Data from the City of Chicago showed that between 2010 and 2012, crashes as a result of opening car doors made up between 7.3 and 19.7% of reported bicycle crashes. These numbers are not insignificant, and we at America’s Consumer Lawyer LLC see these accidents result in countless injuries every year. Often referred to as “dooring” collisions, The League of American Bicyclists defines them as, “an opened door hitting or being hit by passing traffic.” This “passing traffic” that is being referred to can be a cyclist or motorcyclist that did not anticipate the vehicle’s door to swing open. If you or a loved one have ever been victim to a dooring accident, then America’s Consumer Lawyer LLC is here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement.
“Dooring” laws
The laws regarding “dooring” vary nationwide, so it is important to check your state or local laws regarding the penalties associated with it. For example, the Municipal Code of Chicago indicates, “No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic.” In addition, the driver must limit the time the door is kept open to a reasonable amount. Disobeying these rules can result in penalties ranging from fines to jail time, depending on the situation.
The good news is that it can be prevented.
As Chicago’s rule stipulates, drivers should always check beforehand that it is clear and safe to briefly open your car door that is nearest to moving traffic in order to minimize the possibility of a potential accident. Also, the door should not be open longer than it takes the driver to exit the vehicle.
On the receiving end of dooring accidents is the other car, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. Injuries as a result of a dooring accident can range widely depending on the conditions of the incident, however, it can possibly result in death. For the more common victims, it is essential that bicyclists keep a blinking front light, and it is mandatory that motorcyclists have two headlights to stand out to drivers. Also, if safely possible, they should stay furthest from the area of the bike lane that makes you most vulnerable to a dooring accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring accident due to another’s negligence, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
