Struck by a Car Door in Los Angeles, CA?

Bicycling in Los Angeles offers an eco-friendly and efficient way to get around in a bustling city. However, sharing the road with vehicles can often lead to dangerous situations for cyclists. One of the most common hazards faced by bicyclists is being struck by an opening car door, a type of accident known as "dooring." If you were hit by a car door while cycling, you’re not alone—this problem is widespread, and it can leave cyclists with severe or even life-changing injuries. The experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at McGee Lerer Ogrin are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (310) 231-9717 today to contact our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers and get the compensation you deserve!

Common Causes of Car-Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents often occur because motorists fail to check for cyclists before opening their car doors. While cyclists have the same rights to use the road as drivers, they are frequently overlooked. Here are some of the most common causes of car-dooring accidents in Los Angeles:

• Driver Negligence: Opening a car door without checking for approaching cyclists is the most common cause of dooring accidents. Drivers often forget that cyclists are entitled to occupy the road.
• Distracted Behavior: Drivers and passengers who are distracted by phones or conversations may open a door into the path of a cyclist.
• Improper Parking Practices: Cars parked too close to bike lanes create unsafe conditions for bicyclists, leaving little space to avoid an opened door.
• Lack of Awareness: Many drivers are simply unaware of the dangers they pose to bicyclists by opening doors carelessly.

Cyclists injured in a dooring accident are at risk for serious injuries, including broken bones, shoulder damage, concussions, and even spinal cord injuries. If this has happened to you, a car-dooring accident attorney can help you hold the negligent party accountable.

Understanding California Vehicle Code Section 22517

California law explicitly addresses the dangers posed to cyclists by dooring. According to 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, nor shall any person leave a door open upon the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers."

This law places a clear responsibility on drivers and passengers to ensure it is safe before opening their car doors. Violations of this law make the offending party liable for damages if a bicyclist is injured. However, insurance companies often attempt to downplay the fault of their clients, placing partial blame on the cyclist. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we have extensive experience successfully fighting back against these tactics to secure fair compensation for our clients.

The Danger of the "Door Zone"

The "door zone" refers to the space along the side of parked cars where an opened car door can suddenly extend into a bicyclist’s path. Cyclists riding too close to parked cars are at high risk of colliding with a door that is unexpectedly opened, especially if drivers or passengers fail to check for oncoming bikes.

While Los Angeles features many bike lanes, some of these lanes are poorly designed and fall directly into the door zone. This creates a false sense of security for cyclists, who may believe they are safe within the bike lane only to find themselves in immediate danger. You can reduce your risk by riding as far to the left of bike lanes as possible and remaining alert for parked vehicles with occupants inside. However, despite taking every precaution, many cyclists still suffer serious injuries in dooring accidents due to others’ negligence.

How McGee Lerer Ogrin Can Help

At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we understand how devastating a dooring accident can be. Not only are you left to recover from physical injuries, but you may also face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our team of car-dooring accident attorneys in Los Angeles is committed to helping you seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable. Here’s how we can assist you: