One risk for cyclists is when cars are parallel parked along the side of the road. These cars may be legally parked, but cyclists have to ride very close to them. This is true if they are in a designated bike lane, but they may be even closer if they are just riding on the right side of the road near the shoulder.
If a person in one of these vehicles opens their door to step out into the street without checking to see if a cyclist is approaching from behind them, they may open the door into the bike’s path.
Cyclists may not be able to avoid an accident
The level of risk is very high because a cyclist who strikes a door at full speed could suffer serious injuries. There is almost no give from the automobile, and the cyclist could be riding their bike at 20 or 30 miles per hour. Just hitting the door can cause serious injuries.
However, another potentially more serious risk can come when cyclists may swerve to avoid the door. That could mean swerving directly into the active traffic lanes. Some cyclists will try to move around the door, only to be involved in a much more serious accident when they are hit from behind or by oncoming traffic.
These crashes can lead to severe and potentially fatal injuries. Injured parties and those who have lost loved ones to a dooring incident need to know how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other such costs. Having experienced legal guidance can help.
