How can opening car doors put bicyclists at risk?

When bicyclists share the road with motorists, these riders face numerous hazards. Among these dangers, dooring is a serious risk that can go overlooked. What should you know about dooring accidents?

How common is dooring?

Dooring accidents typically occur in busy city environments where cars are frequently parked along the sides of streets. The scenario unfolds when drivers or passengers, without checking for approaching bicyclists, open their vehicle’s door. This sudden obstacle leaves the cyclist with little to no time to react, leading to potential collisions and injuries.

Dooring is a surprisingly common hazard that bicyclists face. One report shows that in San Francisco, 12 percent of bicycle injuries and fatalities involve dooring. This makes it one of the top three causes of injury-causing bicycle collisions in the city.

How can dooring impact cyclists?

Dooring can result in a variety of dangerous scenarios for bicyclists:

1. Collision with the door: The most direct impact of dooring occurs when a cyclist slams into a suddenly opened car door. This can cause severe injuries such as broken bones, lacerations or head injuries, especially if the cyclist is traveling at a significant speed.
2. Evasive maneuvers: In an attempt to avoid a door, cyclists may swerve. This can lead to a fall or a collision with other vehicles or obstacles. Such evasive actions can result in a range of injuries from minor scrapes to more serious harm depending on the surrounding traffic and road conditions.
3. Secondary collision: Perhaps the most perilous situation arises when a cyclist, after hitting an open door or swerving, falls into adjacent lanes of traffic. This can expose the cyclist to further collisions with moving vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.

Recognizing the dangers of dooring, some states have implemented specific laws to protect bicyclists. For example, Washington law explicitly forbids individuals from opening the driver-side doors of their parked vehicles unless they have confirmed that they can open the door reasonably safely.

Despite this law, dooring is still a significant risk for cyclists. Understanding the dangers and the way the law handles these serious cycling accidents can help bicyclists protect themselves and their rights.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matthew D. Dubin has represented injured people throughout Washington since 1995. He is the founding attorney of Dubin Law Group and focuses his practice on personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, dangerous products, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.

Education

• License Number: 25378
• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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