Every day, riders zip through California’s busy roads, trying to avoid cars, trucks, and all sorts of obstacles.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports there were 6,228 motorcyclist deaths in 2024. Even though motorcycles make up just 0.6 percent of all miles traveled, riders were involved in 16 percent of fatal crashes.
As more people ride bikes and motorcycles in cities around the world, it’s even more important to be aware of dooring accidents. Research shows that a good chunk of crashes with two-wheelers are caused by open car doors.
If you’re ever involved in this kind of crash, it helps to know what your options are for getting help and filing a claim.
In this blog, we’ll break down how doorings accidents happen, who may be liable, and what compensation options are available to riders filing an open door motorcycle injury claim in California.
Let’s dive in:
How Dooring Accidents Happen?
A dooring crash is when someone in a parked car swings their door open just as a motorcyclist is coming by. If the rider doesn’t have time to stop, they might run right into the door or try to swerve, and that can cause another wreck with a car or something on the side of the road.
Since bikes are smaller and a lot easier to miss than cars, people inside vehicles sometimes don’t notice them in time. If that happens, an injured rider has the right to file an open-door motorcycle injury claim in California.
Common Causes of Dooring Accidents
Crashes like these happen when drivers or passengers don’t notice what’s going on outside. Here’s what causes them:
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots before opening a door.
- Forgetting to look for motorcycles, bikes, or scooters coming up next to parked cars.
- Getting distracted by things inside the car, like texting, scrolling through your phone, or having a conversation.
- Squeezed street layouts, where parked cars are right next to moving traffic.
- Busy, stop-and-go stretches where riders might move between lanes or get closer to parked vehicles.
Who Is Liable in an Open Door Motorcycle Injury Claim
Deciding who’s at fault after a dooring crash is mostly about whether the person who opened the car door was being careful. You’ll need factual evidence to show what happened.
Proving Negligence in Dooring Cases
At the heart of most dooring claims is the question of whether the driver or passenger made sure the lane was clear before opening the door. Helpful proof includes:
- Witness statements from people who saw the crash.
- Security camera or dashcam footage.
- Photos from the scene show exactly how the crash happened.
- Local traffic rules or signs about parking and opening doors.
All of this can help you show who was at fault. If you can prove the person opening the door wasn’t paying attention or following the rules, it’s much easier to show they were careless and make your claim stronger.
Insurance Considerations for Accident Victims
Most of the time, the car owner’s (or driver’s) insurance should cover your injuries in a dooring crash. Still, insurance companies may try to pay less or put some of the blame on you.
It helps to have everything you can, like the police report, medical bills, and your own written account, so you’re ready if you have to back up your claim with the insurance adjuster.
In California, having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make it easier to take care of insurance adjusters and get the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Motorcycle Injury Claim in California
After a dooring crash, taking action fast can help you pay for medical bills and fix your bike, plus it keeps your evidence fresh. Filing your motorcycle injury claim right away also makes it easier for a California lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reporting the Accident and Gathering Evidence
If you’re involved in a dooring crash, call 911, file a report or the police right away. Having an official report gives you a solid record of what happened and can help your case later. If you can, snap clear photos of everything: the scene, the car, the door, your motorcycle, and any skid marks or traffic signs nearby.
Exchange names and insurance information with everyone involved. If people around saw the crash, try to get their contact information and what they witnessed. And don’t wait to get checked out by a doctor. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible means your injuries are documented and you can start treatment right away.
Working with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Managing a motorcycle crash claim can get complicated with all the paperwork and insurance details involved.
A lawyer can walk you through every step, from filing reports and taking care of paperwork to talking with insurance companies and, if it comes to it, taking your case to court. They can talk to the insurance folks so you can focus on getting better.
When Should You Talk to a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer in California?
Don’t wait to get legal help; taking action early gives you the strongest chance at getting what you’re owed for your injuries and expenses.
Why It Helps to Have a Lawyer
A motorcycle accident lawyer in California who has worked on these cases can give you much-needed clarity and confidence. They’ll talk you through your rights, what kind of compensation you might get, and how to build the strongest case.
They take care of the paperwork, can dig deeper into the details if needed, and will speak up for you during negotiations or in court. People who work with a lawyer typically get more money than those who try to manage these cases alone.
Help for Families After Wrongful Death and Serious Injuries
If a dooring crash has caused a loved one’s demise, the family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. This can help recover money for medical bills, lost income, and the pain of losing someone unexpectedly.
For serious injuries that change how you live, having a lawyer is even more important; they’ll fight to make sure you get everything you’ll need for the future.
Final Thoughts
A dooring crash can negatively affect you and your loved ones. After something like this happens, having good information and acting quickly is the right call.
California law spells out rights and protections for motorcyclists hit by open car doors, and you can get money for your injuries, lost pay, or bike repairs.
Knowing your rights, keeping good records, and getting help from a motorcycle injury lawyer in California can help with your recovery and give you peace of mind going forward. When you stay up to date and watch out for each other, you and your family can ride safer every time you hit the road.
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