Los Angelenos and visitors to this area deserve to be able to cycle without worrying about suffering an injury due to a negligent driver. It’s up to each driver to help keep bicyclists as safe as possible. There are a few things that may result in a cyclist being injured.
One issue that’s a direct concern for bicyclists is dooring. This occurs when a motorist opens their door in the bicyclist’s path in a way that makes the bicycle slam into it. Even when there are bike lanes, dooring is possible. Motorists should check behind their vehicle before opening the door to ensure that there isn’t a bicyclist who will move past the car as the door is being opened.
Why is dooring a safety issue?
Dooring can lead to significant injuries for the bicyclist. They may be thrown off the bike, which can cause them to fall to the ground. The impact of the dooring may be jarring enough to cause brain damage. Cyclists may suffer from spinal cord injuries, broken bones and other injuries as a result of the dooring.
What should cyclists do if they’re victims of dooring?
Cyclists should contact the police if they’re doored. The officer should issue a citation to the motorist for the incident. Bicyclists who are injured in a dooring incident or because of a driver’s negligence should ensure that they get the medical care they need.
It’s possible to seek compensation based on the negligence of the driver. This can help the injured cyclist to recover money for lost wages, medical bills and other financial impacts directly related to the crash.
