Protecting Cyclists Injured in Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents occur when a vehicle occupant opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, often leading to serious injuries. These accidents are not only avoidable but also a direct result of negligence. At Alipour Law Group, APC, we are dedicated to helping cyclists in Irvine and Orange County seek justice and fair compensation after being injured in a dooring accident.
What Is a Dooring Bicycle Accident?
A dooring accident happens when a car door is opened into a cyclist’s path without checking for approaching bicycles. These accidents are particularly dangerous in urban areas or along bike lanes where cars are parked parallel to the street.
Common Causes of Dooring Accidents in Irvine California
- Driver or Passenger Negligence: Failing to check for cyclists before opening a door.
- Distracted Behavior: Occupants focusing on their phones or conversations instead of their surroundings.
- Poorly Designed Bike Lanes: Bike lanes adjacent to parked cars increase the risk of dooring incidents.
- Lack of Awareness: Many drivers and passengers are unaware of their legal obligation to check for cyclists.
Common Injuries in Dooring Accidents in Irvine California
Dooring accidents can cause severe and sometimes life-altering injuries, including:
- Head and Neck Injuries: Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer concussions or whiplash.
- Broken Bones: Collisions often result in fractures, especially to the arms, legs, and collarbones.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A high-impact collision with a car door can damage the spine.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists thrown off their bikes may suffer cuts, bruises, or dental damage.
- Road Rash and Abrasions: Sliding on pavement after a collision causes painful scrapes and burns.
If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, our bicycle accident attorneys will fight to ensure your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully accounted for.
California Laws on Dooring Accidents
California law is clear about a driver’s responsibility to prevent dooring accidents:
- California Vehicle Code Section 22517:
“No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic.”
This law explicitly protects cyclists, holding drivers and passengers accountable for injuries caused by dooring incidents.
How Alipour Law Group, APC Can Help?
At Alipour Law Group, APC, we have extensive experience representing cyclists injured in dooring accidents. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Investigation:
- Gather evidence, including photos of the accident scene, medical records, and eyewitness statements.
- Obtain surveillance footage, if available, to strengthen your case.
- Proving Negligence:
- Demonstrate that the driver or passenger failed to exercise reasonable caution.
- Establish liability under California’s Vehicle Code.
- Securing Maximum Compensation:
- Ensure coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Fight for additional damages if long-term care or disability is involved.
What to Do After a Dooring Accident in Irvine California
If you’ve been involved in a dooring accident, taking the following steps can protect your legal rights:
- Call 911: Report the incident to law enforcement and request a police report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the car door, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Collect Witness Information: Get the contact details of any bystanders who saw the accident.
- Contact a Lawyer: A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process and handle negotiations.
Why Choose Alipour Law Group, APC?
- Experienced Attorneys: Years of success handling bicycle accident cases.
- Personalized Representation: We treat every client with care and attention.
- No Upfront Fees: You only pay if we win your case.
- Bilingual Support: Fluent in Farsi and English to serve the Persian and Iranian communities.
Contact Alipour Law Group, APC Today
If you’ve been injured in a dooring bicycle accident in Irvine or Orange County, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Alipour Law Group, APC, we are dedicated to protecting cyclists’ rights and securing the compensation they deserve.
Call us now at (949) 997-9999.
Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
We Also Handle the Following Types of Bicycle Accident Cases:
- Intersections
- Poor Road Conditions
- Involving Electric Bikes or Scooters
- Involving Rideshare Drivers
- Bike Lanes and Trails
- Car and Bicycle Collisions
- Child Bicycle Accidents
- Fatal Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
- Hit-and-Run
- Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents with Uninsured Motorists
- Nighttime
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions
- Truck and Bicycle Accidents
- Weather-Related Bicycle Accidents
- What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Frequently Asked Questions: Dooring Bicycle Accidents
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages proportional to the other party’s liability.
What Damages Can I Claim After a Dooring Accident?
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
(949) 997-9999