If you ride a bike in Florida, you’ve likely had close calls with parked cars. One moment you’re cruising in the bike lane, and the next—a car door swings open right in front of you. It’s called “dooring,” and it’s more common than many cyclists realize. These accidents may seem minor to bystanders, but the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
As our Florida bicycle accident attorneys have seen firsthand, dooring crashes often result in serious injuries. Riders are thrown from their bikes, collide with traffic, or suffer direct impact from the door. Knowing what steps to take—and what your legal rights are—can make all the difference.
What Is a “Dooring” Accident?
“Dooring” refers to an accident where a motorist or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The rider has little or no time to react. This leads to direct impact or swerving into moving traffic.
These accidents usually happen on streets with parallel parking or narrow bike lanes where space is limited.
Common Locations for Dooring Accidents
- Urban streets with street-side parking – Traffic congestion increases risk.
- Downtown areas with heavy foot and vehicle traffic – More passengers means more doors opening unexpectedly.
- College campuses and residential zones – High density of parked cars and bike commuters.
- Commercial areas with delivery vehicles – Frequent stops and quick exits raise the danger.
Common Injuries from Dooring Accidents
Even at low speeds, a dooring collision can be severe. The cyclist often flies off the bike or is flung into oncoming traffic.
Frequent Injuries Include:
- Head injuries and concussions – These can cause memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues.
- Broken wrists, arms, or collarbones – Cyclists instinctively use their arms to break a fall.
- Lacerations and road rash – Skin injuries from skidding on pavement are painful and prone to infection.
- Back and spinal cord injuries – These may lead to long-term mobility issues or chronic pain.
- Dislocated shoulders – A hard fall can wrench the joint out of place, requiring physical therapy.
Some of these injuries may not show symptoms immediately. That’s why seeing a doctor right away is essential, even if you feel okay at first.
What to Do Immediately After a Dooring Accident
It’s easy to panic after an accident. But acting quickly helps protect your health and legal options.
- Move to Safety – Get out of the street to avoid further injury.
- Call 911 – Police documentation and medical response are important.
- Document the Scene – Use your phone to take pictures of everything.
- Get Contact Info – Talk to the driver and any passengers.
- Look for Witnesses – Their account can support your version of events.
- Seek Medical Attention – You may have injuries that aren’t visible yet.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Stay calm and stick to the facts.
Florida Laws About Dooring Accidents
Under Florida Statute §316.2005, opening a car door into the path of traffic—including bikes—is illegal unless it’s safe. Violating this rule makes the person who opened the door potentially liable for the accident.
That means they—or their insurance—may have to pay for your medical bills, bike repair, and more.
Who Is At Fault in a Dooring Accident?
Most of the time, the person who opened the door is legally at fault. But there can be exceptions, and fault may be shared.
Possible At-Fault Parties:
- Driver or passenger – Most often the party who opened the door.
- Vehicle owner – If the door-opener was borrowing the car.
- Rideshare company – If it was an Uber, Lyft, or similar vehicle.
A Florida bicycle accident attorney can dig into the details and find out who’s legally responsible.
How Comparative Negligence Applies
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you’re partly to blame, your compensation gets reduced by that percentage. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may get nothing.
So if you’re found 20% responsible, your total damages are reduced by 20%. That’s why proving the driver’s fault is so important.
What Evidence Helps Prove a Dooring Claim?
The more proof you have, the stronger your case.
Helpful Evidence Includes:
- Photos of the open car door, your injuries, and bike damage
- Medical records showing the impact and treatment timeline
- Eyewitness statements backing your account
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- The police report
Your attorney can help collect, organize, and present this evidence effectively.
How Insurance Companies Respond to Bicycle Accidents
Insurance companies often try to protect their bottom line. They may try to shift blame or minimize your injuries.
Common Tactics Insurers Use:
- Blaming the cyclist – Claiming you were too close to parked cars
- Offering lowball settlements – Hoping you’ll accept before understanding your rights
- Delaying responses – Trying to pressure you into settling cheaply
You don’t have to face these tactics alone. A Florida bicycle accident attorney can speak directly with insurers on your behalf.
Cyclist Rights Under Florida Law
Cyclists in Florida have many of the same rights as drivers.
Your Legal Rights Include:
- Riding on most Florida roads
- Using marked bike lanes
- Expecting motorists to yield and check mirrors before opening doors
- Filing a claim for injuries caused by negligence
Learn more by visiting the Florida Bicycle Association or reading the NHTSA Bicycle Safety Guidelines.
