Car-Dooring Bicycle Accidents

If you’re a cyclist in Newport Beach, you’re likely familiar with our 120 gorgeous miles of bicycle paths and bike lanes that connect you to the beach, the city, our beautiful parks, and more. But you’ve also likely experienced the fear when a driver who is parked on a roadside suddenly opens their car door, leaving you with no choice but to swerve into traffic to avoid a serious accident. Often the injuries sustained in these accidents are serious, and victims require major medical attention and help from a Newport Beach car-dooring bicycle accident attorney. If you are unsure of what to do after this kind of accident, contact the team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. We have years of experience helping Newport Beach residents and will fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to.

Newport Beach is home to many kinds of bike lanes, many of which require cyclists to share the road with traffic and parked cars. We have 40 miles of Class I bike paths where cyclists and pedestrians can ride without worrying about motor vehicles, but commuters often travel on Class II routes, which are bike lanes that run along roadways, and Class III routes, where cyclists share the road with motorists. Both Class II and III routes are often lined with parked cars, making them a common spot for dooring accidents.

If someone suddenly opens their car door into your path, it can result in a major collision and severe injuries. Unfortunately, this means that seeking the help of a car-dooring bicycle accident attorney in Newport Beach is often necessary in order to be fully compensated for expensive medical bills after this kind of accident.

According to The League of American Bicyclists, dooring accidents are the third most common cyclist accident that occurs because of motorists. At Jamal Injury Law P.C. we have seen all too many dooring accidents and know how seriously they can affect victims’ lives.

Although bike lanes are intended to protect cyclists, incredibly dangerous situations can occur when a parked driver suddenly opens their car door in front of a cyclist. Cyclists have two choices in this scenario: swerve into traffic to avoid the door, or hit the door and risk being thrown from their bike onto the pavement or into traffic. Regardless of what the cyclist does, the result is usually disastrous, resulting in broken bones, contusions, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. Having a trusted Newport Beach car-dooring bicycle accident attorney by your side after an accident can help you ensure that the compensation you receive covers your medical bills, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Laws in both California and Newport Beach are designed to reduce instances of dooring accidents and injuries. Under California Vehicle Code section 22517, motorists are required to exercise caution before opening their vehicle door if it faces traffic. In addition, if a driver parks their car, they may only leave the door facing traffic open while passengers are get into or out of the vehicle.

In addition, the Newport Beach Municipal Code requires cyclists to have an audible device like a horn or bell that can be heard up to a distance of 100 feet. Ensuring that your bicycle is equipped with a bell or horn is a good way to make motorists aware of you and prevent them from opening their doors abruptly.

If you are in need of a car-dooring bicycle accident lawyer serving Newport Beach, the team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. has the experience you need to get maximum compensation for your losses. Consultations are free and our experienced team can help you better understand your legal rights and the type and amount of compensation you may be legally entitled to. If your case requires legal help, we will fight to ensure that your rights are protected and the responsible party is held accountable.

Contact us today to set up a consultation at 714-907-1021.