When you are riding your bike, you know that a lot of the danger you face comes from the motorists around you. If you are struck by a car, you could suffer severe injuries, even if there is not much damage to the vehicle. Common causes of bike accidents include drivers merging into the bike lane, turning in front of a bike at an intersection, or rear-ending a bike as they try to pass.
But did you know that you could also be in danger from parked cars? If someone opens their door into the street or the bike lane and you are riding up behind that vehicle, you could strike the door and suffer serious injuries. Even though the car was not in motion, the person who opened the door may still be negligently responsible. This is known as a dooring accident.
Why does it happen?
This often happens because people are not paying enough attention to their surroundings. Someone may pull into a parallel parking spot on the edge of a bike lane. They may spend time checking messages on their phone before getting out of the vehicle.
Ideally, they would look in the rearview mirror before opening the door to see if a cyclist was approaching in the bike lane. But many people simply push the door open, knowing that they are far enough away from traffic on the road, and they do not bother to look for a cyclist at all.
Meanwhile, the cyclist cannot even swerve to avoid the door because doing so would cause them to ride into the active traffic lanes.
Seeking financial compensation
If you have been injured in a dooring accident or any other type of bike accident, be sure you know what options you have to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.