Common Misconceptions About Bicycle Accidents
Many riders hesitate to file a claim because of misinformation.
Don’t Fall for These Myths:
- “My injuries aren’t serious enough.” Even minor injuries can result in medical bills and pain. You still have rights.
- “It was an accident, so no one’s at fault.” Accident or not, opening a door unsafely is a violation of Florida law.
- “I was partly to blame, so I can’t recover anything.” Not true—unless you’re more than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages.
- “My bike doesn’t count as a vehicle.” Bicycles are legally recognized as vehicles in Florida.
Why Some Cyclists Don’t File Claims
Some cyclists feel they don’t want to make a big deal out of a minor accident. Others fear going up against insurance companies or don’t want to hire a lawyer. But these hesitations can cost you in the long run.
Without filing a claim, you could be stuck paying for medical bills, bike repairs, and lost wages on your own. Many cyclists also don’t realize that some injuries, like soft tissue damage or head trauma, develop symptoms days later.
Additionally, filing a claim sends a message. It encourages accountability and helps make roads safer for all cyclists.
Speaking with a Florida bicycle accident attorney is free. You don’t pay anything unless you win—and you’ll understand your options better.
Long-Term Effects of Dooring Injuries
While some injuries may heal in a few weeks, others can affect you for months—or even a lifetime. Cyclists hit by car doors often suffer trauma that goes beyond the emergency room. The physical, emotional, and financial impact can linger, especially if the injury affects your ability to work, ride, or live independently.
Physical Impact
Even “minor” injuries can evolve into chronic conditions. For example:
- A broken wrist could result in permanent stiffness or reduced grip strength.
- Concussions may cause long-term memory issues, migraines, or sensitivity to light and noise.
- Back injuries can lead to nerve damage, limiting mobility or causing pain during everyday activities.
Some cyclists also experience delayed symptoms. You might feel okay the day of the accident, only to develop neck pain, headaches, or joint problems days or weeks later.
Mental and Emotional Strain
The trauma of being hit by a car door can lead to anxiety, fear of riding again, or even post-traumatic stress. Many victims report feeling hyper-alert or emotionally drained. For avid cyclists, losing the ability to ride comfortably can be deeply distressing and isolating.
Financial Consequences
Chronic injuries may limit your ability to return to work or require long-term medical care. You might need physical therapy, follow-up doctor visits, or expensive prescriptions. Some riders also face costs for replacing their damaged bike and gear—or modifying their home for accessibility.
Why an Attorney Is Critical
Because long-term effects aren’t always visible right away, it’s vital to have an attorney who understands how to evaluate your future needs—not just your current bills. A Florida bicycle accident attorney can make all the difference in securing sufficient compensation.
Don’t underestimate the lasting toll a dooring injury can take. With the right legal support, you can pursue the compensation needed to protect your future.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured, you may qualify for several forms of compensation.
You Could Be Paid For:
- Medical costs from ER visits, surgery, or rehab
- Time missed at work
- Pain and emotional trauma
- Damage to your bicycle and gear
- Future medical or disability expenses
Tips to Prevent Dooring Accidents
While drivers should be more aware, you can also take action to stay safe.
Safety Tips:
- Keep at least 3 feet from parked cars
- Watch for brake lights or heads inside vehicles
- Use lights, even during the day
- Signal and stay alert when passing parked vehicles
- Avoid riding in blind spots or weaving between cars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t in the bike lane? Yes. Florida law protects cyclists whether you’re in a bike lane or on the road shoulder.
What if the person who opened the door was a passenger? Passengers can still be liable for opening a door unsafely. Their car insurance may apply.
How long do I have to file a claim? In Florida, the statute of limitations sets a timeline that gives you years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Why Expert Guidance from an Attorney Matters
Recovering from a dooring accident is hard enough without battling insurance companies. That’s where we come in.
A Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney Will:
- Review medical records to prove injury severity
- Collect evidence and build a timeline
- Fight lowball offers from insurers
- Represent you in court if needed
- Make sure your paperwork and deadlines are handled properly
We’ve helped many Florida cyclists get the money they deserve after preventable accidents. Let us help you too.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Our Florida bicycle accident attorneys know how to handle dooring cases. We understand the laws and the challenges riders face.
When You Call Us:
- You get a free case review
- You won’t pay unless we win
- You’ll receive compassionate, knowledgeable legal care
You deserve to ride safely—and recover fully. Contact us today for a free consultation. You’ll learn your rights and start your journey to justice.
