Cyclists face serious injury risks in many different types of car accidents. Many are well aware that they could be struck from behind while cars are passing them, and one of the benefits of a protected bike lane is increasing separation to prevent these types of accidents. Many other bicycle crashes happen when drivers turn in front of cyclists or strike them while accidentally merging into the bike lane.
A less common but potentially severe type of crash is when a bicyclist is “doored” by a driver or a passenger. What this means is that the person opens their door into the path of the cyclist. It is difficult or impossible for the cyclist to avoid the accident. The could strike the door at a high rate of speed, leading to broken bones, road rash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and more.
Why would this happen?
For an example of how and why this happens, imagine that a cyclist is riding in a bike lane with cars parallel parked next to it. A driver may be sitting in their car, checking their notifications on their phone before getting out. They should check their mirror to see if a cyclist is approaching the vehicle, but they don’t because they are distracted by their phone.
When the driver does decide to get out, they swing their door open into the bike lane. If the cyclist swerves to the left, they drive into the active traffic lines. They only have a split second to react. No matter what they choose, they will hit the car’s door or another vehicle.
Dooring is an act of negligence by the driver in this situation. Cyclists who have suffered injuries need to know exactly what legal options they have to seek compensation.