Bicycle riders have certain rights when they are on the road, including the right to operate in designated bicycle lanes without drivers causing them harm. Unfortunately, drivers do not always respect bicycle riders or behave with reasonable care in protecting their safety.
Drivers can put bicyclists at risk in many ways, but dooring is one of the most dangerous practices of all. Dooring involves opening the door of a motor vehicle in the path of a bicycle. It is illegal under Florida law, which requires drivers to exercise reasonable care and not open their doors if doing so would interfere with other moving vehicles, including bicycles.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed as a result of a dooring accident, or an accident while cycling that’s caused by a driver opening a door in your path, you should reach out to Diaco Law today. Our firm has extensive experience with these claims, and we can fight for you.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa dooring accidents attorney to learn more about what we can do to help in your accident’s aftermath.
How Bicycle Riders Can Avoid Dooring Accidents
Drivers are often responsible when a dooring accident occurs, and can be held legally liable for any resulting losses. Still, it is bicycle riders who end up suffering the most harm when these accidents happen, and there are steps that riders can take to try to reduce their risk. These include:
- Providing space for drivers to open car doors and remembering that the width, door size, and distance of a door from the curb can vary by vehicle.
- Planning for the widest possible doors and the worst possible parking job on the part of drivers when riding your bicycle.
- Leaving extra space beyond what you need to reduce the risk of a door opening in the path of your bicycle
- Staying a minimum of five feet from parked vehicles, regardless of the location of the bicycle lane, even if this requires you to control a lane of traffic
- Always riding your bicycle in a straight line so drivers and others on the road can see you and anticipate your path.
Remember, while you can be careful and try to limit the chance of a dooring accident, drivers also have to do their part — and if they are negligent and cause you harm, you should reach out to Diaco Law for help.
How Can a Tampa Dooring Accident Attorney Help You?
A Tampa dooring accident attorney at Diaco Law can provide invaluable help and support as you navigate the aftermath of a dooring accident. Our firm will:
- Help you determine if a driver is at fault and can be held liable for your losses
- Assist you in gathering evidence to prove your claim, including witness statements from people who saw the dooring accident, photographs of the area and of the accident scene, police reports, footage from cameras that recorded the incident, and expert testimony from a specialist in dooring accidents and accident reconstruction
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurer of the driver who caused you to become involved in the accident
- Going to court if you cannot get a fair settlement offer that compensates you appropriately for your losses.
Diaco Law has recovered millions of dollars for victims of dooring accidents, and we are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights.
Getting Help from a Tampa Dooring Accident
Don’t hesitate to get help after any bicycle accident, especially if you suffered serious harm or your loved one was killed in the collision. Reach out online or call (813) 221-7978 to a Tampa dooring accident lawyer at Diaco Law today to get an advocate on your side who will help you get the compensation you deserve.