Explaining the Danger of “Door-ing”
Cycling in urban areas can be just as rewarding as breaking in a new trail — but there are some specific dangers of which to be cognizant. Being “doored” by a motorist is perhaps the most common one.
Let’s take a closer look at how these accidents occur — and the best things you can do to avoid them.
The Danger of Being Doored
Some motorists are oblivious to cyclists and may lack general situational awareness. These attributes are dangerous even when a car or truck is in park. If a driver opens the door without first checking for oncoming cyclists, a devastating collision between a cyclist and a heavy metal door may occur.
The physics of such crashes lend themselves to serious injuries. A cyclist may be traveling 15 or 20 miles per hour, see a door open directly in front of their path, and have no time to react. In such cases, the cyclist may be thrown from her bike over the door, violently landing in the street.
Alternatively, a cyclist may strike the door and not flip, but still suffer serious injury given the blunt force of impact. In either scenario, a cyclist may also find himself lying injured in a busy street, at further risk of being struck by passing vehicles.
Even if a cyclist is able to react quickly enough to avoid the door, swerving into traffic may cause even greater harm.
How Frequent Are Door-ing Accidents?
According to the League of American Bicyclists, door-ings comprise almost 20% of all serious cycling accidents.
To help address this problem, many jurisdictions have passed laws requiring motorists to look for cyclists before entering and exiting vehicles.
Additionally, safe cycling advocates have suggested a range of mitigations, including cars that have sensor-equipped alert systems that identify when a cyclist is near. Even more simply, these organizations also suggest that motorists use the hand that is further away from the door when opening it. This motion causes the neck to turn — and drivers or passengers to look in the direction of oncoming cyclists.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Being doored can cause serious trauma to almost any part of the body. However, assuming cyclists were following all the normal safety rules, it’s possible to sue for damages under California law.
California Vehicle Code 22517 states:
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.
Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in bicycle accident litigation can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Gary Brustin, California Bicycle Accident Attorney
California-based cycling accident Attorney Gary Brustin frequently lectures to cycling groups on bicycle safety. He also publishes bike-safety awareness articles in highly respected publications such as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Weekly. Mr. Brustin is a life-long active cyclist and he devotes his entire law practice to bike injury cases. He has personally handled more than 1,000 bicycle accident cases and has consulted on more than 5,000 others.
Complimentary Consultation with Mr. Gary Brustin, California Bicycle Accident Attorney
Mr. Brustin offers a free consultation to those who have been injured in a cycling accident. The consultation will help you understand more about the legal system as it relates to your case. You may discuss issues such as:
- The case details
- Bike laws
- Case and legal procedure
- Whether to settle out-of-court or go to trial
- How the accident has affected your present and future earning potential
- Whether your bike is insured
You may schedule the free phone consultation with Mr. Brustin by calling the office number: 310.863.6791.
The Law Offices of Gary C. Brustin, APC
Give Mr. Brustin a call today at 800.841.2453.
He can also be reached by email at info@bicyclelawyer.com
Mr. Brustin’s main offices are located in:
- San Jose
- Santa Monica
- Irvine
- Palm Springs