If you or a loved one have been injured in a dooring accident, you need trusted legal representation to seek justice. At Bernard Law Group, our team of Bellevue bicycle accident lawyers is here to fight for you and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Bicycle Dooring Accident?
A bicycle dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This happens suddenly and often leaves cyclists no time to react. The impact can throw a cyclist off their bike or even into traffic, leading to severe injuries.
Common Areas Where Dooring Accidents Happen
Dooring accidents commonly occur in several locations. These include:
Busy Downtown Streets
In areas with heavy traffic and many parked cars, drivers and passengers often rush to get in or out of their vehicles. They might forget to check for cyclists before opening their doors, leading to accidents.
Shopping Centers and Strip Malls
Parking lots in these areas are crowded and busy. Passengers exiting cars quickly—often focused on getting to their destination—may not notice cyclists passing by, creating a dangerous situation for bike riders.
Bike Lanes Next to Parked Cars
The risk isn’t gone even when cyclists are in designated bike lanes. Doors can unexpectedly swing open into the lane, leaving cyclists little time to react.
Residential Streets
People feel more relaxed in their neighborhoods and may not consider looking for cyclists. This can lead to accidents when they open car doors near homes.
School Zones
Parents and kids often move in a rush during drop-off and pick-up times. They might overlook cyclists riding nearby in a hurry to get in or out of vehicles.
Why Dooring Accidents Are So Dangerous for Cyclists
Bicycle-dooring accidents are particularly dangerous because cyclists lack the protection drivers and passengers have. The sudden impact of hitting a car door or being thrown into the street can result in serious injuries.
Cyclists may even be pushed into moving traffic, increasing the risk of a secondary collision. Without vehicle protection, the injuries sustained are often far more severe.
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Common Injuries in Bicycle Dooring Accidents
Bicycle-dooring accidents often result in life-changing injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:
Head And Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, cyclists can experience concussions, skull fractures, or brain trauma. These injuries can impact memory, focus, and overall brain function, sometimes requiring long-term recovery.
Shoulder Dislocations And Fractures
Colliding with a car door or hitting the ground often affects the shoulders, leading to painful dislocations or broken collarbones. These injuries can make everyday movements difficult while healing.
Facial Injuries And Dental Damage
A cyclist’s face can strike the car door, handlebars, or pavement, resulting in cuts, bruises, broken teeth, or injuries that may require reconstructive care.
Broken Wrists, Arms, And Hands
Using hands to break a fall is common, but this can lead to fractures, sprains, or breaks in the wrists, arms, or hands. Recovery can take weeks and may make simple tasks challenging.
Spinal Injuries And Chronic Pain
The impact of a dooring accident can lead to severe back or neck injuries, often causing long-term pain or mobility issues. Many cyclists require physical therapy to regain strength and function.
Washington State Laws Regarding Bicycle Dooring
Under Washington law, drivers and passengers must ensure they do not open their doors to oncoming traffic, including bicycles.
RCW 46.61.620 clearly states that no person shall open a vehicle door until it is safe. If a driver or passenger opens a door and hits a cyclist, they can be liable for damages.
Cyclists in Bellevue have the right to safe roadways. When someone violates those rights, our bicycle dooring accident attorneys in Bellevue, WA, step in to hold the responsible party accountable.
Proving Liability in Bicycle Dooring Accidents
To win a bicycle dooring accident case, we must show that the driver or passenger was careless or didn’t act responsibly. This means proving they were negligent and their actions caused the accident. In most cases, you can begin collecting evidence right after the accident occurs (if it is safe to do so). We will also help with this process.
Here are the key ways we do this:
Police reports
Filing a police report right away is essential. It provides an official accident record and can help confirm who was at fault. The report may also include important details like the location, time, and statements from everyone involved.
Witness testimony
People who saw the accident can share what they observed, which can be critical in showing how it happened. Witnesses might notice things you didn’t, like the driver failing to check for cyclists before opening their door. Their statements often add credibility to your case.
Thorough investigation
Our Bellevue bike accident lawyers carefully analyze every detail of your case. We examine evidence like photos, medical records, and witness accounts to understand what happened. We also look for traffic camera footage or other supporting materials that can strengthen your claim. This thorough approach helps us build the strongest case possible for you.
At Bernard Law Group, we know how to hold negligent parties accountable. As Bellevue’s best bicycle dooring accident lawyers, we work tirelessly to prove fault and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Cover the bills you face for medical care resulting from the accident.
- Repair your damaged bicycle or purchase a new one.
- Replace lost income if you cannot work due to injuries.
- Cover long-term treatment for serious injuries.
- Account for emotional suffering and trauma.
- Pay for rehabilitation and therapy.
- Compensate for pain and reduced quality of life.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and how the accident has impacted your life. For example, injuries that require surgery or long-term rehabilitation often result in higher compensation. Also, your claim is factored into damages like lost wages and emotional distress.
At Bernard Law Group, we understand every accident is unique. That is why our top-rated bicycle accident lawyers in Bellevue will evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our team today for a free consultation. We will discuss your options, answer your questions, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Our Bellevue Bicycle Dooring Accident Lawyer Today
A bicycle dooring accident can devastate your health, finances, and future. You should not face this burden alone. Our no-win, no-fee bicycle dooring accident lawyers in Bellevue are here to help.
At Bernard Law Group, we have years of experience representing injured cyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable. When you work with our bicycle injury attorney near me, you can trust that we will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a bicycle dooring accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get back on track. Call Bellevue’s best bicycle dooring accident lawyers now and take the first step toward recovery.
