At Bernard Law Group, we understand how devastating a dooring bicycle accident can be. Our experienced attorneys have represented numerous cyclists in Seattle, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured because a car door was opened into your path, our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. With our knowledge of local laws and years of experience, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.
What is a Dooring Bicycle Accident?
A dooring bicycle accident occurs when a vehicle occupant opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leaving the rider with little to no time to react. In Seattle’s busy urban environment, cyclists often share streets with parked cars, making dooring accidents a common and dangerous threat. Even at low speeds, these accidents can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in such an accident, contacting a Seattle dooring bicycle accident lawyer is essential to understand your rights and explore your legal options.
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Common Causes of Dooring Bicycle Accidents
Dooring accidents are among the most common and preventable incidents involving cyclists in urban areas like Seattle. These accidents occur when a car door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leaving them with little time to react.
Understanding the causes of these accidents can help cyclists stay aware and encourage drivers and passengers to exercise caution. Below are the most common causes of dooring bicycle accidents:
- Failure to Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: Drivers and passengers often forget to look in their mirrors or over their shoulders before opening their doors, especially in busy city environments.
- Distraction by Phones or Other Devices: Occupants using phones or distracted by conversations may open their doors without checking for approaching cyclists.
- Improper Parking Habits: Vehicles parked too close to bike lanes or in no-parking zones increase the chance of dooring incidents.
- High-Traffic Areas with Shared Lanes: Streets with bike lanes adjacent to parking zones create a higher risk, especially during peak traffic.
- Passenger Drop-Offs in Bike Lanes: Rideshare and delivery vehicles often stop in or near bike lanes, increasing the likelihood of a door opening into a cyclist’s path.
- Inadequate Bike Infrastructure: Streets without designated bike lanes or protective barriers force cyclists to ride close to parked cars, heightening dooring risks.
- Lack of Driver Education: Many drivers are not trained or reminded to practice the “Dutch Reach,” which requires using the opposite hand to open the car door, naturally encouraging them to check for oncoming cyclists.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Dooring bicycle accidents are preventable with proper awareness and caution. Cyclists can reduce risk by staying vigilant around parked cars and maintaining a safe distance, while drivers and passengers must remember to check their surroundings before opening doors.
If you’ve been injured in a dooring incident, contact us today. Our Seattle bicycle wreck lawyers are here to help you recover and hold negligent parties accountable.
Washington State Law and Dooring Bicycle Accidents
Washington State law, under RCW 46.61.620, makes it illegal to open a vehicle door unless it is safe to do so without interfering with traffic, including bicycles. Despite these laws, dooring accidents still occur, often because drivers or passengers fail to check for cyclists before opening their doors.
When this negligence results in injury, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our dooring bicycle accident attorneys in Seattle know these laws and will thoroughly investigate your case to build a strong claim.
Seattle’s Alarming Bicycle Accident Statistics
Seattle is known for its active cycling community, but the risks that cyclists face are significant. According to the Seattle Department of Transportation, the city sees hundreds of bicycle accidents yearly.
Dooring incidents are among the leading causes of these crashes, contributing to serious injuries and fatalities. More than 10% of bicycle accidents in urban settings are caused by drivers or passengers opening car doors into bike lanes or shared roads.
As your Seattle bicycle wreck lawyers, we understand the daily risks and challenges cyclists face and are committed to ensuring your rights are upheld.
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Why You Need a Seattle Dooring Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a dooring accident, having an experienced bike accident lawyer in Seattle, Washington, is crucial. Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or even argue that you were partially at fault. We won’t let that happen.
Our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence, including witness statements and police reports.
- Review video footage from nearby surveillance or dash cameras when available.
- Work with medical experts to evaluate the extent of your injuries.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for you.
At Bernard Law Group, we know how to navigate these claims and ensure you are treated fairly.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
- Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Recovery for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
Our Seattle accident attorneys will ensure that all damages are accounted for so you don’t have to face financial burdens alone.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dooring accident, don’t wait. The sooner you contact a Seattle dooring bicycle accident lawyer, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Let us help you get back on your bike and the road to recovery. Call us today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you move forward after a dooring bicycle accident in Seattle.
