Bike Accidents

"Dooring" accidents are collisions that occur when a bicyclist strikes a car door that is opened into their path. These accidents typically happen when a parked motorist or passenger opens their door without checking for oncoming bicyclists.

Dooring bike accidents often occur on streets where cars are parked parallel to a bike lane or on the right-hand side of the road. As a bicyclist rides past parked cars, a driver or passenger suddenly opens a car door into their path, leaving the bicyclist little or no time to react.

A bicyclist may collide with the door and be thrown off their bike, potentially into the path of moving traffic.

In most cases, when a bicyclist gets doored, the fault typically lies with the person who opened the door. However, this can depend on specific circumstances and local traffic laws.

Many states have specific traffic laws addressing dooring. These laws often state that it is the responsibility of the person opening the car door to do so safely and not impede the flow of traffic, including bicyclists. Anyone who violates dooring laws can face fines and possible license revocation.

If you get doored while riding a bike, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and properly document the incident. Here's a guideline on what to do:

• Move to safety: If you’re not seriously injured and able to move, get yourself and your bike out of the road to prevent further danger. If you’re seriously injured, call 911.
• Call the police: Report the dooring accident to the police and wait for them to arrive. The police will record the accident details in a report, which can help your claim.
• Gather information: Obtain the contact and insurance information of the person who doored you. Also, get the contact details of any witnesses. Their statements can be valuable if there’s a dispute about what happened.
• Document the accident scene: Take photos of the bicycle accident scene. Capture the car, the open door, your bike, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, it’s wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to manifest and can worsen if left untreated.
• Notify your insurance company: If you carry car insurance, report the accident to your insurance company. Be cautious about making detailed statements before seeking legal advice.
• Keep records: Document everything related to your injuries. This includes medical records, receipts for any expenses incurred, and any lost wages if you missed work.
• Consult a lawyer: Consult an attorney who knows how to investigate bicycle accidents and negotiate with insurance companies. They can advise you on your rights and help navigate your insurance claim or potential legal action.
• Don’t repair your bike immediately: Wait until you’ve fully documented the damage and consulted with a lawyer before repairing or replacing your bicycle.

Avoiding getting doored while riding a bicycle involves being vigilant and adopting safe riding practices, especially in urban areas where parking on streets is common. Here are some strategies to reduce the risk of dooring:

• Ride outside the door zone: Maintain a safe distance between your bike and parked cars. A good rule of thumb is to ride at least a door's width away from parked vehicles. 
• Stay alert: Be constantly aware of your surroundings. Look ahead for signs of people in parked cars who may be about to open their doors, such as occupants sitting in the car, brake lights, or parked cars with engines running.
• Reduce speed: Slow down when passing a row of parked cars. Riding at a lower speed gives you more time to react if a door opens suddenly.
• Use bike lanes: Preferably use designated bike lanes if available. However, be aware that bike lanes can still run alongside parked cars, so maintain a safe distance.
• Make eye contact: Try to make eye contact with drivers or passengers in parked cars if you can see them. This increases the chances that they'll see you and be cautious about opening their door.
• Use lights and wear visible clothing: Make sure you're visible to drivers and passengers. Use front and rear lights at night on your bike and wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Know your route: Familiarize yourself with your route. If you know certain streets have a lot of parked cars, consider finding a safer alternative.

If you were injured in a dooring accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t count on the insurance companies to readily offer you a fair settlement. Even when it’s clear that the driver was at fault, insurance companies may use tactics to keep their costs down.

Having a Premier Attorney in your corner can keep the insurance companies from taking advantage of you. An attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, so you don’t risk jeopardizing your claim.

To take the next step in your recovery, contact a Premier Lawyer in your area who understands how to handle dooring bike accidents. Since our verified attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, it won’t cost you any money upfront. They only take a certain percentage of your final compensation if they win your case.