Dooring Bicycle Accidents
When a motorist parallel parks, the driver’s side door could open into traffic. Often (especially in urban areas), this is a bike lane. This situation can endanger bicyclists and cause serious injuries. Dooring bicycle accidents occur more commonly than many people realize and are a top cause of car versus bicyclist injuries.
If you suffered injuries in this type of incident, our car accident lawyer can help you build a case and seek compensation. At Herschensohn Law, we offer free consultations for traffic accident victims, including injured bicyclists. Call (206) 588-4344 now to learn more.
Let Our Lawyer Help You Fight for Justice After a Dooring Bicycle Accident
Our founder and lead attorney, Zach Herschensohn, provides representation to bicycle accident claimants in Kent, Seattle, Auburn, and Bellevue, Washington. Over the years, he has recovered millions of dollars for clients hurt in crashes. He and his team have the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the claims process, negotiate a settlement, or win your case in court.
When you partner with us, you can count on our team to handle all aspects of your civil case so you can focus on healing. We pride ourselves on being able to help our clients recover the compensation they need and deserve.
We also work on a contingency-fee basis. We believe everyone deserves to have a strong, skilled attorney work on their case, regardless of their current financial situation. We do not charge upfront fees. Instead, our attorney’s fees come from the money we recover. We only charge these fees if we win compensation in your case.
Damages Recoverable in a Washington State Dooring Bicycle Collision
The goal of filing an insurance claim or lawsuit is to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible and recover compensation for your losses. Our team develops strong support for bicycle accident cases by interviewing witnesses, consulting field experts, and reviewing accident reconstruction data.
We also identify and calculate what damages we can recover from the liable party. Compensable losses in your case may comprise:
- Medical bills and other related healthcare expenses
- Future treatment and ongoing care costs
- Income losses from time missed working
- Diminished earning capacity for lasting injuries
- Property damage costs
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as transportation expenses
- Pain and suffering
We use receipts, bills, and invoices to determine your economic damages’ cost. We evaluate your situation as a whole to determine how much you’re owed for pain and suffering.
We Seek Damages for Wrongful Death Claimants
If you lost a loved one in a dooring accident, we’re deeply sorry for your loss. We’re well aware that compensation can’t undo your grief. However, it could award funds that account for:
- Your loved one’s funeral services
- Any end-of-life healthcare costs
- Pre-death pain and suffering
- Loss of the decedent’s income
- The loss of love and support
How Our Attorney Proves Your Dooring Bicycle Accident Case
Herschensohn Law knows how to show negligence and liability in a dooring bicycle collision case. Under Washington law, RCW 46.61.620, it is illegal to open the door before first ensuring there is no oncoming traffic, including bicyclists.
When a motorist doesn’t check for traffic before opening a door, this could make them liable for any damages arising from an accident. To advance your case, we must prove negligence, which involves showing:
- Duty of care. The motorist had a civil obligation to follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty. The other party did not follow traffic laws.
- The other party’s actions caused your accident and injuries.
- You have losses stemming from the collision.
Our attorney will gather evidence to show these four elements occurred, then file an insurance claim based on the at-fault driver’s coverage. These cases generally settle without going to trial, but we take cases before a judge and jury when necessary.
We Follow All Filing Deadlines in Your Bicycle Accident Case
Per RCW 4.16.080, we generally have up to three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. While there are exceptions, some of these could shorten how long you have to sue. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after your collision. By having ample time to file your case, we can build the strongest possible claim and protect your legal rights.
Understanding the Dangers of “Getting Doored” While Riding
Dooring accidents are something many drivers never think about. However, they occur more often than most motorists realize. A four-year study in one major U.S. city found that 16 percent of bicyclists injured were hurt in dooring incidents. A five-year look at bicyclist injuries in a college town in the Northeast identified doorings as the cause of one-fifth of all crashes.
The severity of a dooring accident depends on many factors, including the cyclist’s speed when the collision occurs. Going full speed with no time to react, injuries are often catastrophic. The cyclist could flip over the door, hit their head, suffer a spinal cord injury, or fall into traffic and suffer additional injuries.
Some injuries that occur in dooring incidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can occur even with a helmet
- Facial injuries, fractures, and broken teeth
- Broken bones, usually in the arms, hands, collarbone, or upper body
- Neck or back injuries, with the possibility of paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Asphalt burns, known as road rash
- Significant bruising and lacerations
- Shoulder injuries
Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries are also common in these crashes. If you were in a dooring accident, we urge you to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doing so generates information that we can use to bolster your claim. Also, starting prompt treatment can help you make a full recovery.
Speak to a Team Member About Your Bicycle Accident Injuries Today
At Herschensohn Law, we represent accident claimants hurt by careless or reckless drivers. We are here to review your case, explain your options, and represent your best interests. We can discuss your injuries and insurance claim with you today for free.
Call (206) 588-4344 to get started.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.