Dooring Accidents: A Hidden Risk for City Motorcyclists

City streets are a hub of activity and travel, making them a dangerous place for motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. Perhaps one of the greatest threats facing Pittsburgh motorcyclists is dooring. These types of accidents can lead to secondary collisions and result in serious injuries for riders.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dooring accident, don’t wait to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation with our team now.

What Causes Dooring Accidents?

Dooring occurs when a parked car is next to a lane of traffic, a bike lane, or a pedestrian lane. The vehicle occupant opens the door into the path of a motorcyclist or bicyclist, hitting them. Because motorcyclists and bicyclists are already more vulnerable than other road users, they can suffer significant injuries in these types of accidents. If the motorcyclist is traveling at the speed of traffic, the impact of the door can send them flying off of their bike. The best outcome in that scenario is landing in an unused part of the lane or on the sidewalk. Those who are less lucky may be thrown into the path of another vehicle, where they may get run over or have a near-miss.

Dooring is often the result of inattentive drivers. Drivers should be aware that people may be using the lanes next to them, but when they fail to check for traffic in the next lane, they cause avoidable accidents.

Urban congestion is another issue. City streets are known for their dense traffic. While a motorcyclist may be able to easily move out of the way of an unexpected door in a suburban or rural area, they often do not have the same flexibility or space in an urban area.

Tight lanes are another source of dooring accidents. When motorcyclists have access to wider lanes, they can stay further away from parked cars and avoid dooring accidents. Urban lanes are often very narrow, which forces riders into the paths of opening doors.

Impact on Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists can be left with severe or even fatal injuries after a dooring accident, especially if they are thrown in front of other vehicles. In urban settings, it’s often challenging for drivers to stop on a dime. Even if they stop as soon as they see the motorcyclist, there’s a real possibility they’ll still hit them. Because motorcyclists already have minimal protection compared to other road users, they could have crush injuries, broken bones, and other injuries.

Serious accidents often leave motorcyclists with profound psychological trauma. After a near-death experience, riders may struggle to get back on their bike—no matter how much joy it brought them in the past. PTSD is a fairly common diagnosis after serious injuries.

Additionally, dooring accidents can leave motorcyclists with a heavy financial burden. Medical care, motorcycle repair or replacement costs, and unpaid time off of work can all leave riders in dire financial straits.

Preventing Dooring Accidents

While it would be ideal to have infrastructure changes that make it easier for riders to stay away from parked cars, that is unlikely in cities where space is already tight. As a result, it’s important for individuals to do what they can to keep other road users safe. Riders must be aware of other drivers’ actions and be aware when there are people inside parked cars.

The majority of the responsibility must fall on drivers. They have the most power and the most ability to cause harm in this scenario, and so they must be willing to be more cautious when behind the wheel. That means checking at least twice before opening their car doors on a busy city street and looking specifically for vulnerable road users like bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Start Your Claim with Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman

The sooner you begin working with an attorney after a dooring accident in Pittsburgh, the sooner we can begin building your case. Take the first step now by setting up a free consultation. You can reach us online or call us at 866-565-4949 to set up a meeting time with one of our personal injury attorneys.