Illinois Dooring Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Attorneys for Bikers Struck By Car Doors in Chicago and Throughout Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates,we understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be—especially when it’s caused by something as preventable as a car door opening into your path. One of the most common and dangerous types of urban cycling accidents is a “dooring accident”—when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of a cyclist. This type of accident can result in serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and lost income.

Our team has helped injured bicyclists throughout Illinois recover compensation for their injuries, holding negligent drivers and passengers accountable for their actions. With decades of experience and a strong track record of successful verdicts and settlements, we are committed to protecting cyclists and advocating for safer streets in Chicago, Naperville, and communities across Illinois.

What Is a Dooring Bicycle Accident?

A dooring accident occurs when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into traffic. These incidents are most common in cities like Chicago, where narrow streets, parallel parking, and high bicycle traffic create a dangerous combination.

Unlike other traffic collisions, dooring accidents happen while the car is stationary, which can mislead people into thinking they are minor. But for cyclists, a sudden obstacle at chest or head level can cause catastrophic injuries. These accidents often lead to secondary collisions with other vehicles or hard surfaces and can have life-changing consequences.

Dooring Accident Statistics in Illinois

Illinois tracks dooring incidents separately from other traffic accidents—a practice not yet adopted by all states. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• In 2011, there were 334 reported dooring crashes in Chicago alone, accounting for nearly 20% of all reported bicycle accidents that year.
• In 2015, the state began recording dooring crashes in its official crash data, highlighting how prevalent and serious these incidents are.
• From 2015 to 2020, Illinois reported hundreds of dooring incidents annually, many resulting in serious injuries.
• Chicago has issued fines up to $1,000 for motorists who “door” a bicyclist under its local ordinance.

Nationally, a study in San Francisco found that dooring was responsible for 16% of all reported bike crashes, and in some cities, that figure rises to over 20%. The problem is particularly pronounced in dense, urban areas, like Chicago, with high cycling volumes.

Illinois Law on Dooring Accidents

Illinois law is clear when it comes to dooring accidents. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1407, a person is not allowed to open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicycles. Furthermore, vehicle doors must not be left open longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

Violations of this statute can result in traffic citations, and more importantly, can serve as compelling evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.

In Chicago, a city ordinance (Municipal Code 9-80-035) reinforces this rule and provides for fines against drivers or passengers who open doors unsafely.

These legal standards place a duty on vehicle occupants to check for cyclists before opening their doors. When they fail to do so and cause an accident, they—and potentially the vehicle’s owner or their insurance carrier—can be held liable.

Common Injuries in Dooring Bicycle Accidents

Because cyclists have little protection beyond a helmet and perhaps gloves or pads, dooring incidents can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries:

• Head and brain injuries (even with helmet use): Concussions, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Facial injuries: Fractures, dental trauma, eye injuries
• Spinal injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, neck and back strain
• Broken bones: Clavicle, ribs, arms, wrists, pelvis, and legs
• Soft tissue injuries: Road rash, lacerations, muscle strains
• Internal injuries: Organ damage, punctured lungs, internal bleeding
• Psychological injuries: PTSD, anxiety, depression related to the crash

Victims often require emergency care, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, and in some cases, reconstructive surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dooring Accident?

In most dooring cases, the person who opened the car door is liable. That includes:

• Drivers who open their doors into the path of a cyclist
• Passengers who do the same, especially in rideshare or taxi vehicles
• Vehicle owners or employers (e.g., delivery services or ride-hailing companies), depending on the relationship to the person who opened the door

In Illinois, liability is determined based on negligence. If the door was opened in violation of Illinois law and without checking for cyclists, that action is considered negligent.

Victims may be entitled to compensation through the vehicle occupant’s auto insurance policy, including bodily injury coverage. In cases involving Uber, Lyft, taxis, or delivery vehicles, commercial or employer liability insurance may apply.

Compensation Available to Injured Cyclists

If you were injured in a dooring accident in Illinois, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, follow-up care
• Lost wages: Time missed from work, loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress
• Property damage: Bicycle replacement or repair, damaged gear
• Permanent disability: If the injury results in lasting impairment
• Scarring and disfigurement: Particularly for facial or orthopedic trauma

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have experience in maximizing compensation in bike accident cases and can work with medical providers, expert witnesses, and insurance companies to help you pursue the full value of your claim.

What to Do After a Dooring Accident in Illinois

If you’ve been injured in a dooring crash, take the following steps to protect yourself and your potential injury claim:

1. Call 911 immediately and request police and medical assistance.
2. Get medical treatment, even if your injuries seem minor.
3. Collect evidence at the scene: photos of the car door, your bike, injuries, street location, and witnesses.
4. Get driver/passenger information: names, contact details, insurance.
5. Do not admit fault or sign anything without legal advice.
6. Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
7. Contact an experienced Illinois bike accident lawyer.

Preventing Dooring Accidents

While legal remedies are critical, prevention is equally important. Here are steps everyone can take to prevent dooring accidents in Illinois:

For Drivers and Passengers:

• Use the “Dutch Reach”: Open the car door with your right hand (on the driver’s side), which forces you to turn and check for cyclists.
• Always check mirrors and blind spots before exiting.
• Teach passengers and children to look for bikes before opening doors.

For Cyclists:

• Ride outside the door zone (3–5 feet from parked cars) when safe.
• Be vigilant when passing vehicles with occupants.
• Use front and rear lights, even during the day.
• Advocate for protected bike lanes in your community.

Chicago and several Illinois suburbs have already started implementing door zone buffer lanes and protected bike lanes to reduce the risk of these accidents. Local efforts and cyclist education can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dooring Accidents

1. Is dooring illegal in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law prohibits opening a car door on the side of traffic unless it is safe and does not interfere with other road users, including cyclists. Chicago also has a specific ordinance with fines for violations.

2. Who is at fault in a dooring accident?

Usually, the person who opened the door is at fault. They have a legal duty to check for oncoming traffic—including bicycles—before opening the door.

3. What compensation can I recover in a dooring accident case?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, bike repairs, and permanent injuries or disabilities.

4. What if a passenger doored me—can I still make a claim?

Yes. Even if a passenger—not the driver—opened the door, you may be able to make a claim through the driver’s auto insurance or the passenger’s renter’s/homeowner’s policy, depending on the circumstances.

5. Do I need a lawyer for a dooring accident claim?

Yes. Proving liability, dealing with insurance companies, and calculating full damages can be complex. A skilled Chicago bike accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you are fairly compensated.

6. How long do I have to file a claim?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to act quickly while evidence is fresh and to preserve your right to file a claim.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we believe Illinois cyclists deserve safe streets and full legal protection when others fail to act responsibly. If you or someone you love has been injured in a dooring bicycle accident, our experienced legal team is here to help.

We will investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, we’re proud to represent injured cyclists throughout Illinois.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177 or fill out our online form to speak with one of our attorneys. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.