Dooring Accidents Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Dooring accidents are a serious and common risk for cyclists and motorcyclists. These collisions occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, often leaving little time for the cyclist to avoid impact. This can result in serious injuries or even fatalities for the cyclist. 

Cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to dooring accidents due to their smaller size and lack of protection compared to other vehicles on the road. They may also be less visible to drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.  

Despite being preventable, dooring accidents can lead to devastating injuries, financial burdens, and emotional stress. If you're considering taking legal action for a dooring accident, it's essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with California laws.  

Antaramian Law, APC, has represented countless accident victims. The firm is dedicated to helping real people, not insurance companies, pursue the justice and compensation they need. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Dooring Accidents 

Cyclists and motorcyclists share the road with drivers every day. However, sharing the road often comes with significant risks. Some of the more common scenarios that result in dooring accidents include the following:

• Failure to check for cyclists: Many drivers fail to check their mirrors or blind spots before opening a car door, potentially putting cyclists at risk. This small oversight can have serious consequences.  

• Improper vehicle parking: Parking too close to bike lanes or the roadway increases the chances of a dooring incident. Narrow or crowded streets can add to the danger.  

• Distracted behavior: Whether texting, speaking on the phone, or simply rushing, distracted drivers are unlikely to take the necessary precautions before exiting a vehicle.  

• Lack of awareness of local laws: Many drivers are unaware of regulations requiring them to check for cyclists before opening their doors, leading to preventable accidents. 

• Poor visibility conditions: Inclement weather, darkness, or obstructions, such as parked vehicles, can make it more difficult for drivers to notice approaching cyclists, thereby increasing the risk of dooring incidents. 

Potential Injuries Resulting from Dooring Accidents 

While dooring accidents may often appear minor, they can have life-altering consequences. Cyclists and motorcyclists often bear the full force of the collision, which can lead to significant injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, the impact of being thrown over a door can cause severe brain injuries. 

• Fractures and broken bones: Collisions often lead to broken arms, legs, or wrists from the resulting falls. 

• Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, sprains, and torn ligaments can require months of recovery and rehabilitation. 

• Spinal cord damage: Severe impacts can lead to long-term or permanent injury, including paralysis. 

• Road rash and lacerations: Contact with pavement or debris can cause painful wounds that may leave lasting scars.  

• Psychological trauma: Survivors of dooring accidents often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect their daily lives and willingness to cycle again. 

• Internal injuries: The force of impact can result in damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention. 

• Fatalities: Tragically, some dooring accidents result in loss of life, highlighting the severe consequences of these preventable incidents. 

If you or someone you know has been injured in a dooring accident in California, Attorney Andrew Antaramian can help. Reach out to his firm day to schedule a free initial consultation.

California Laws Governing Dooring Accidents

California law aims to define liability and provide avenues for victims of dooring accidents to pursue justice and compensation. Under Section 22517 of the California Vehicle Code, it is against the law for drivers or passengers to open a vehicle door unless it is safe to do so. Some highlights of Section 22517 that you should be aware of include the following.

• Doors should not be opened on the side available to moving traffic unless it is safe to do so without interfering with other traffic. 

• Vehicle doors should not remain open longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.  

• No person shall leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary. 

• Drivers and passengers should check for approaching cyclists or pedestrians before opening a door to avoid accidents. 

• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines or penalties as specified under local traffic laws. 

Breaking this law may constitute negligence, resulting in the responsible party being held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. California also operates under a comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident as a cyclist or motorcyclist, you may still be able to recover damages.  

For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, you can still recover 80% of the total damages. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible recover any damages.