A Hidden Risk for Pittsburgh Motorcyclists

Riding a motorcycle is inherently risky, thanks to the minimal protection offered by the bikes themselves and the way that so many people drive around riders. One type of accident that can cause serious damage to riders and their bikes is dooring. Dooring accidents can also cause secondary accidents when a rider is thrown into traffic, leading to further damage and financial losses.

If you’ve been hurt in a dooring accident, it’s important to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in motorcycle collisions. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation now.

What Are Dooring Accidents?

Dooring accidents are fairly unique in that they only affect motorcycle riders and bicyclists. They occur when the occupant of a parked vehicle opens their door into a traffic lane in front of a motorcyclist or bicyclist. The rider hits the door and either gets thrown over the door or falls. They happen in several different scenarios. An occupant may open the door suddenly without checking for traffic—this is fairly common since people may remember to look for cars but forget to consider bikes and motorcycles.

Dooring may also happen when a rider is too close to parked vehicles; this often happens in urban areas with dense traffic. You may also see dooring happen when it’s foggy or dark outside, as it’s easier for vehicle occupants to miss people in traffic.

Whether the rider hits the door and stops or is thrown from their bike, the consequences can be incredibly painful. Possible injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, bruising, and road rash. If the rider is thrown into a traffic lane, they may get hit again by a vehicle that does not have time to stop. In severe cases, dooring is fatal.

How to Prevent Dooring Accidents

Preventing dooring accidents is the responsibility of both drivers and motorcycle riders. Some basic safety tips include:

Double-checking before opening the door: Vehicle occupants have learned to check for cars in the next lane of traffic over. With enough time and repetition, they can also learn to look for bicyclists and motorcycle riders. After checking the next lane once, check again and look specifically for motorcyclists before opening your door.

Checking side and rearview mirrors: You should also use all of your mirrors to keep an eye out for motorcyclists. A quick check in the next lane may not yield anything, but checking your side or rearview mirrors could show a motorcyclist rapidly approaching in that same lane.

Riding further away from parked cars: Riders can make a habit of riding further from parked cars. This can be challenging in urban areas.
Always expect someone to open the door: Expecting the unexpected out of others on the road can often help you avoid an accident. Riders should always assume that someone is going to open the door as they approach a parked car. This allows them to slow down and approach with caution.

Liability for Dooring Injuries

As you may imagine, the expenses associated with dooring injuries can be extremely costly. Determining liability is crucial for victims, as it allows them to pursue the compensation they deserve.

In many cases, a driver or passenger is held liable for the accident. Opening a door into a traffic lane is viewed the same as actually entering the lane with your moving car, and in those situations, the right-of-way goes to the person who is already in that lane.

In other cases, the rider may be at fault. For example, if they have their own lane to travel in but swerve into the parking lane to get around a slower vehicle, they may very well be held accountable for riding where they are not legally permitted to do so. Depending on the situation, they may have full or partial liability.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Today

If you’ve been doored, you have legal options. The sooner you contact a Pittsburgh-area motorcycle accident attorney, the sooner you can begin pursuing the compensation you’re owed. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949 or contact us online to set up a consultation now.