Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leaving the rider little time to react and avoid a collision. If you’ve been involved in a dooring accident, you need a dooring bicycle accident lawyer in Denver to help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Understanding Dooring Accidents in Denver
Denver is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes, paths, and initiatives to promote cycling as an alternative to driving. Despite these efforts, dooring accidents remain a frequent hazard for cyclists.
In many cases, these accidents are caused by simple negligence. Drivers and passengers may fail to check their mirrors or blind spots before opening their car doors or be unaware of the bike lane directly next to their parked vehicle.
Regardless of the cause, cyclists bear the brunt of the injuries, which can range from bruises and scrapes to broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
Colorado’s Laws on Dooring
Colorado has specific laws in place to protect cyclists from dooring accidents. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1208, it is illegal for a person to open a car door unless it is safe to do so. Specifically, the law states, “No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and it can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists.”
Violating this law is a traffic offense and can result in a fine. However, more importantly, the driver or passenger who opens the door into a cyclist’s path can be held liable for the cyclist’s injuries.
At Levine Law, we’ve represented many clients in dooring accident cases, helping them secure the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, reach out to us today to speak with a Denver dooring bicycle accident attorney.
Common Injuries from Dooring Accidents
Cyclists are highly vulnerable in dooring accidents because they have little to no protection from the impact. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: A collision with a car door can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden stop or impact can result in damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer from broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones in dooring accidents.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament tears, muscle strains, and deep lacerations are common in these types of accidents.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Cyclists can suffer from broken teeth, facial fractures, and severe bruising or cuts to the face.
Our team of bike accident attorneys in Denver, Colorado, has years of experience handling these complex cases. We understand the long-term impact these injuries can have on your life, and we will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.
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Liability in Denver Dooring Accidents
In most dooring accidents, the person who opened the car door is at fault. However, determining liability can sometimes be more complicated, especially if multiple vehicles or cyclists are involved.
In some cases, the driver and the cyclist may share some responsibility for the accident. For example, if the cyclist was speeding or riding recklessly, they may be found partially liable for the collision.
Colorado follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. If you’re unsure about the specifics of your case, our top-rated bicycle accident attorney in Denver can help. We will evaluate the situation and advise you on the best action.
What to Do After a Dooring Accident
If you’re involved in a dooring accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the Police: A police report can be critical evidence in your case. The report will document the accident and any citations to the driver or passenger involved.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including the car, the open door, your bike, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Speak with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: It’s important to speak with a Denver injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to collect evidence and build a strong case. At Levine Law, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Compensation for Dooring Accident Victims
- Medical Expenses: Covers immediate medical treatment, as well as ongoing care such as physical therapy, medications, and surgeries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for lost income, including future earnings if your ability to work is permanently impacted.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be included in your settlement.
- Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your bicycle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
Our team of bicycle accident lawyers near me has helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation over the years. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the financial support you need to move forward after a dooring accident.
Why Choose Levine Law?
At Levine Law, we pride ourselves on our client-centered approach. We know each case is unique, and we take the time to get to know our clients and understand their needs. When you work with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Experience: We have years of experience handling bicycle accident cases, including dooring accidents. We know how to navigate the complexities of these cases and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Personalized Attention: You’re not just another case file to us. We’ll work closely with you to understand your situation and tailor our approach to meet your needs.
- Proven Results: Our firm has a strong track record of securing favorable client outcomes. We’ve helped many cyclists in Denver recover the compensation they deserve after a dooring accident.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring accident, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced Denver dooring bicycle accident attorneys. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Call us today to schedule your consultation with a top-rated bicycle accident attorney in Denver, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
