Car Door Bicycle Accidents: What to Do and Who is at Fault?

Did you know, that approximately 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on US roads every year? While there are many causes for these crashes, this article will focus on a lesser known type of bicycle crash known as "dooring". These car-door bicycle accidents can range from minor scrapes to life-altering serious injuries and even death. But in the aftermath of the crash, a new battle often begins: who's at fault?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The legal approach surrounding dooring accidents varies by region, and fault can depend on several factors. This complex terrain can leave victims feeling confused and frustrated. But don’t worry - we’re here to guide you.

In this blog, we'll explore:

• Essential information on car door accidents involving bikes
• Proactive tips to avoid becoming a statistic in car door bicycle accidents
• Legal insights on determining liability in these accidents
• Real-life stories and news articles that shed light on the severity of the issue
• Comprehensive resources for enhancing bicycle safety and promoting harmonious road-sharing

Who is Responsible When You Get Doored on a Bicycle?
(The Short Answer)

When you get doored on a bicycle, the responsibility often lies with the motor vehicle occupant who opened the door without checking for the oncoming cyclist. However, local traffic laws and circumstances can affect liability, indicating that each incident requires a detailed examination.

Car Door Bicycle Accidents - A Quick Overview

This type of accident is often referred to as “dooring”, and occurs when a car door is suddenly opened on the driver’s side of a parked car.

Dooring accidents can cause an approaching cyclist to either hit the door or suddenly swerve to avoid it. This often results in a bicycle crash with possible injuries to the cyclist and bicycle damage.

In the event of car door bicycle accident, consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer is crucial. Firms specializing in bicycle law, such as Bike Legal, possess a wealth of experience in handling cases related to cycling incidents. Bike Legal has represented numerous clients who have been involved in dooring accidents and provided just compensation for their injuries and damages.

6 Major Causes of Car Door & Bicycle Crashes

Getting doored can be a traumatic experience, with the aftermath often raising questions of fault and responsibility. Understanding the major causes of these crashes is crucial for both preventing them and navigating the legal and insurance processes that may follow.

Here are 6 major causes of car door and bike crashes:

1. Driver or Passenger Negligence: The primary cause of dooring accidents is negligence on the part of drivers and passengers. Exiting a vehicle without checking the rearview mirror for approaching cyclists can lead to a sudden obstruction in the cyclist's path, leaving little to no time for the cyclist to react.
2. Cyclist Speed & Proximity: Cyclists traveling at high speeds or too close to parked cars increase their risk of being involved in a dooring accident. High speed reduces the reaction time a cyclist has upon noticing a door opening while cycling close to parked cars. It also minimizes the margin for maneuverability.
3. Poorly Designed or No-Bike Lanes: The absence of dedicated painted bike lanes situated too close to parked vehicles significantly increases the risk of "dooring" incidents. This issue is highlighted by statistics from Santa Barbara, resulting in 8% of car-bicycle collisions being caused by opening doors.
4. Limited Visibility: Conditions that obstruct the view for drivers and cyclists, such as bad weather, darkness, or visual obstacles, lead to reduced awareness of each other's presence.
5. Distraction & Impairment: Distractions inside the vehicle (e.g., using a mobile phone) or impairment due to substances can lead to passengers or drivers failing to notice approaching cyclists. Similarly, distracted cycling can prevent the cyclist from noticing or reacting to a car door open in time.
6. Lack of Education & Awareness: Many drivers and passengers are simply unaware of the risks that opening a car door can pose to cyclists. Similarly, some cyclists may not be fully aware of how to safely navigate urban environments where dooring is a risk.

Real-Life Incidents of Car Door Bicycle Accidents

Through real-life stories of individuals like Cameron Lasater and Stephen Conley below, one can appreciate the true trauma as a result of such car-dooring accidents. This underscores the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures to protect cyclists on the road.

Cameron Lasater lost his leg - and his dancing abilities along with it

In July 2020, Cameron Lasater, a professional dancer with a Chicago troupe, experienced a life-altering incident while riding his bike. He was "doored," meaning a car door was opened directly in his path, which led to him being thrown into oncoming moving traffic. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in another car crushing his leg, a very severe injury.

