Did You Get Doored? Here’s Why It’s Not Your Fault!

• February 4, 2025

Dooring accidents occur when a cyclist crashes into a car door that was suddenly opened into their path. These incidents can cause severe injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial losses for the victim. Did you get doored while riding your bicycle? Here’s why it’s probably not your fault. 

Many cyclists face unfair blame after such crashes, but the reality is that drivers and passengers have a legal responsibility to check for oncoming traffic—including cyclists—before opening a door. Dooring is common in urban areas with heavy bike traffic and limited space for cyclists. A single moment of carelessness can lead to devastating consequences for the person on the bike. As a victim, you shouldn’t feel at fault for an accident caused by someone else’s neglect. The aftermath may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next, but you’re not alone in this.

If you sustained injuries because of a dooring incident, you need to speak with a Detroit bicycle accident lawyer near you during a free consultation. They can explain your legal rights and help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Why Dooring Accidents Happen

Dooring accidents are the result of preventable actions—or inaction—by vehicle occupants. While many people think of these incidents as unfortunate accidents, they typically stem from specific behaviors and circumstances that create unnecessary risks for cyclists. By understanding the common causes of dooring accidents, it becomes clear that cyclists are rarely, if ever, to blame for these collisions.

Driver/Passenger Inattentiveness

One of the primary reasons dooring accidents occur is carelessness. Drivers and passengers often fail to take a few critical seconds to check their surroundings before opening a car door. They might be preoccupied with their phones, in a rush to leave the vehicle, or simply not thinking about cyclists at all. This moment of inattention can lead to severe consequences, especially in areas with high bicycle traffic.

Poor Visibility or Lighting Conditions

Low-light conditions, heavy rain, or other visibility issues can contribute to dooring accidents. In these situations, drivers and passengers may find it harder to notice an approaching cyclist. However, poor visibility doesn’t excuse their responsibility to check for others before opening a car door. When people take extra care to look for cars, they should also extend the same caution to cyclists.

Common Misconceptions About Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities

Misunderstandings about cyclists’ rights to share the road contribute significantly to dooring accidents. Many drivers believe that cyclists should stay far away from parked cars or even off the road entirely, which is not true. Cyclists are entitled to use the road, and the law expects vehicle occupants to check for bikes before opening a door. Ignorance of these rules often leads to negligence and unnecessary crashes.

The "Dutch Reach" and Why It's Not Widely Practiced in the U.S.

The Dutch Reach is a simple, life-saving habit practiced in countries like the Netherlands. It involves opening the car door with the far hand (e.g., the right hand when seated on the driver’s side), which forces the person to turn their body and look over their shoulder. This method greatly increases the likelihood of noticing an approaching cyclist. Unfortunately, the Dutch Reach is not widely taught or practiced in the U.S., leaving many drivers and passengers unaware of this easy safety technique. 

By addressing these behaviors and promoting better awareness of cyclists’ rights, many dooring accidents could be avoided altogether. However, until these cultural and behavioral changes are more widely adopted, cyclists remain vulnerable to this preventable danger.

Legal Responsibilities of Vehicle Occupants

Vehicle occupants have specific legal obligations to ensure they don’t endanger others, including cyclists, when opening their car doors. In Michigan, laws clearly outline these responsibilities, and failing to adhere to them often results in liability when accidents occur. 

Duty of Care When Opening Car Doors

Michigan law holds drivers and passengers accountable for ensuring their actions don’t harm others on the road. This includes exercising reasonable care when opening car doors. Occupants are expected to check their surroundings—especially for approaching cyclists or other vehicles—before opening a door. This responsibility is part of the broader legal principle of "duty of care," which requires individuals to act in a way that avoids causing harm to others.

Relevant Traffic Laws and Regulations

In Michigan, dooring is specifically addressed by state law. Under Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257.626b, it is unlawful for a person to open a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. This law reinforces the obligation of drivers and passengers to verify that opening a door won’t endanger anyone.

This statute not only protects cyclists but also pedestrians and motorists who could collide with an unexpected open door. Violating this law constitutes negligence and often leads to liability for injuries caused by the dooring incident.

Vehicle Code Citations Specific to Door Opening

Michigan’s law prohibiting unsafe door opening is particularly relevant in urban areas with heavy bike traffic, like Detroit or Grand Rapids. For example, if a cyclist traveling in a designated bike lane is struck by a car door, the person who opened the door has violated Michigan’s traffic laws. This violation can result in citations and forms the foundation for a personal injury claim when a cyclist is injured.

