In cities throughout Northern Illinois, bicycling offers a convenient, eco-friendly way to navigate congested streets. Unfortunately, urban cyclists face unique risks, particularly regarding “dooring” accidents. Dooring occurs when a motorist or passenger opens their vehicle door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leaving the rider little or no time to react and avoid a collision. These accidents can inflict severe injuries that affect every facet of a cyclist’s life. If you’ve been injured in a dooring incident, understanding your rights and legal avenues can help you safeguard your health and financial stability.
The Prevalence and Mechanics of Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents are alarmingly common in urban areas, where heavy traffic and limited parking space force cyclists to ride close to parked cars. In Chicago alone, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported more than 300 dooring crashes during a recent year, representing a significant portion of the city’s total bicycle accidents.
These collisions typically unfold in seconds, with an unsuspecting cyclist suddenly confronted by an opening car door. The rider may swerve reflexively to avoid impact, potentially veering into traffic or losing control of their bicycle. In other cases, the cyclist may not have time to react, slamming directly into the door at full speed.
Several factors contribute to the frequency of dooring accidents, including:
- Distracted drivers and passengers failing to check for approaching cyclists before exiting their vehicles
- Parked motorists underestimating the speed and proximity of oncoming bicycle traffic
- Cyclists being forced to ride too close to parked cars due to narrow or poorly maintained bike lanes
- Limited visibility, particularly during low-light conditions or inclement weather
Common Injuries in Dooring Collisions
The sudden, forceful impact of a dooring accident can inflict devastating injuries on cyclists who lack the protection of a metal vehicle frame, seatbelts, and airbags. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Facial fractures and dental trauma
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash and herniated discs
- Fractured collarbones, arms, wrists, and hands
- Dislocated shoulders and elbows
- Broken ribs and punctured lungs
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Leg, knee, and foot injuries
- Severe road rash, lacerations, and contusions
Many injuries require emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and extended rehabilitation. Some cyclists may face permanent disabilities that affect their mobility, cognitive function, and ability to work or enjoy life as they once did.
Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable
Under Illinois law, drivers and passengers are responsible for checking for oncoming traffic, including bicycles, before opening their vehicle doors. Failure to do so constitutes negligence, and injured cyclists have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
However, pursuing a successful dooring accident claim can be challenging without experienced legal representation. Insurance companies will often attempt to shift blame to the cyclist or minimize the severity of their injuries to limit financial liability.
To protect your rights and maximize your chances of securing fair compensation, consider taking the following steps after a dooring accident:
- Call 911 and report the incident to the police
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries
- Gather contact and insurance information from the driver or passenger who opened the door
- Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your bicycle, and your visible injuries
- Obtain contact information from any eyewitnesses
- Avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident
- Notify your own insurance company of the collision
- Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and missed work
- Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Contact a knowledgeable Northbrook bicycle accident attorney to discuss your case
Our skilled lawyer can thoroughly investigate your dooring accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate fiercely for full and fair compensation.
Compassionate Legal Guidance for Injured Cyclists
If you sustained serious injuries in a bicycle or dooring accident in Northbrook, do not hesitate to seek the experienced legal representation you deserve. Contact Stein & Shulman, LLC today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you fight for the justice, accountability, and compensation you deserve.
