Struck by a Car Door in Pasadena, CA?

The streets of Pasadena are alive with cyclists who choose biking as a healthy, eco-friendly, and convenient mode of transportation. However, navigating city streets shared with vehicles often poses risks, one of the most common being dooring accidents. This happens when a parked car’s door is opened into the path of a moving cyclist, causing them to crash. If you’ve been injured as a result of being struck by an opening car door, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, recovery challenges, and questions about your legal rights. At McGee, Lerer & Associates, our Pasadena bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Pasadena bicycle accident lawyers at (626) 642-9302 to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve today!

What Causes Car-Dooring Accidents?

Car-dooring is a result of negligence, when drivers or passengers fail to take necessary precautions before opening their car door. Here are the most common causes of dooring accidents:

• Failure to Check for Cyclists: Many drivers and passengers are unaware or inattentive to oncoming bicyclists when opening car doors. Whether rushing or distracted, they often neglect to look before exiting the vehicle.
• Distracted Behavior: Using cell phones or being engrossed in conversations are distractions leading to carelessly opened doors.
• Parking Close to Bike Lanes: Vehicles parked adjacent to poorly designed bike lanes increase risks for cyclists, as they have little room to safely maneuver.
• Lack of Awareness: Drivers often fail to recognize that cyclists have the same rights to the road as motor vehicles, leaving them unaware of the dangers posed by dooring.

This negligence results in serious consequences for bicyclists, including severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, or even traumatic brain injuries. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, a car-dooring accident attorney from our firm can help you hold the at-fault party responsible.

California Vehicle Code Section 22517 Explained

California law clearly addresses the prevention of dooring accidents. Under California Vehicle Code Section 22517:

"No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open upon the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers."

This law mandates a duty of care from drivers and passengers to ensure it’s safe before opening their door. If they fail to comply, they can be found liable for accidents caused by their negligence. Despite this, insurance companies often try to shift partial blame to the injured cyclist, claiming they should have been able to avoid the door. That’s where McGee, Lerer & Associates steps in—we fight back against such tactics to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What is the "Door Zone," and Why is it Dangerous?

The "door zone" refers to the space a car door occupies when fully opened into a cyclist’s path. It’s typically located to the right of parked vehicles, often adjacent to bike lanes. Many well-intentioned Pasadena bike lane designs place cyclists directly in the door zone, exposing them to unpredictable hazards.

Cyclists traveling within the door zone may have little time to react if a car door swings open suddenly. A collision can cause cyclists to be thrown from their bikes or even into traffic. To stay safe, cyclists are advised to:

• Ride further to the left of parked cars, minimizing their proximity to the door zone.
• Stay alert and scan parked cars for visible occupants.
• Avoid assuming bike lanes are entirely safe; ride on the far-left side when possible.
• Be particularly cautious when glare, tint, or other obstructions make it difficult to see inside parked cars.

Unfortunately, no matter how vigilant a cyclist is, accidents still happen due to the carelessness of drivers or passengers. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Pasadena bicycle accident lawyer after a dooring incident.

Steps to Take After a Car-Dooring Accident

If you've been injured in a car-dooring accident, it is essential to take the right steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.
2. Document the scene: If possible, take photos of the car, your bike, and any injuries. If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information.
3. File a police report: Having an official police report can help strengthen your case, especially if the driver tries to deny responsibility later on.
4. Contact McGee, Lerer & Associates: The sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, the better. We will guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Why Hire McGee, Lerer & Associates?

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we are committed to providing aggressive representation for victims of car-dooring accidents. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases, particularly car-dooring incidents. We know the laws that apply and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
• Personalized attention: We treat every client like a priority. When you hire us, you’ll work directly with a dedicated attorney who will guide you through every step of the process.
• No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Take Action Today—Contact a Pasadena Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a dooring accident, time is of the essence. Prompt legal action ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and that you are protected from insurance adjusters looking to minimize your claim. At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we offer personalized, high-quality legal representation designed to maximize your recovery and bring you peace of mind during a challenging time.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Your recovery, and your rights, matter. We’re here to help you every step of the way—don’t wait to reach out for legal help.

Take the first step toward justice today—call (626) 642-9302 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with an experienced car-dooring accident attorney in Pasadena.