Dooring accidents are a common yet often misunderstood hazard for bicyclists in New York. These incidents occur when a driver or passenger suddenly opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist, usually leaving the rider with no time to react. The impact can cause severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma, and speaking with a New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Many injured cyclists wrongly assume they are to blame, especially if they were traveling near parked cars or riding between traffic lanes. However, New York traffic laws provide strong legal protections for cyclists in these situations.
This blog by William Mattar Law Offices explores what happens when you get doored and why it's not your fault.
What Is a Dooring Accident?
A dooring accident involves a moving cyclist and a stationary vehicle. It occurs when a car door opens into the cyclist’s path without warning. The rider may collide directly with the door or swerve to avoid it, often crashing, and this is why you need a lawyer to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and protect your right to full compensation.
These incidents often occur in areas where street parking is common. Cyclists moving parallel to parked cars may have little room to maneuver, particularly in busy New York City and other large cities in the state. Riders using designated bike lanes can also be at risk if the lane runs adjacent to parked vehicles.
Dooring can involve drivers or passengers. In some cases, rideshare passengers open rear doors into traffic without checking for oncoming cyclists. Delivery drivers, rideshare operators, and everyday motorists can all be responsible for causing such accidents.
This type of collision is sudden and often unavoidable for the cyclist. The outcome is rarely minor, as riders have limited protection from blunt trauma when struck or forced to swerve into moving traffic or other hazards.
Why Does Dooring Happen So Often in New York City and other large cities like Rochester and Buffalo?
New York City is uniquely prone to dooring incidents due to its infrastructure, density, and traffic volume. With limited parking, narrow roadways, and thousands of cyclists sharing the streets, the risk of dooring is built into the city’s daily traffic conditions.
Many designated bike lanes run alongside parked cars. This layout puts cyclists within what is commonly called the “door zone”—the area a car door occupies when fully extended. In these zones, a cyclist has little time to react if a door swings open without warning, so should I get a lawyer is a natural question when injuries and damages follow such an unexpected collision.
Driver distraction is another major contributor. People exiting a vehicle may be focused on their destination, belongings, or phone. Passengers using rideshare services may not receive instructions about checking for cyclists before opening the door. These simple acts of negligence occur all over the state.
Experienced riders, bike messengers, and “deliveristas” cannot always anticipate a dooring incident in New York. Traffic noise, crowded lanes, and variable lighting all make it difficult to detect subtle movements inside a parked car. In many cases, the first sign of danger is the impact itself.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Dooring?
Injuries from dooring accidents often require emergency medical attention and long-term recovery. Doored cyclists may strike the door, hit the pavement, collide with another vehicle, or suffer a combination of impacts. The lack of physical protection increases the severity of the trauma.
Typical injuries include:
- Fractures. Broken arms, wrists, clavicles, and legs are common due to the force of impact and subsequent fall.
- Head injuries. Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal injuries. Sudden ejection from the bicycle can damage the spine or result in herniated discs.
- Soft tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, muscle damage, and deep contusions are frequently reported.
- Facial injuries. Lacerations, dental trauma, or broken facial bones may result from direct impact with the vehicle or pavement.
Beyond physical harm, many riders report psychological symptoms after a dooring incident, including heightened anxiety, sleep disruption, and avoidance of cycling altogether. These emotional effects are not always visible but can interfere with daily life and recovery, and they add to the question of what injuries are common after such accidents.
For some, the consequences include missed work, mounting medical bills, and ongoing rehabilitation. These damages are compensable under New York personal injury law, provided the legal elements of liability are met.
What New York Law Says About Dooring
New York law explicitly addresses the act of opening vehicle doors into traffic. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1214 states:
"No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic."
This statute applies to both drivers and passengers. If a door is opened into the path of a moving bicycle and the rider is injured, the person who opened the door may be liable. The law places a responsibility on individuals exiting vehicles to ensure no moving traffic—bicycles included—will be affected.
A violation of this law can be used as evidence of negligence in a dooring injury claim. Insurance companies, police officers, and courts often rely on this traffic code section when determining who is at fault in a dooring incident, highlighting the broader risk of bicycle accidents when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening a door.
Cyclists have the same right to use New York roads as other vehicles. The law acknowledges this and holds people accountable when they fail to exercise caution while getting out of a car.
You Are Not Automatically at Fault After Being Doored
Many cyclists blame themselves after a dooring incident, especially if they were riding close to parked vehicles. This is a common reaction, but does not reflect how liability is evaluated under New York law.
There is no legal requirement that cyclists ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid every possible hazard. In many city environments, there is no space to do so safely. Due to traffic patterns, construction, or the design of the bike lane, cyclists often have to ride within a few feet of parked vehicles.
The person who opens the door has a legal duty to ensure that it is safe before doing so. Failing to meet this duty can form the basis for a personal injury claim. This implies that even if the cyclist did not swerve, brake, or shout a warning, liability may rest with the individual in the vehicle.
It is also worth noting that comparative fault may apply in some cases. Under New York law, an injured person can recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the incident. Many dooring cases involve clear violations of VTL § 1214, and cyclists should not assume they bear any legal fault without consulting with legal counsel.
What To Consider Immediately After a Dooring Accident
The actions taken in the minutes and hours after a dooring accident can significantly affect health outcomes and legal claims. Even if the injuries don't initially appear severe, it's essential to remain calm, alert, and organized. Some things to consider include:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Always prioritize medical care. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent. Emergency responders can assess your condition on the scene, and a complete medical evaluation should follow as soon as possible.
