Cycling collisions often cause devastating injuries for people on bicycles without having much impact on those in motor vehicles. Car-bicycle collisions caused by vehicles traveling at high speeds can be particularly devastating, but speed is not the only risk factor to consider.
In fact, stopped vehicles are responsible for some of the most devastating bicycle collisions that regularly occur in urban areas. Dooring collisions can cause catastrophic injuries and secondary collisions if vehicle occupants don’t check for bicycles before exiting a car, truck, SUV or van.
What happens in a dooring crash?
When vehicle occupants open a door on the driver’s side of the vehicle, they could potentially obstruct oncoming traffic. Most people check for vehicles before opening their doors, but they may not look for bicycles.
If they open a door in front of an approaching cyclist, the person on the bicycle may not be able to stop. They may strike the open door, resulting in serious blunt-force trauma injuries. Other times, they might end up thrown into traffic, which can cause secondary crashes with even worse physical consequences.
Traffic statutes require that vehicle occupants check for bicycles and other approaching traffic before opening their doors. Blocking the path of an oncoming bicycle by opening a car door is a violation of state traffic statutes and also a negligent act that can cause serious injuries or death.
Those injured in dooring incidents or other bicycle collisions can potentially seek compensation from vehicle occupants. Discussing a recent bicycle crash with a legal professional can help injured cyclists and surviving family members understand their options.