Delano, which is part of Kern County, has long stretches of highway leading from one area to the next where many types of drivers travel every day. On top of the many motor vehicles that utilize these roads each day, motorcyclists make their way to and from work, as well as drive for recreational purposes. In 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) estimated that 6 major accidents involving motorcyclists occurred in Delano alone.
Open door accidents involving motorcyclists, which are also commonly referred to as “dooring” collisions, happen when a motor vehicle driver is stopped at a sidewalk or other area and opens their door. The motorcyclist is not able to stop in time, slamming into the vehicle’s door at high speeds and with extreme amounts of force.
At Maison Law, we support all motorcyclists who have been seriously injured in accidents in Delano and beyond. Proving that a driver acted in a negligent manner is not always easy to do. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your motorcycle accident claim.
How Dooring Accidents Involving Vehicles and Motorcycles Occur
Dooring accidents involving motorcyclists tend to occur due to drivers and passengers who are inattentive and don’t notice a motorcycle until it is too late. Occupants in parked vehicles cause dooring accidents each year due to the following reasons:
- Failing to notice a motorcyclist who is driving near the vehicle
- Parking illegally for a short amount of time and making a dash before traffic is clear
- Being distracted and opening the car door without looking
Though drivers are not supposed to open their car doors until it is completely safe to do so due to high amounts of traffic in certain areas, a dooring accident can still occur in the blink of an eye. These accidents can be incredibly dangerous, causing a motorcyclist to be thrown onto the ground within seconds.
Injuries Stemming from Delano Dooring Motorcycle Accidents
Dooring accidents can lead to trauma in a variety of ways, from a motorcyclist being tossed onto the hard ground to a motorcyclist being struck by a second vehicle in the area when they are thrown off of their vehicle. The injuries that result from these accidents tend to be incredibly severe, including the following:
- Fractures and breaks
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Loss of limbs
- PTSD and psychological damage
Any of these injuries can signal a long road to recovery. In the worst cases, a motorcyclist could lose their life in a traumatic dooring accident. In these cases, a family may wonder what options are available for them as they grieve their losses.
Damages Available for Victims and Families in a Dooring Accident
After a dooring accident, you may sustain a variety of medical expenses and deal with painful injuries that impact your everyday life. If you choose to move forward with a personal injury claim, you may realize that you qualify for some of the following damages:
Medical Expenses: There are typically many different types of treatment costs associated with motorcycle accident claims due to a dooring accident. These include hospital bills, follow-up visit bills, physical therapy, prescription medicine costs, and anticipated future treatment.
Lost Wages: Lost income can quickly pile up and leave you in a desperate situation when you are unable to return to work. Some motorcyclists never return to work due to the severity of their injuries. Lost wage damages can help supply financial help to a victim and their family when they are missing out on income.
Property Repairs: Due to the severity of dooring accidents, a motorcycle could be seriously damaged. The cost of repairs and replacement can be covered when you bring a claim.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages include aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life and can be claimed depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident.
Wrongful Death Damages: When a dooring accident has tragically led to a fatality, certain family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf. These damages can help a family grieve and become financially stable after their losses.
Contact a Delano Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After Your Accident
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Delano motorcycle dooring accident, it is important that you consider your legal options. After a motorcycle accident, big-name insurance companies like to try to pin the blame on motorcyclists even though the accident is typically the fault of the other party. You may be left in a desperate financial situation and wonder where you can turn.
At Maison Law, our Delano motorcycle accident lawyers have aggressively fought to protect the rights of motorcyclists involved in Delano accidents and motorcycle accidents throughout the rest of Kern County. We want to provide you with the resources that you need to get back on your feet during one of the most difficult moments of your life. We offer you a confidential and entirely free consultation to find out what we can do to help you. Contact us today for more information.
