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What To Do As A Cyclist Who Has Been Hit By An Open Car Door

Having an accident while riding a bike is bad enough – slamming into some inconsiderate driver’s open car door can be deadly. If you’ve recently been “doored” while riding your bike in Seattle, there is a good chance you’ve suffered severe injuries. If so, you may have legal options against the at-fault party.

Call 888-539-9211 and speak with one of our dedicated Seattle personal injury lawyers at Pendergast Law today. Bike accidents are at epidemic levels in Seattle, with over 2,000 different types of collisions and wrecks having occurred in the past seven years – and many of those were not the fault of the injured cyclists. We have experience defending bike riders who have been injured or killed by reckless motorists. We won’t quit until you get the settlement you deserve.

“Dooring” accidents are not your typical bike collisions, despite their unfortunate frequency. It takes a certain type of negligence to make them happen, and we’ll make sure the guilty party is held accountable for their actions. Call or use the online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Bicycle Accident Recoveries

  • A $170,000 recovery for a bicyclist injured when he was struck riding his bicycle
  • A $145,000 recovery for a man who received a concussion and skin abrasions when he was knocked off his bicycle by a car making a turn in Kirkland

View more case results here.

What Is ‘Dooring’?

Unfortunately, the name fits the act quite well. “Dooring” happens when a motorist or passenger sitting in a car, on the side closest to the traffic lane, abruptly opens their door without paying attention to potential bicyclists, pedestrians or other motorists passing by. Should anyone collide with the open door, it can result in untold amounts of damage to both person and property.

This type of collision is so commonplace now that most local and state municipalities have codes on the books regarding the proper procedure for exiting a car in the traffic lane. The state of Washington is no exception:

RCW 46.61.620: “No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic…”

I’ve Been ‘Doored’ In Seattle – Now What?

First, contact the authorities. This is not up for discussion, no matter how much the owner of the offending door may plead otherwise. Having the police there as your primary witness goes a long way in strengthening your case.

Secondly, provided you did not receive emergency care on the spot, we highly recommend seeing a medical professional on the double. Not only will a doctor be able to spot unforeseen issues, such as a concussion or internal bleeding, but the at-fault party’s insurance company or attorney won’t be able to call into question the severity of your injuries at a later point in time.

Additionally, if possible, you or a loved one should collect as much evidence and eye-witness information as possible. This includes video, photos, statements and contact info of anyone at the scene.

Finally, contact an attorney. Keep in mind that there are many firms to choose from, but you’ll want to speak with an attorney at a law firm that has a long history of representing not only bicyclists, but all manner of accident victims as well. Legal experience across many different scenarios will play heavily into building a strong case.

The Seattle bike accident attorneys at Pendergast Law can offer you the kind of representation you’ll need to secure a fair settlement with the negligent party. Contact our office today at 888-539-9211 for more information on your options and legal rights.

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