Injured by Car Dooring While Cycling? How to Make a Claim

Dooring accidents, where a cyclist is struck by a car door opening into their path, are a significant risk on UK roads. With more than 600 reported incidents each year, at least 15% of these result in serious injury.

As cycling gains popularity and traffic congestion increases, the frequency of dooring accidents is expected to rise, especially in busy urban areas where cyclists often filter through traffic or pass stationary vehicles.

What is "dooring" and is it illegal?

Dooring occurs when a vehicle door is opened without checking for oncoming cyclists, causing a collision. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, section 105, specifically prohibit opening a vehicle door in a way that injures or endangers others.

This law applies not only to the driver but also to passengers, meaning everyone in the vehicle has a duty to ensure the door is opened safely.

Duty of care: Who is responsible?

All road users, including drivers and cyclists, owe a duty of care to each other. In the case of dooring, it is the driver’s and passengers' responsibility to check for approaching cyclists before opening a door. Failing to do so can be considered negligence, and the driver can be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Cyclists are expected to remain vigilant and keep a safe distance from parked vehicles to avoid potential hazards like opening doors. However, in congested city streets, this isn’t always practical.

Courts have recognised that it’s an unreasonable burden to expect cyclists to constantly predict when a door will open. If you’ve been injured by a car door while cycling, you may be entitled to compensation, regardless of whether the insurance company argues that you were riding too close to parked cars.

Can I make a claim for a dooring accident?

If you’ve been injured due to someone opening a car door in your path, you can make a claim for compensation. Claims are typically made against the driver's insurance, even if it was a passenger who opened the door. The driver’s insurance policy is responsible for covering any damages caused by the vehicle or its occupants.

What can I claim for?

You can claim for both general damages and special damages in a dooring accident:

General damages

General damages are awarded for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. For example, if your injuries limit your ability to participate in hobbies or activities you enjoyed before the accident, such as playing a musical instrument, the court will assign a financial value to this loss.

Special damages

Special damages are awarded for costs and losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, such as:

• Loss of earnings if you are unable to work
• Medical expenses, including treatment costs like physiotherapy
• Travel expenses for appointments or assessments
• Repair or replacement costs for your damaged bike or equipment

To claim special damages, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as receipts, medical records, or payslips to demonstrate the extent of your financial losses.

See also:

Calculate my injury compensation

How should I proceed with a dooring accident claim?

If you've been involved in a dooring accident, follow these steps to strengthen your compensation claim:

1. Document the accident: Take photographs of the scene, the car involved, your injuries, and any damage to your bike. If possible, obtain the contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident.

2. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to get checked by a healthcare professional. A medical report will be vital evidence for your claim.

3. Report the accident: Report the incident to the police and ensure it's logged. This will create an official record of the accident.

4. Contact a personal injury solicitor: A solicitor who specialises in cycling accidents will guide you through the claims process. They can gather evidence, negotiate with the driver's insurance, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Summary

Cycling accidents involving car doors are all too common, especially in urban areas where cyclists frequently pass stationary traffic. If you’ve been injured in a dooring accident, it’s important to know that the law is on your side.

You can make a claim against the driver’s insurance for compensation, covering both your pain and suffering, as well as any financial losses.

How Cycling Injury Legal can help

If you've been injured by a car door opening into your path while cycling, you may have grounds for a no win, no fee cycling claim.

Our panel of expert cycling accident solicitors understands the specifics of dooring accidents and has helped cyclists secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and rehabilitation.

We’re here to support you through the entire process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, ensuring you receive the best financial and recovery support possible. Let our experienced team guide you towards a successful claim.