Bicycle dooring incidents can be horrific. The faster the speed of the cyclist at the time of the crash, the greater their risk of traumatic injuries.
When a vehicle occupant opens their door into approaching traffic and a cyclist cannot avoid that door, the impact that occurs can break bones or cause brain injuries. In some cases, the cyclist could end up thrown into traffic, putting them at risk of getting hit by another vehicle.
Drivers and their passengers could easily cause preventable dooring incidents if they don’t check their surroundings when exiting a vehicle. Cyclists may have grounds to take legal action or file insurance claims after a dooring occurs.
The law requires a safety check
California has numerous traffic statutes that enhance the safety of cyclists on the road. There is a dooring statue in place that can prevent these devastating cycling collisions and also crashes where moving vehicles hit the door of a stationary vehicle.
The law requires that vehicle occupants check for approaching traffic, including cyclists, before opening a car door when stopped on the road. They should also close the door as soon as possible.
The failure to do so is a legal violation that can lead to a citation and liability for any collision that might occur. Cyclists can file insurance claims against drivers or may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Reporting a collision after one happens and speaking about the incident with an attorney can help cyclists to more effectively understand and exercise their rights. Vehicle occupants who cause preventable bicycle crashes are often liable for the consequences of their negligent behavior and misconduct.
