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Dooring incidents are a huge concern for Connecticut cyclists

On Behalf of | Jun 18, 2022 | Personal Injury

Dooring is a specific type of vehicle collision that occurs when someone opens a car door in front of a moving bicycle at a moment when the cyclist has little or no time to react by braking or swerving.

Whether accidental or intentional, dooring incidents are incredibly dangerous and can cause serious injury to cyclists.

Dooring injuries can have a long-term impact

When a bike hits a door, even at a low rate of speed, the impact can cause the rider to eject from the bicycle seat and hit the pavement hard. Worse, the victim may land in the path of moving traffic. Common dooring injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Facial, head or brain injuries
  • Broken bones and lacerations
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage

While some cyclists may heal from their injuries with minimal treatment, others may require lengthy hospital stays or surgical intervention. Long-term needs may include extensive physical therapy or main management. Some bikers may never be able to resume riding.

Dooring is not against the law in Connecticut

While many states have statutes that make dooring a traffic offense, Connecticut law does not affirm the act itself as illegal. However, like other motor vehicle crashes, a judge or jury can determine a dooring incident to be a result of negligence. Victims may have legal recourse to pursue a personal injury claim against drivers or passengers who impede the flow of traffic and harm cyclists.

To avoid dooring incidents and other traffic accidents, it is important to remain alert and adhere to Connecticut traffic laws.

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