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Have you ever heard the term “getting doored?” It describes a situation that is far more common than you may think. Unfortunately for bicyclists, it’s also very dangerous. When it happens, bicyclists can suffer severe harm, including ejection from their bicycle. Here’s what you need to know about dooring, liability, and pursuing compensation.
What Is Dooring?
Dooring occurs when someone in a parked vehicle opens their door without looking, and a bicyclist — or another party — hits the door and suffers harm. The person in the vehicle attempts to exit without thinking of someone else who may be approaching the car or truck. A bicyclist can crash into the door, or the door can clip the back tire of the bike and cause the bicyclist to lose control.
Dooring occurs most often on busy streets or in neighborhoods where vehicles can park next to bicyclists and the lanes in which they ride.
Who Is Liable In Dooring Accidents?
The person in the vehicle who opens the door without looking is most often responsible for dooring accidents and subsequent injuries. When a passenger is partly responsible for dooring, it’s vital to look into how to pursue compensation. It helps to have a lawyer who can help you understand where the fault may lie.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover?
The compensation you may recover is often dependent on how severe your injuries are. The more severe your injuries, the more you may recover for both economic and non-economic damages. Maximizing the compensation available to you means having strong legal counsel on your side.
Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers at Walner Law® are committed to helping you understand your rights. We’ll look at your situation, determine who may be liable, and work to hold responsible parties accountable for the damages they cause. We’re here for you every step of the way.