2. Document the Scene
Photograph the area where the accident occurred, including the vehicle, the open door, traffic signs, bike lane markings, and any damage to your bicycle or clothing. If injuries are visible, consider documenting them as well.
3. Gather Information
Obtain the name, contact information, and insurance details of the person who opened the door. If passengers were involved, gather their information too. If the vehicle was a rideshare or commercial vehicle, note the company and vehicle identification number to help build a claim and highlight the need to prevent New York bicycle accidents through greater awareness and accountability.
4. Look for Witnesses
If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements may help support your claim if there is a dispute about what occurred.
5. File a Police Report
Call the police and request that an officer come to the scene. Insurers may require a report and can provide necessary documentation of fault. Be honest but avoid making assumptions or admitting blame.
6. Preserve Records
Keep all medical records, bills, repair estimates, and receipts related to the accident. These documents may be necessary for reimbursement or settlement purposes.
Although these steps can be challenging to carry out while in pain or distress, they help build a strong foundation for any legal action or insurance claim that follows.
Filing a Claim After a Dooring Accident in New York
The claims process for a dooring accident in New York begins with documenting evidence and notifying the relevant insurance providers. Cyclists may file claims against the individual who opened the door, which may involve personal auto insurance or, in some cases, the policy of a rideshare or commercial vehicle operator, and New York bicycle accident lawyers provide safety by guiding injured riders through each step and protecting their rights.
New York’s statute of limitations generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, practical deadlines often arrive much sooner, especially when dealing with insurance notifications, preserving video footage, or collecting medical evidence.
The strength of a bicycle accident claim depends on timely documentation. This includes medical evaluations, photographs, witness statements, and any available police reports. A comprehensive account of events—organized by date and supported by objective records—can improve how insurers evaluate liability and damages.
If the at-fault party’s insurance accepts liability, negotiations may proceed quickly. If not, further legal steps may be required. While many claims resolve outside of court, litigation may be appropriate if the insurer disputes liability or undervalues the harm suffered.
Every claim is different. Some may involve commercial defendants or rideshare companies, while others include multiple responsible parties. In each scenario, the key issue is whether someone failed to follow their duty to prevent harm to a lawful road user.
Compensation for Dooring Accident Injuries
Injured cyclists may pursue compensation to address the financial and non-financial consequences. Recoverable damages fall into several categories:
- Medical expenses. Emergency treatment, follow-up care, physical therapy, surgeries, medication, and assistive devices. Some of these expenses may be covered by no-fault insurance.
- Lost income. Time away from work, missed business opportunities, and long-term changes in earning ability.
- Pain and suffering. Physical discomfort, mobility limitations, and day-to-day challenges caused by injuries.
- Psychological impact. Emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, or reduced quality of life after the event.
- Property damage. Repair or replacement of a damaged bicycle, helmet, or personal items.
The total amount depends on a variety of factors including the severity of injuries, the projected recovery timeline, and how the incident affects the cyclist’s lifestyle and livelihood. Insurance carriers often attempt to minimize the value of intangible harm, such as pain and emotional strain. Documentation, such as journal entries, therapist records, and physical therapy logs, can support these parts of the claim.
Future expenses may also be considered. These include long-term medical care, home modifications, or vocational rehabilitation, primarily if the injuries result in permanent limitations. Any settlement should reflect the complete harm, not just short-term expenses, and anyone injured in a bicycle accident should work with a lawyer to include these future costs in their claim.
Why Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney after a New York accident Can Make a Difference
Most injured cyclists have little experience dealing with personal injury claims. An experienced New York bike accident attorney can assemble evidence, evaluate the value of a case, identify responsible parties, and interact with insurance companies on the client’s behalf.
Legal representation can improve the outcome when insurers dispute liability, cite contributory behavior, or offer inadequate settlements. For example, a cyclist accused of riding too close to parked cars may be unaware of legal arguments or precedent that support their right to occupy a shared lane, which can be critical if the crash resulted in serious injuries or was alleged to be causing a fatal bicycle accident.
Bicycle accident lawyers in New York help claimants meet procedural requirements, respond to insurer requests within deadlines, and avoid common pitfalls such as recorded statements that could be misinterpreted. Most consultations begin with a review of the facts and a preliminary explanation of legal options.
Speak With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer at William Mattar, P.C.
If you were injured in a dooring accident, you may be dealing with physical pain, lost time from work, and growing medical expenses. These incidents can disrupt your life in ways that go far beyond the scene of the crash.
The attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. handle cases involving injured cyclists and other victims of motor vehicle accidents. When you work with our firm, you'll receive personalized legal support to help with your recovery and financial well-being.
To learn more about your legal options, call (844) 444-4444 to speak with a New York bicycle accident lawyer and find out how we can help you today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dooring Accidents in New York
Can a passenger be held responsible for opening a door into traffic?
New York law applies equally to passengers and drivers. If a passenger opens a door into a cyclist’s path without checking for safety, they may be liable for resulting injuries depending on the circumstances.
What if the cyclist did not directly hit the door but crashed while swerving?
Liability may still apply if the cyclist swerved to avoid the door and was injured. The law prohibits opening a door in a way that interferes with moving traffic, even if no direct contact occurs.
Does the presence of a bike lane change liability?
Not necessarily. Cyclists in a marked bike lane are protected under the same traffic laws as those riding in general travel lanes. Opening a door into a bike lane can still be considered a violation of VTL § 1214.
Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet?
Not wearing a helmet may affect arguments about comparative fault or failure to mitigate damages, but it does not eliminate the liability of the person who opened the door. Each case is evaluated based on its unique facts.