Driver/Passenger Responsibility to Check for Cyclists

Drivers and passengers share the responsibility to ensure their actions don’t harm others. In the context of dooring, this means:

• Checking mirrors and blind spots before opening the door.


• Looking over their shoulder for cyclists who may be approaching.


• Waiting to open the door until it is completely safe to do so.

These actions are not optional; they are legal obligations under Michigan law. Failing to perform these basic checks is considered negligence and places the responsibility for any resulting accident squarely on the vehicle occupant.

Michigan’s legal framework is designed to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists. When vehicle occupants fail to uphold their responsibilities, injured parties can hold them accountable for the harm they cause. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, these laws provide a clear basis for pursuing compensation.

Debunking Common Myths

After a dooring accident, some people may try to shift the blame onto the cyclist. Let’s address and dismantle some of the most common misconceptions.

"Cyclists Should Ride Further From Parked Cars"

While cyclists are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from parked cars, it’s not always feasible. Narrow bike lanes, heavy traffic, or road conditions may force cyclists to ride closer to parked vehicles. Blaming them for their position ignores the reality of many urban cycling environments.

"Cyclists Should Always Be Able to Stop in Time"

This argument assumes that cyclists can anticipate every possible hazard, including a door suddenly swinging open. The law, however, places the burden of safety on the person opening the door, not the cyclist.

"The Cyclist Was Going Too Fast"

Cyclists traveling at reasonable speeds should not be held responsible for someone else’s failure to check for them. The speed of the cyclist is rarely the primary cause of a dooring accident.

Why These Arguments Don’t Hold Up Legally

These myths don’t align with traffic laws or the principle of negligence. Courts and insurance companies often recognize that the vehicle occupant’s failure to act responsibly is the root cause of these accidents.

Steps to Take After a Dooring Accident

Taking the right steps after a dooring accident can protect your health and strengthen your case for compensation.

Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking medical care should always be your top priority after an accident. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, a thorough medical evaluation can uncover issues that might not be immediately obvious.

Documentation of the Scene

Photograph the accident scene, including the open car door, any visible injuries, and damage to your bike. These images can serve as valuable evidence later.

Collecting Witness Information

If there were witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements could help corroborate your version of events.

Filing Police Reports

Report the incident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the accident and may include details about who was at fault.

Preserving Evidence

Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and receipts related to the accident. This documentation helps demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses.

Your Legal Rights

As a victim of a dooring accident, you have rights under the law to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims may be entitled to recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, bike repairs, and other expenses stemming from the accident. In some cases, compensation for pain and suffering or diminished quality of life may also be available.

Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payouts

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability or downplaying your injuries. Holding them accountable may require persistence and evidence to prove the full extent of your losses.

Statute of Limitations

Personal injury claims must be filed within a specific time frame, known as the statute of limitations. In Michigan, victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Importance of Legal Representation

An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for a settlement that reflects your actual losses.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Michigan Dooring Claim

Having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how an attorney can assist you:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys can thoroughly investigate the accident by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and collecting any available surveillance footage.


• Dealing With Insurance Companies: Legal representation ensures that insurance adjusters don’t undervalue your claim. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.


• Calculating Full Compensation Value: A Detroit bicycle accident lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages, including future medical expenses or lost earning potential, to ensure you’re not shortchanged.


• Negotiating Settlements: If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can push for a resolution that fairly compensates you for your losses.


• Court Representation if Needed: If negotiations don’t result in a fair outcome, an attorney can represent you in court to hold the negligent party accountable.

Prevention and Safety Tips

While you can’t control the actions of others, some precautions can help reduce the risk of dooring accidents.

For Cyclists

• Ride at a safe distance from parked cars when possible.


• Stay alert for movement inside vehicles, which may indicate someone is about to open a door.


• Use lights and reflective gear to increase visibility, especially at night.

For Vehicle Drivers and Passengers

• Always check your mirrors and blind spots before opening a door.


• Practice the "Dutch Reach" to improve awareness of cyclists and other traffic.


• Be mindful of bike lanes and avoid blocking them.

Community Awareness and Education

Public campaigns and educational programs can promote safer behavior among all road users. Encouraging widespread adoption of the "Dutch Reach" could prevent many dooring accidents.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Bicycle Accident Lawyer Now

Goodman Acker PC understands the serious impact a dooring accident can have on your life. We are committed to helping you hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of advocating for injured cyclists and more than 150 years of collective experience, Detroit bicycle accident lawyer have the resources and dedication to handle your case effectively.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a dooring accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you focus on your recovery while they pursue the compensation you need.