Dooring Accidents: When Car Doors Hit Cyclists

Dooring accidents — when a vehicle occupant opens a door into a cyclist's path — are among the most dangerous and common urban cycling hazards.

What Is a Dooring Accident?

A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door without checking for approaching cyclists, striking the cyclist or forcing them to swerve into traffic.

Who Is Liable?

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The Person Opening the Door In most states, the person who opens the door bears primary responsibility. Laws in nearly every state require occupants to check for traffic before opening doors.

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The Driver If the vehicle was parked illegally or the driver directed the passenger to exit, the driver may also share liability.

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Third-Party Drivers If the cyclist swerved to avoid the door and was hit by another vehicle, that driver may also be liable.

Common Injuries

- Broken collarbone and wrists (from impact or fall)

• Head trauma (even with helmet)

• Road rash and lacerations

• Shoulder and elbow injuries

• Spinal injuries from being thrown

• Death in severe cases

What to Do After a Dooring Accident

1. Call 911 — Get police and medical help 2. Don't move if seriously injured 3. Document everything — Photos of car, door, scene, injuries 4. Get the occupant's information — Name, contact, insurance 5. Find witnesses — Get names and contact information 6. Seek medical care — Even for apparently minor injuries 7. Preserve evidence — Don't repair your bike yet 8. Contact an attorney — Dooring cases have clear liability but require documentation

Legal Theories

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Negligence Opening a door without checking is negligent. Most states codify this duty.

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Negligence Per Se When the door-opener violated a specific traffic law, negligence is presumed.

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The "Dutch Reach" Some advocates push for education on the Dutch Reach technique (opening with the far hand, forcing a shoulder check). Driver failure to check supports negligence.

Compensation Available

- Medical expenses (current and future)

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Bike damage and replacement

• Punitive damages in egregious cases