Bicyclist Injured in a Dooring Accident in LA? Here’s What to Do.
Los Angeles has seen a major rise in bike commuting and recreational cycling—from Venice Beach to the bike lanes of Highland Park. But with this increase comes a serious and often-overlooked danger: dooring accidents.
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These crashes can send riders flying into moving traffic, parked cars, or onto hard pavement—leading to severe injuries and costly medical bills.
Where Dooring Accidents Happen Most in LA?
Some of the most common hotspots for dooring crashes include:
Venice Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney, where foot traffic, cars, and bikes all crowd narrow streets
Downtown LA, especially around office zones with high rideshare drop-offs
Echo Park and Highland Park, where bike lanes often run dangerously close to street parking
Anywhere you find tight lanes, distracted passengers, or sudden stops—you’ll find a high risk for dooring.
Who’s Legally at Fault in a Dooring Crash?
Under California Vehicle Code §22517, it is illegal for anyone to open a car door unless it is reasonably safe to do so and does not interfere with the movement of traffic, including cyclists. That means the person opening the door—whether a driver or passenger—is typically responsible for the accident.
Even if the driver claims “they didn’t see you coming,” the law is on your side. Cyclists have just as much right to the road, and drivers are required to check their surroundings before swinging open a door.
What to Do After a Dooring Accident in LA
If you’ve been hit by an opening car door while riding, here’s what to do immediately:
Take photos of the scene, the car, the open door, and your bike
Get the contact and insurance info of the driver or passenger who opened the door
Speak to any witnesses and gather their info
Seek medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain
Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with an attorney
Dooring injuries can include concussions, broken bones, spinal injuries, or deep cuts and bruises—all of which may require ongoing treatment or missed time from work.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Cyclists are often blamed for accidents they didn’t cause. At Crowley Law PC, we know how to fight that bias. Our team will:
Investigate the scene and gather key evidence
Prove driver or passenger negligence using California law
Handle insurance companies that try to undervalue your injuries
Make sure you don’t get stuck with bills you shouldn’t have to pay
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Hit by a Car Door While Biking in Los Angeles? Call Crowley Law PC.
If a careless driver or passenger caused your bike crash, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you’ve been wronged!
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
