Summary
A dooring accident happens when a car door opens into a bicyclist’s path, often causing serious injury. This blog explains who’s liable, California law on dooring, and how victims can seek compensation. Learn how a Hawthorne bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover.
Table of Contents
A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a moving cyclist, causing a collision. These incidents are common in urban areas with high bicycle traffic, like Hawthorne. Even a split-second action—an open door—can result in serious injuries, property damage, and high medical expenses.
According to the Los Angeles Times, dooring is a preventable yet dangerous vehicular accident. Unfortunately, this type of accident is often left unreported, leaving the victims suffering. In this guide, we will explain the California law that protects cyclists and how a bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve.
California Law: Vehicle Code §22517
Under California Vehicle Code §22517, opening any vehicle door on the side of moving traffic is illegal unless it’s safe. The law states: “No person shall open the door of a motor 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.”
This includes door handles used by passengers. Violating this code creates a presumption of negligence.
Who is At Fault in a Dooring Accident?
In most cases, the driver or passenger who opened the door is at fault. They failed their duty of care to ensure it was safe before opening the door. However, liability can get complicated if the cyclist rode too close to parked vehicles or didn’t follow road rules.
A personal injury lawyer will determine whether negligence occurred and how best to prove it for your injury claim.
Common Defenses Drivers Use
Defendants often try to shift blame to the cyclist. Common arguments include:
- The cyclist was speeding or weaving through traffic
- The rider ignored the designated bike lanes
- The accident happened outside visibility
Our award-winning bicycle accident attorney can counter these claims with traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and crash analysis.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of a dooring accident may be entitled to compensation for:
- Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (ER visits, rehab, surgery)
- Property damage (bike repair or replacement)
- Lost wages
- Non-economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Why Legal Help Matters
Working with our Hawthorne bicycle accident lawyer ensures your legal rights are protected. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Understand the statute of limitations
- Gather strong evidence (photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicle doors, medical reports)
- File the proper paperwork under California personal injury law
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters for maximum compensation
FAQs on Bicycle Accident Claims
Yes. Cyclists have the same rights as other road users. If a car door was opened unsafely, the injured person may still be eligible to file an injury claim.
Yes, but seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Delayed treatment may hurt your case, but a personal injury lawyer can help document your injuries with the right medical providers.
Under California’s statute of limitations, you typically have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim. Don’t wait—legal deadlines are strict.
Take Legal Action Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a dooring accident in California, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team at Farahi Law Firm in Hawthorne understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents cause.
Let us fight for the medical expenses, property damage, and justice you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay unless we win your case.
Call us today for a free consultation.