Now with a metal plate in his ankle, he'll likely never dance in a company again.

Stephen Conley's fatal 'dooring' accident

Stephen Conley, who had lived his entire life in Somerville, MA, passed away following a tragic accident while riding his bicycle. The incident occurred in the bike lane on Broadway when the door of a parked Land Rover was suddenly opened in his path, causing him to crash. Conley sustained critical injuries from the dooring collision where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Tips for Preventing Car Door Bicycle Accidents

Preventing car door bicycle accidents, commonly known as dooring incidents, involves measures to increase awareness and safety for both cyclists and motorists. Here are some strategies to help reduce the risk of these accidents:

Strategies for Motor Vehicle Drivers and Passengers to Prevent Dooring:

• Awareness: Increase awareness of cyclists and other vulnerable road users who may be approaching nearby. An exiting motorist including drivers and passengers should always check mirrors and blind spots before opening the door.
• Dutch Reach Technique: As a driver or vehicle passenger, The Dutch Reach Technique is a simple yet highly effective method to prevent dooring incidents. When exiting a vehicle, instead of using your nearest hand to open the door, use your far hand. This action naturally turns your body, forcing you to spot approaching cyclists before fully opening the car door.(see image above)
• Legal adherence: Follow laws designed to reduce dooring, promoting careful and accountable behavior when opening vehicle doors.

Strategies for Cyclists to Prevent Car Door Bicycle Accidents:

• Ride at a Safe Distance: As a cyclist, always ride at a safe distance from the door zone (near parked cars), leaving enough space to avoid a vehicle door that might open unexpectedly in the bicycle lane. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 3-4 feet away from parked cars, which often means riding closer to the center of the bike lane when necessary.
• Stay Alert & Scan Ahead: Always be on the lookout for signs that a car door may open. This includes people sitting in parked cars, taxi passengers about to exit, and lights inside vehicles that indicate occupancy. By anticipating car doors opening, you can prepare to slow down or change your path safely.
• Equip Yourself for Safety: Equip bicycles with lights at both the front and rear. Wear bright and reflective clothing to boost your visibility to others. Being clearly visible to drivers and passengers alike can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents that occur in the door zone. Furthermore, always wear a helmet to protect yourself.
• Utilize Technology: Consider using cycling-specific smartphone apps or bike-mounted devices that provide real-time alerts for potential hazards, including proximity to the door zone. Such apps use GPS to identify high-risk areas for dooring incidents, allowing you to plan safer routes or exercise increased caution in certain areas.

Strategies for Municipalities:

• Improved bike lane design: Design bicycle lanes away from parked cars or with buffer zones to minimize dooring risks.
• Awareness campaigns: Raise awareness about the risks of dooring and promote safe road-sharing practices.
• Enforcement of dooring laws: Strictly enforce penalties for dooring to deter careless behavior and enhance cyclist safety.

Determining Liability in Dooring Accidents

In the unfortunate event of a car door and bicycle collision, determining liability can be complex. Both cyclists and motorists have responsibilities on the road, and understanding these responsibilities is crucial in assessing fault.

1. Motorist Responsibility: As per vehicle and traffic law, drivers have a responsibility to check for oncoming cyclists before opening their car doors. Such traffic laws mandate driver to check their mirrors and blind spots before opening car door. Failure to do so can constitute negligence on the part of the driver.
2. Cyclist Responsibility: Cyclists also have the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers. While they may have the right-of-way in many situations, they should maintain a safe distance from the door zone (near the parked car) and anticipate the possibility of a person opening doors unexpectedly.
3. Comparative Negligence: Pure comparative negligence rule may come into play when both the cyclist and motorist share fault. For instance, if a cyclist was riding recklessly they may bear partial responsibility for the accident. Similarly, if a motorist failed to properly check for cyclists and the cyclist was not riding cautiously, the fault could be shared.
4. Witness Testimonies & Evidence: Gathering witness testimonies and physical evidence, such as photographs or video footage, is crucial in determining liability. Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insight, while evidence like skid marks or damage to the vehicles involved can help reconstruct the accident.

Regardless of the liability, seeking advice on legal issues is recommended for both cyclists and motorists involved in dooring accidents. Bike Legal, backed by a proficient team of attorneys, offers expert guidance in such matters and advocates for the best possible outcome for their clients. Learn more about the Bike Legal.

