Every year, thousands of cyclists suffer injuries from one preventable mistake—drivers or passengers opening their car doors without checking for oncoming bikes. Known as dooring accidents, these collisions can cause severe injuries and even be life-threatening. But many people don’t realize that California law can hold drivers responsible for these injuries.
The Danger of Dooring Accidents: What You Should Know
A dooring accident happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision. This can occur when a driver is parked and opens their door without checking for nearby cyclists.
Dooring accidents most commonly happen in:
- Busy city streets with parallel parking
- Bike lanes next to parked cars
- Residential neighborhoods with street parking
- Rideshare and taxi drop-off zones
Under California Vehicle Code 22517, it is illegal for a driver or passenger to open their car door unless it is safe to do so and does not interfere with moving traffic, including cyclists. If a driver or passenger fails to check for approaching cyclists before opening their door, they can be held liable for the accident and any resulting injuries.
What Injuries Are Common After a Dooring Accident?
A dooring accident isn’t just a minor crash—it can lead to devastating injuries that impact your health, mobility, and quality of life. The sudden impact of a car door can send a cyclist flying onto the pavement or even into moving traffic, increasing the risk of life-threatening injuries.
Some of the injuries you might face include:
- Broken bones (especially arms and legs)
- Head injuries (even with a helmet)
- Scrapes and bruises (road rash)
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
In severe cases, injuries might require months of recovery or lead to long-term issues that can affect your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. We understand the physical and financial struggles these injuries can cause, and we are ready to help you recover.
What You Should Do Right After a Dooring Accident
If a driver or passenger has doored you in a bicycle accident, take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Help – Even if your injuries don’t seem bad at first, see a doctor. Some injuries can appear later.
- Call the Police – A police report helps document the accident and can be used in your case.
- Collect Information and Evidence – Get the name, phone number, and insurance info of the driver. Take clear photos of the scene, your injuries, and the car door to support your case.
- Consult with a Bike Accident Lawyer – Contact a personal injury law firm to protect your rights. We can help you understand what comes next.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Dooring Accident?
After a dooring accident, several types of insurance coverage may come into play. The exact insurance involved depends on the details of your case, but it’s important to understand each one:
- Driver’s Insurance: If the accident was caused by a driver opening their car door into a cyclist, the driver’s car insurance may be responsible for covering the cyclist’s damages. The driver’s liability coverage should take care of medical treatments, pain, and suffering, and possibly lost wages.
- Cyclist’s Own Insurance: If you, as the cyclist, have your own insurance policy—whether it’s a health insurance or separate bicycle insurance—it might cover part of your medical bills. Some cyclists have “bike insurance” that can provide coverage for these types of accidents.
- Uninsured Motorist Protection: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help cover your costs. This coverage is particularly useful when the driver’s policy doesn’t fully cover your medical bills.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy)
- Lost wages (if your injuries prevent you from working)
- Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD)
- Property damage (bike repairs or replacement)
- Long-term care costs (if you suffer a permanent disability)
Dooring Safety Tips for Cyclists and Drivers
Staying safe on the road requires effort from both cyclists and drivers. By following simple safety tips, both groups can help prevent accidents like dooring and keep everyone safe. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind, whether you’re cycling or driving.
Bicycle Safety:
- Maintain a safe distance of 3 feet from parked cars, allowing you room to avoid a door opening unexpectedly.
- Stay alert for any movement inside vehicles – a door might open without warning.
- Make sure to wear bright clothing and reflective gear, particularly at night, to increase your visibility to drivers.
For Drivers:
- Always practice the ‘Dutch Reach‘ before exiting your vehicle. This means using the far hand (the hand on the opposite side of your body) to open the door. This automatically makes you look out the side mirror for cyclists.
- Park correctly, not too close to the bike lane, and check your mirrors before opening your door.
How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
After a dooring accident, dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and stressful. Many times, insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. We’re here to make sure you get the justice you deserve.
Here’s why having a bicycle accident attorney on your side matters:
- Understanding the Law – Our team knows California’s laws about bike accidents. We’ll use this knowledge to help you get the maximum compensation possible.
- Handling Insurance Companies – We’ll handle the calls, paperwork, and negotiations with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Fighting for Your Rights – Sometimes you need to go to court to get fair compensation. We’ll ensure you receive your deserved compensation.
- Gathering Evidence – Bicycle accident cases often require gathering detailed evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Our attorneys will gather and organize this evidence to strengthen your case.
- Maximizing Your Compensation – Many cyclists are unaware of all the compensation they may be entitled to, including for pain and suffering or long-term medical care. We’ll work to make sure you receive the full compensation for all damages resulting from your injuries.
Don’t Risk Losing the Compensation You’re Entitled To—Reach Out Today!
A dooring accident can leave you facing significant medical bills, time away from work, and an uncertain future. You deserve a legal team that will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we have over 20 years of experience representing injured cyclists across California and holding negligent parties accountable. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Call us today or schedule your free consultation below!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
