Cycling is a great way to get around Northbrook for exercise, commuting, or just enjoying the outdoors. But with more bikes on the road, accidents happen—one of the most dangerous being dooring accidents. This occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, giving the rider little to no time to react.
A dooring accident can lead to serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma. Whether you’ve been hurt in a dooring crash ot another type of bicycle accident, you have legal rights. Knowing what steps to take can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Who Is Responsible for a Dooring Accident?
In most cases, the person who opened the car door is at fault for a dooring accident. Illinois law requires drivers and passengers to check for approaching bicyclists before opening a door into traffic. Failing to do so is considered negligence.
However, there may be other responsible parties, including:
- Rideshare drivers and passengers – If a passenger exiting a rideshare vehicle causes a dooring crash, liability may extend to both the passenger and the rideshare company.
- Commercial vehicle operators – If a delivery driver fails to check before opening their door, the company they work for may also share responsibility.
- Municipalities – Poorly designed bike lanes that force cyclists too close to parked cars can contribute to these accidents.
Common Injuries in Dooring Accidents
A bicyclist has almost no protection in a dooring accident. The sudden impact can send the rider flying over the handlebars, straight into traffic, or hard onto the pavement. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries – Even with a helmet, a hard fall can result in a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Broken bones – Colliding with a car door or the pavement can lead to fractures in the arms, wrists, ribs, or collarbone.
- Spinal injuries – A dooring crash can cause serious back and neck injuries that may require long-term treatment.
- Lacerations and road rash – Scrapes and deep cuts from impact with the door, ground, or passing vehicles.
Some injuries require months of recovery, leaving bicyclists with expensive medical bills and lost income. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the financial burden alone.
Compensation Available for Dooring Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can include:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care costs.
- Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work during recovery.
- Pain and suffering – Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage – The cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and damaged gear.
Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or argue that you were partially at fault. Having legal representation can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dooring Accident
If you’re injured in a dooring accident, taking the right steps can help protect your rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident – A police report can serve as valuable evidence.
- Get medical attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can show up later.
- Take photos of the scene – Document the car, your bike, injuries, and any visible hazards.
- Gather witness information – Statements from bystanders can help establish what happened.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal guidance – They may try to minimize your claim.
Get Legal Help After a Dooring Accident in Northbrook
Dooring accidents are preventable, yet they happen far too often. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident in Northbrook, Stein & Shulman is here to help. We have experience handling bicycle accident cases and fighting for injured cyclists. Call us today for a free consultation.