Resources for Safe Bicycling & Sharing the Road With Cars

Bike Legal

Bike Legal, as the name suggests, offers specialized legal services to cyclists involved in bicycle accidents. However, the firm extends its services beyond the courtroom. Their website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering guidance on bicycle safety, bicycle laws, and cyclists legal rights in the event of an accident. Additionally, this article What to do After a Bicycle Accident is crucial for protecting your rights.

League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists is dedicated to making bicycling better for everyone. They advocate for bike-friendly policies at all levels of government, provide education programs for cyclists and motorists alike, and offer resources for building bicycle-friendly communities and businesses. Their website offers a wealth of information on bicycle education, bike-friendly ratings for states and cities, and tools for advocating for safer roads.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a pivotal role in enhancing road safety, particularly for cyclists. By offering a wealth of information and comprehensive guidelines, the NHTSA aims to mitigate the risks associated with bicycle accidents. Their resources extend beyond basic safety measures, encompassing a wide range of topics that are essential for both cyclists and motorists.

Navigating Legal Challenges: A Cyclist's Journey to Justice with Bike Legal

Bike Legal specializes in representing cyclists who have been involved in accidents. This case study focuses on Gary Ehrlich's experience, which highlights the potential risks cyclists face and the legal recourse available through Bike Legal.

Overview

Gary Ehrlich's testimonial of satisfaction highlights the significance of legal support in unfortunate accidents. While riding his bike, Gary collided with a car's open door, resulting in broken ribs and a concussion.

Seeking justice and compensation for his injuries, Gary reached out to Bike Legal, a law firm renowned for its expertise in bicycle-related legal matters. His initial interaction was with Denise, a dedicated paralegal at the firm. Denise played a crucial role in the case by carefully gathering all the necessary information and ensuring Gary was well-informed throughout the legal process.

Results

Matt, an attorney with Bike Legal, took on Gary's case, representing him with expertise and dedication. The outcome of Gary's case was significantly more favorable than he had initially anticipated. Thanks to the expert legal representation provided by Bike Legal, Gary's settlement exceeded his expectations.

Have You Been Doored While Cycling? Call Bike Legal

Navigating the aftermath of a car door bicycle accident requires a detailed understanding of the circumstances and laws applicable to such incidents. Through a combination of legal measures, educational efforts, and infrastructure improvements, the risk of car-bicycle collisions can be reduced, promoting a safer environment for all road users.

Key Takeaways:

• Always stay alert and ride at a safe distance from parked cars.
• Know your local laws regarding cycling and car door opening.
• Document the incident and seek medical attention immediately.
• Contact a bicycle accident attorney for advice if you're involved in a car door bicycle accident.

Having a specialized cycling advocate on your side is essential. Bike Legal offers personalized consultations and works diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. Seems interesting?

Request a free consultation by calling 877-BIKE LEGAL (877 245-3534) or submitting a form.

Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQs)

What laws protect cyclists from car door accidents?

Laws protecting cyclists from car door accidents vary by jurisdiction, but most places have laws requiring drivers to check for cyclists before opening their vehicle's door. These laws often fall under "dooring" regulations, imposing fines or penalties on drivers who cause such accidents due to negligence.

What to do if you get Doored?

If you anticipate a car door opening in your path while biking, it's crucial to react calmly and safely. Slow down immediately and assess the situation. If you have enough space, steer gently away from the door to avoid collision, keeping in mind the oncoming traffic around you. If evasive action is not possible, do your best to stop safely. Always be aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles and cyclists, to make informed decisions quickly. Your priority should be to minimize risk and avoid an accident if possible.

If a crash occurs, follow these steps of what to do after a bicycle crash.

What happens if you accidentally hit someone on a bike with your car?

If you accidentally hit someone on a bike with your car, prioritize their medical needs by calling emergency services immediately. Stay at the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, and report the incident to the police. Cooperation and empathy are crucial in these situations.

Read Next

• Can a Cyclist Be Sued for a Car-Bicycle Accident?
• What to Do Before and After You Are Hit by a Driver
• How Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Build a Solid Legal Strategy for Your Case?