Injured While Riding a Bicycle?

Dooring happens when someone opens a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path. Often, the person who opened the door is responsible. Florida and New York law, for example, prohibit opening a vehicle door into traffic unless it’s reasonably safe to do so — a rule that applies to passengers as well as drivers.

Report the crash to police right away and write down what you remember about the vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage — your own or a household member’s — may apply even though you were on a bike, depending on the state and the policy.

It depends on the state. Some states reduce compensation by a rider’s share of fault, while others apply much stricter rules. In D.C., a cyclist’s own negligence generally won’t bar recovery after a collision with a motor vehicle unless it was greater than the combined negligence of the defendants.

The government agency or contractor responsible for the road may be responsible in some cases. Claims involving public roads often have special notice requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to get guidance quickly.

No. Many claims rely on witness accounts, photos, police reports, and medical records. But if you do have footage or ride data, save a copy right away — it can be strong evidence of your route, speed, and position on the road.