What Should You Do If You Are Doored by a Car While Cycling?

What Should You Do If You Are Doored by a Car While Cycling?

Riding a bicycle is a great way to travel and exercise, but accidents happen. When a driver opens their car door directly in a cyclist’s path, this is known as a “dooring accident.” Dooring accidents can cause severe injuries. However, a driver who opens their door without looking can be held liable. If you are hit by a car door while riding your bicycle, you can prepare to take legal action by:

• Calling 911 to have an officer document the accident scene and create an official police report.
• Collecting the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number.
• Seeking a medical evaluation right away to document your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
• Reporting the dooring accident to the driver’s insurance company to begin the claims process for your damages.

At SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC, we are committed to helping bicycle accident victims understand their legal rights and the steps they can take after an accident. You do have legal recourse to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Soon Should I Report the Bicycle Accident to the Police?

Calling 911 immediately after the collision is essential, especially if you are grievously injured. A police officer visiting the scene creates an official record of the accident. The responding officer will complete several important tasks to document the incident, such as.

• Interview the driver and any witnesses.
• Record statements from all involved parties.
• File an official police report.

The police report will be a powerful piece of evidence when you seek compensation. Do not let the driver talk you out of calling the police, as this can harm your case.

Should I Collect Driver Information?

If you are physically able, you can collect details from the driver who opened the door. This information is a major part of building a strong case. You may want to gather specific details before leaving the scene, such as:

• The driver’s name, phone number, and address.
• Their insurance company and policy number.
• The car’s make, model, and license plate number.
• Any contact information from witnesses who can confirm your side of the story.

In addition, if you are able, take photos of the open door, your bicycle, your injuries, and the surrounding street. These images provide solid evidence of what happened.

Is Medical Documentation Important for My Case?

Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention following the accident. Adrenaline can mask the pain of severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma. In addition, seeing a doctor will give you medical documentation that will create a clear link between your injuries and the bike accident. Different types of medical records include:

• Emergency room or urgent care clinic visits
• Follow-up appointments
• All medical bills, prescription receipts, and physical therapy records

Insurance companies will look carefully at your medical records. If you delay treatment, they might argue that your injuries happened somewhere else or are not severe.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim?

Dealing with insurance adjusters is often difficult. The driver’s insurance company wants to pay you as little as possible. They might try to blame you for the accident or claim you were riding too close to the parked cars.

Instead of handling the calls yourself, let an experienced attorney manage the communication. A skilled lawyer knows how to counter insurance tactics and advocate for your right to compensation following a dooring accident.

Seek Justice After a Bicycle Accident

Being doored by a careless driver disrupts your entire life. However, you do have legal options, and you do not have to face this process alone. At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, we help injured cyclists hold negligent drivers accountable. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you with your dooring accident case.