Of all the different types of accidents that a person can suffer while riding a bicycle in Los Angeles, dooring accidents may be the most unique. This is because a dooring accident involves circumstances that can only happen under certain conditions, namely with a bicycle and a parked car.
Los Angeles offers bicyclists with an unsurpassed environment for riding a bike, but the potential for dooring and other accidents is always present. No matter what safety precautions you take, Los Angeles still routinely leads the state in bicycle accidents. And with accidents come injuries.
Free Consultations For Los Angeles Dooring Accident Victims
At Maison Law, our team of experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers understand the impact a dooring accident can have on you and your family. Your injuries are bound to have physical, financial, and even emotional effects on your life. When that happens, you’ll need to make a claim for damages so you can recover compensation.
We have a proven track record of success in recovering compensation for victims of dooring accidents in Los Angeles, and can help you do the same if you find yourself in that situation. To learn more about our process, contact us for a free consultation.
What Is a Dooring Accident?
A “dooring” accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into a moving bicyclist. In some scenarios, a bicyclist will try to swerve out of the way to avoid the opened door and will get hit by another vehicle or crash into another parked car. In all these scenarios, the person opening the door could be held liable for injuries that resulted due to their negligence.
California law has a specific statute that covers these accidents, as well. Section 22517 of the California Vehicle Code holds that drivers are not permitted to open their door on the side of moving traffic unless:
- It is reasonably safe to do so
- It doesn’t interfere with the flow of traffic
Additionally, the law stipulates that motorists can only open a door on the side of moving traffic for as long as it takes to load or unload passengers.
Most Common Dooring Accident Injuries in Los Angeles
Like other accidents involving a car and bike, dooring accidents can lead to devastating injuries to the bicyclist. Because dooring accidents involve moving into a stationary door, the person on the bike is often launched headfirst over the handlebars. While that can be among the more serious injuries, there are other common injuries in dooring accidents in Los Angeles:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back, or spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Dislocated joints
- Serious cuts & road rash
Compounding the problem is the fact that Los Angeles is among the busiest and most congested areas in the country for both cars and pedestrians. Such congestion makes dooring accidents much more likely, as bicyclists routinely have to pass by parked cars on busy city streets.
What Do I Need To Do After a Dooring Accident in Los Angeles?
If you’re involved in a dooring accident in Los Angeles, there are a few things that you can do afterward that will aid you in your injury claim. Collecting evidence is one of the most critical pieces of establishing a thorough injury claim.
In the immediate aftermath of a dooring accident, you should make sure to get to safety and check yourself for any injuries, if you’re able. From there, pieces of evidence that you can collect to help your claim include:
- Contact information of everyone involved
- Medical report after you see the doctor
- Photos and videos of any damage or injuries
- Your bicycle kept in the same condition after the crash
There are also things you can do that can hurt your case for an injury claim. Insurance companies will do everything possible to diminish your claim and avoid paying you. When in a dooring accident, make sure to keep the following in mind:
- Do not apologize
- Do not admit fault
- Always wear a helmet
- Always obey the road rules
Insurance agents are trained to protect their client’s interests, not yours. Being aware of this fact can keep you from admitting fault accidentally and unintentionally devaluing your claim.
How Much Is a Dooring Accident Claim Worth in Los Angeles?
No two dooring accidents are alike, which means that every claim is unique. Still, there are factors that can make your case stronger or weaker, which in turn will affect the ultimate amount of any settlement offer you receive. Determining how much your dooring accident claim is worth relies on the following factors:
- Extent of your injuries – Dooring accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some more serious than others. The more severe your injuries are, the more damages you will have suffered. This typically results in a higher value of claim. When the dooring accident causes permanent injury or death, the compensation could be even greater.
- Liability – Any claim relies on the ability to show that the other person was at-fault for the accident. In a dooring accident, liability usually always rests with the person who opened the car door negligently.
- Your percentage of fault – California’s “comparative negligence” laws will come into play in a dooring accident. Comparative negligence reduces the amount of damages you receive based on your percentage of fault in the accident. That’s why you need to make sure to follow the law when riding your bike, because getting full compensation depends on keeping your percentage of fault as low as possible.
Trying to figure out what your claim is worth is only one aspect of any dooring accident claim. The process also involves dealing with the insurance company and their various tricks and tools they use to devalue your claim. Maison Law’s team of experienced, skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers know how to counteract these tactics to keep your claim strong.
What Can I Recover in a Los Angeles Dooring Accident Claim?
Your dooring accident injury claim will cover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are fairly easy to quantify, as they come from things like hospital bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are a bit more difficult to quantify, since they involve the mental and emotional impact the accident and your injuries are having on you.
Generally, damages that you can seek in a Los Angeles dooring accident include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, trying to calculate the total amount of your damages may seem overwhelming. This is especially true if your injuries are severe enough that you may never fully recover. That’s why working with our team of experienced, knowledgeable Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers can be vital. We can gather records and make sure the full extent of your damages are factored into your claim.
Los Angeles Dooring Accident Lawyers Are Here For You
Maison Law’s team of Los Angeles dooring accident lawyers know how negatively these accidents can impact your life. That’s why we take pride in our ability to support each one of our clients, making sure they have what they need to pursue their claim and focus on recovery. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident in Los Angeles and would like to explore your options, contact us for a free consultation.
