It happens in a split second. You’re riding down a city street, and a car door is suddenly flung open directly in your path. With no time to react, you either slam into the door or swerve dangerously into the path of other traffic. It is one of a motorcyclist’s worst nightmares.
These “dooring” accidents are terrifying, and the injuries are often severe. In the chaotic aftermath, the person who opened the door may try to shift the blame. But you need to know the truth: the law is squarely on your side.
This guide will explain California’s dooring law, the common tactics insurance companies use to deny claims, and how to protect your rights after this uniquely dangerous type of motorcycle accident.
The Law is Clear: Dooring is Negligent in California
In the eyes of the law, a dooring collision is not an “accident”—it is an act of negligence. California Vehicle Code 22517 states:
“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…”
This law places a clear and direct duty on drivers and their passengers to check for traffic—including motorcyclists—before opening their door. When they fail to do so, they are breaching that duty and are legally liable for the harm they cause.
The “Lane Splitting” Defense: How Insurance Companies Fight Back
Even with a clear law, the at-fault party’s insurance company will still try to blame you, the rider. Their most common tactic is the “lane splitting” defense.
They will argue that because you were riding between lanes of cars (which is legal in California), you were partially at fault for the accident because you placed yourself in a dangerous position. They will use this argument to try and reduce the value of your claim under California’s comparative negligence rule.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows how to counter this argument effectively. We argue that a driver’s duty to look before opening their door applies to all traffic, including a lawfully lane-splitting motorcyclist. The driver’s failure to check their mirror is the primary cause of the crash, not your position on the road.
What is Your Motorcycle Dooring Accident Claim Worth?
Dooring accidents can cause severe orthopedic injuries, road rash, and head trauma. Our specialized Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator can help you understand the potential value of your claim based on your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator
A Record of Success in Dooring Cases: Our $150,000 Settlement
Expertise in this specific type of accident matters. We represented a motorcyclist who was seriously injured when a driver suddenly opened his car door in downtown Oakland. The impact threw our client from his bike, resulting in a fractured wrist that required surgery. The insurance company initially tried to blame our client. We fought back, demonstrating the driver’s clear violation of the law. We successfully secured a $150,000 settlement that covered our client’s surgery, lost income, and the long-term impact of his injuries.
What Our Clients Say
“Carmen and team at Sally Morin are the best. Having Carmen and her team for my personal injury case is one of the lucky thing for me in 2024
Carmen is a very capable law professional. she is expert in her domain, also she is very skillful in finding the key information.
Carmen is also a compassionate and kind person, she listened and also put my interests in priority. At the same time she patiently explained to me the law information.
Carmen is also very good with execution, the whole process she is proactively driving it towards the satisfactory result
What more can you ask for a lawyer who is capable, professional, kind, effective and efficient.” Shannon, Yelp
Read Shannon Y.'s review of Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers on Yelp
Frequently Asked Questions about Dooring Accidents
Get an Expert Who Understands Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents are not simple. They require an attorney who understands the specific laws, anticipates the insurance company’s defense tactics, and knows how to prove the case for injured riders.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we are passionate advocates for the motorcycle community. We have a proven track record of success in holding negligent drivers accountable in dooring cases. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Call us at 877-380-8852 or get in touch online to get started.
