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Bryan and College Station, Texas, has a growing community of bicyclists, motorcyclists, and skateboarders who use the city’s streets for transportation, exercise, and recreation. However, one of the most overlooked dangers for these riders is dooring accidents, which occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, motorcyclist, or skateboarder. These sudden and unexpected collisions can lead to severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and even fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring accident in Bryan, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to seek compensation for your injuries. Keep reading for more information from The Payne Law Group.
What Is a Dooring Accident?
A dooring accident occurs when a car’s driver or passenger opens a door into traffic without checking for approaching bicyclists, motorcyclists, or skateboarders. These accidents are especially dangerous because riders often have little time to react and may be forced to swerve into traffic, increasing the risk of a secondary collision with other vehicles.
Like many cities in Texas, Bryan and College Station have high-traffic areas near Texas A&M University, downtown Bryan, and along popular roads like Texas Avenue, George Bush and University Drive, where dooring accidents are more common. Riders in these areas must remain alert, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on motorists to check before opening their doors.
Why Are Dooring Accidents So Dangerous?
Unlike car passengers who have the protection of seat belts and airbags, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and skateboarders are entirely exposed. When they collide with an open car door, the consequences can be devastating.
Common Injuries from Dooring Accidents
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures are common, even when wearing a helmet.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, and collarbones are often fractured upon impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A serious fall can lead to long-term disabilities.
- Severe Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can cause painful abrasions and infections.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
In many cases, riders are thrown into moving traffic, increasing the risk of further injury from secondary collisions.
Who Is Liable in a Dooring Accident?
Texas law holds drivers and passengers responsible for ensuring that opening a car door does not endanger others. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.418, it is illegal for a person to open a car door unless it is reasonably safe to do so. This means that in most cases, the person who opened the door into traffic is liable for the accident.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Dooring Accident
- The Driver or Passenger: If they fail to check for approaching riders, they may be held responsible for damages.
- A Rideshare or Taxi Service: If a passenger exiting an Uber, Lyft, or taxi causes an accident, the rideshare company may share liability.
- The City or Municipality: In some cases, poorly designed bike lanes or unsafe road conditions may contribute to dooring accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident in Bryan, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is important to determine liability and pursue compensation.
How to Avoid Dooring Accidents in Bryan and College Station
For Motorists and Passengers
- Always Check Before Opening Your Door: Use the “Dutch Reach” method: Open the door with your far hand to force yourself to turn and check for oncoming traffic.
- Look Twice for Bicyclists, Motorcyclists, and Skateboarders: They may be approaching faster than you expect.
- Park Safely: When possible, park in locations where bike lanes and traffic flow are clearly separated.
For Cyclists, Motorcyclists, and Skateboarders
- Stay Alert Near Parked Cars: Assume that a door could open at any moment and keep a safe distance when possible.
- Reduce Speed in High-Risk Areas: Slower speeds give you more time to react.
- Wear Protective Gear: Helmets, gloves, and padded clothing can reduce injury severity.
- Use Lights and Reflectors: Increasing your visibility can help drivers and passengers notice you.
Even with these precautions, dooring accidents are often unavoidable due to driver negligence. If you’ve been injured, you have the right to pursue compensation.
Seeking Compensation for a Dooring Accident
If you are a victim of a dooring accident in Bryan, you may be eligible to recover damages such as:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle, motorcycle, or skateboard.
Since Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault. Insurance companies may argue that you were riding too fast or too close to parked cars to minimize their payout. An experienced personal injury attorney in Bryan can help counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Dooring Accident? Contact Scott Scherr Today
Dooring accidents can cause life-changing injuries, and victims should not have to bear the financial burden alone. At The Payne Law Group, we fight for the rights of injured cyclists, motorcyclists, and skateboarders in Bryan, Texas.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a dooring accident, don’t wait—contact Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group for a free consultation today. We are ready to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.