There are many ways for people in motor vehicles to injure cyclists. Many of them have to do with negligent conduct. Drivers often don’t watch for cyclists and can strike them in traffic. In fact, negligence can be a concern even when the vehicle is not in motion.
People who have parked on the road may sometimes open their doors into oncoming traffic. While they may check for larger vehicles, they may not notice approaching bicycles. In those scenarios, the cyclist might experience a dooring incident.
When a cyclist in motion strikes an open car door, they are at risk of numerous serious injuries, including the three outlined below.
1. Broken bones
The blunt-force trauma of striking a non-moving object at a high speed can cause serious injuries. Even if a cyclist swerves to try to avoid the door, they might still hit their right arm or leg.
They could fracture a bone. Those injuries could force them to take time off of work and may require thousands of dollars in medical care to treat.
2. Traumatic brain injuries
Many cyclists understand that wearing a helmet could potentially save their lives. If they strike a door while moving quickly through traffic, they could hit their head on the door, on the pavement or even on another vehicle if they get thrown through the air during the incident.
Their helmet may protect their life but may not necessarily prevent them from developing a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injuries cause a variety of different symptoms, some of which may ultimately be permanent. It can affect medical support needs and the ability to continue working.
3. Road rash
As previously mentioned, dooring incidents sometimes lead to cyclists flying into the street. When that happens, they are at risk of road rash.
Road rash can be itchy and painful. It can even potentially cause disfiguring scars, especially in people predisposed to keloid scar tissue. Cyclists may require hospitalization and treatment to prevent infections. In more severe cases, surgical treatment, such as skin grafts, may be necessary.
Whether the driver of the vehicle or a passenger opens a door into traffic, they may be liable for a dooring incident. Seeking insurance compensation or filing a personal injury lawsuit can help cyclists cover the costs caused by a cycling crash.