In busy cities across America, including Illinois, bicyclists are often forced to share narrow streets with parked cars, significantly increasing the risk of “dooring” accidents. Dooring accidents occur when a passenger in a parked vehicle suddenly opens the vehicle door into an oncoming cyclist’s path. Crashes like this can cause severe injuries to the cyclist, but who is legally responsible when it happens?
Cyclists have protections through Illinois laws, and personal injury lawsuits allow those injured to recover damages. If you have been injured in a dooring accident, you must understand your rights. Consulting with an experienced Champaign County, IL personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
Secondary Collisions Resulting from a Dooring Accident
When a driver opens his or her vehicle door into the path of an unsuspecting cyclist, the cyclist may slam into the door or swerve to avoid it. If the cyclist swerves, then a secondary collision occurs as the cyclist is hit by another vehicle or thrown from the bike into oncoming traffic. In either case, the cyclist can suffer severe injuries or death, especially when the secondary vehicle is unable to avoid hitting the cyclist.