“Dooring” is a dangerous hazard for California cyclists, and it’s one that many drivers may not even know about. A dooring accident happens when someone opens their door in the path of a cyclist. It’s often a major accident danger because a vulnerable cyclist can strike the wall of metal and glass that suddenly appears in front of them.
The injuries that occur can be devastating for unprotected riders. It’s all caused by motorists who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. There’s even a California Vehicle Code (CVC) addressing the danger. It requires drivers to be more careful, especially when parking.
Dooring Law in California to Protect Bicyclists
Dooring accidents generally happen when cars are parked along the street, and a driver or passenger swings a door open into traffic without checking for someone coming.
This is a particularly dangerous practice for cyclists who may be going full speed when a door suddenly pops open in front of them. Victims can strike the door and either fly over it or under it to hit the pavement. Riders can even be sprawled out into the lane to face the risk of being struck by other motorists.
It’s a dangerous risk for bicyclists that can easily be prevented with a little care shown by car occupants. It’s why California legislators made it the law that those in cars must always check behind them before opening a door.
CHAPTER 9. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
CVC 22517.
“No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”
The law makes it clear that drivers and passengers must:
- make sure it’s safe before opening a door
- must not interfere with the flow of traffic
- must not leave doors open any longer than necessary for occupants to get in or out
Cyclists can also be at risk if they must share a lane with a driver who opens a door while traveling a lane. This might happen when riders are sharing a lane with drivers (when no bike lane is available). It’s also a danger for motorcyclists who may be lane-splitting (riding between cars). Someone may open a car door while sitting at a red light for some reason and put up an obstacle in front of a rider.
Earning Support for Dooring Accident Victims
When drivers or passengers are responsible for hurting a cyclist, victims can file injury claims and seek support for their recoveries.
Those recoveries can involve surgeries for broken bones, treatment for traumatic Brain injuries, help with painful neck and back injuries, and months of physical therapy. These expenses should all be laid at the feet of a careless person who opened a door and the person’s car insurance provider.
A skilled attorney would demand these benefits and more for victims:
- Payment of all medical treatment costs
- Payment of physical therapy costs
- Long-term support for victims left with a physical disability
- Support for the pain victims endure
- Support for the emotional trauma bicycle accident victims suffer (this can include a loss of enjoyment of life while unable to get back on a bicycle)
- Replacement of lost wages while victims can’t work
When You May Need a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer’s Help
If you suffer a serious injury in a dooring accident, it’s usually a good indicator that you should talk to a skilled attorney. More serious injuries bring more medical bills, and those increased costs make car insurance companies work even harder to avoid accepting responsibility.
You may need a lawyer to provide the evidence to keep the blame on the driver, and to make sure you receive the most possible for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring accident, discuss your case with a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer. We work to earn victims and their families everything needed to rebuild their lives. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn financial support for yourself and your family.
If you do need our help to earn more, you don’t have to worry about finding the money to hire a lawyer. Maison Law charges nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check an insurer must write.
