Dooring Accidents
Dooring Accidents Involving E-Bikes & Scooters
A car door opening into your path leaves no time to react — and the injuries are often severe. Here is what New Jersey law says and how to pursue compensation.
What Is a Dooring Accident?
A "dooring" accident happens when a person in a parked or stopped car opens their door into the path of an oncoming rider — an e-bike or scooter rider who has no time to stop or swerve. The rider either crashes into the door or swerves into traffic to avoid it.
These accidents are especially dangerous because they happen suddenly and at close range. The rider has virtually no warning and no opportunity to brake. The door itself becomes a rigid barrier — and the rider absorbs the full force of the impact.
New Jersey Law on Dooring
In New Jersey, it is illegal to open a car door into moving traffic unless it is "reasonably safe to do so." The driver and occupants have a duty to check for approaching riders, pedestrians, and vehicles before opening a door. Violating this duty is negligence — and the door-opener is typically liable for the resulting injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Dooring Accident?
In most dooring cases, liability is clear: the person who opened the door is at fault. But there are situations where other parties may also share responsibility:
The Driver or Passenger Who Opened the Door
The door-opener is usually primarily liable. Their auto insurance typically covers the claim.
Rideshare Passengers (Uber/Lyft)
If a rideshare passenger opened the door into your path, both the passenger and the rideshare company may be liable. Rideshare companies carry significant insurance coverage.
Commercial Vehicle Operators
Delivery drivers, taxi drivers, and other commercial operators who door a rider while on the job — their employer may also be liable.
Municipalities — Dangerous Road Design
If the bike lane is placed directly in the door zone with no buffer, the government entity responsible for road design may share some responsibility.
Common Dooring Accident Injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the driver says I was riding too close to parked cars?
New Jersey law does not require riders to stay a specific distance from parked cars. The duty is on the person opening the door to check that it is safe. An attorney can push back on attempts to shift blame onto the rider.
What if the driver drove away after dooring me?
A dooring followed by the driver fleeing is a hit-and-run. Report it to the police immediately and try to note the license plate, make, model, and color. Even without identifying the driver, you may have options through uninsured motorist coverage.
Can I recover if I swerved and crashed without hitting the door?
Yes. If a door opened into your path and you crashed while taking evasive action — swerving into another lane and being hit, or falling — the door-opener is still liable. Your injury was caused by their negligent act.
What if the door was opened by a child?
Parents or guardians can be held liable for damages caused by their minor children. The auto insurance policy covering the vehicle typically applies regardless of which occupant opened the door.
Hurt in a Dooring Accident?
Contact Blair C. Lane, Sr. for a free consultation. We'll investigate your dooring accident and pursue full compensation from the responsible parties.
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