Bicycling is an eco-friendly way to get around town, but it can also be dangerous. While cycling, you are at risk of colliding with cars, pedestrians, potholes, and other obstacles. One common type of bicycle accident is known as a dooring accident, which occurs when a person opens a car door in your path, causing you to collide with it.
If you got doored while riding your bicycle on the streets of Paradise, Henderson, Spring Valley, or Las Vegas, our lawyer at Cameron Law can help. Our bicycle accident lawyer can investigate your case and help you prove liability in your dooring accident to ensure fair and full compensation.
What Is a Dooring Accident?
A dooring accident happens when a driver or passenger of a parked car opens their door directly in the path of a cyclist riding past. If a cyclist does not have time to stop or swerve, they can collide with the door, which can result in injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, or even death. These accidents are very common in crowded cities where bicycling is a popular mode of transportation.
Common Causes of Dooring Accidents
Several factors can lead to dooring accidents. The following are five common causes of dooring accidents:
- Driver and passenger negligence. People who parked the car were unaware of a bicyclist riding past and carelessly opened the car door.
- Blind spots. Drivers may have a difficult time seeing a cyclist or other vehicle approaching from behind or beside the parked vehicle.
- Traffic congestion. In cities with heavy traffic, drivers or passengers may rush to exit their vehicle without looking out for cyclists.
- Ignorance of the law. Some drivers and passengers are unaware of the bike lanes or other bicycling infrastructure, which can put cyclists in danger.
- Distractions. Drivers or passengers may be preoccupied with texting, eating, or other distractions, making it harder to stay aware of their surroundings.
No matter how your dooring accident occurred, you might be entitled to compensation by holding the at-fault party liable.
Who Is Liable When You Get Doored On Your Bicycle?
Generally, the driver or passenger who opened the door is liable for damages. According to the law, they should have checked for passing vehicles before opening the door. However, if the driver or passenger can prove that the bicyclist was riding recklessly or illegally, the passenger or driver may not be held liable for damages.
Note: Under Nevada law, persons are prohibited from opening doors in such a manner as to interfere with moving traffic (NRS 484B.153).
How Can You Prove That the Car Driver or Passenger Was at Fault?
If you are involved in a dooring accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention. After that, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents. The attorney will help you gather evidence to prove liability, such as photos of the accident scene, statements from witnesses, and videos from security cameras. Additionally, you should prepare a report of the accident and submit it to the involved car insurance company.
