Car Door Accidents Cause Serious Harm to Bicyclists
Whether you are an avid cyclist or a weekend cruiser‚ colliding with the opening door of a parked car is a very real risk‚ and can have devastating consequences. Open door accidents‚ also known as “dooring accidents” or “being doored”‚ often occur when a bicyclist is obeying the law and riding within the designated bike lane‚ only to have a negligent motorist swing their car door open into their path. The San Diego personal injury lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers have seen the serious injuries and deaths that can occur when a careless driver or passenger opens a car door without looking. If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle dooring accident‚ we are here to provide the aggressive representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about our services and your legal options‚ call us today at (888) 233-5020. We provide comprehensive case evaluations at no cost.
California’s Bicycle Safety Laws
Despite ongoing state and federal campaigns encouraging motorists to share the road with bicycles‚ it is all too common for drivers to claim that an accident occurred simply because they did not see the bike. However‚ motorists are legally obligated to watch out for bicycle riders and practice a reasonable level of care‚ even when inside a parked car. Under California Vehicle Code section 22517‚ “No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so…”
Contact a bicycle crash attorney in San Diego if you have been involved in a dooring accident. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the injuries and other losses you have suffered due to the negligent driver’s actions.
Bike Dooring Accident Injuries in San Diego
As if bicyclists don’t already have enough to worry about when it comes to four-wheeled vehicles‚ even the most experienced biker can be caught off guard by a suddenly-opened vehicle door. Depending on the circumstances‚ and whether the cyclist is wearing a proper helmet and other safety gear‚ a dooring accident can cause the following:
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Spinal injuries
The financial‚ physical and emotional costs of a bike crash can be particularly devastating‚ especially considering how little protection bicyclists have out on the road. Fortunately, dooring accident victims may legally hold the negligent party accountable for their losses through a personal injury claim. It is possible to recover significant compensation for past and future medical bills‚ pain and suffering‚ loss of enjoyment of life‚ property damage‚ and lost wages.
Excellent Representation for Injured Bicyclists in San Diego
You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of pursuing legal action‚ but the San Diego bike dooring accident lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers can help you reach the best possible outcome for your case. We are strong proponents of bicyclists’ rights and will work tirelessly to hold the at-fault party accountable for causing your injuries and pain. Contact our firm at (619) 233-5020‚ as soon as possible‚ to get your claim started.