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Florida Keys Injury Lawyers > Blog > Bicycle Accident > Did You Get Doored While Riding Your Bicycle In The Florida Keys?

Did You Get Doored While Riding Your Bicycle In The Florida Keys?

DOORED WHILE RIDING YOUR BICYCLE

Cycling in the Florida Keys can be quite dangerous. Cyclists in the Florida Keys are at a very high risk of being hit by motor vehicles. There is also the risk of being “doored.” A dooring accident can occur when a passenger or driver opens a door in a cyclist’s path. Generally, when a car door is opened in a cyclist’s path, the cyclist will collide with the open car door. Suppose a cyclist doesn’t collide with the open car door but instead ends up getting struck by another vehicle because they swerved to avoid the open car door. In that case, the resulting accident can also be referred to as a dooring accident. A dooring accident can result in serious injuries.

Tips To Help Cyclists Avoid Dooring Accidents

Drivers and passengers need to be aware of their surroundings before opening car doors. However, the responsibility for avoiding dooring accidents does not entirely lie on drivers and passengers. Cyclists, too, have a role to play. Below are some tips to help cyclists avoid dooring accidents;

  • Allow space for vehicle doors
  • Stay at least five feet away from parked vehicles
  • Allow additional distance between you and vehicles
  • Ride your bicycle in a straight line. This can improve visibility and predictability.

Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Dooring Accident in Florida?

Following the tips listed in the previous section and many others not listed can help a cyclist avoid a dooring accident. But, if you happen to be a victim of a Florida bicycle dooring accident, know that you can file a claim and recover compensation. Generally, Florida law points the blame squarely on individuals who open car doors into lanes of traffic.

In a case where a cyclist collides with a car’s open door or swerves to avoid a car’s open door and gets hit by another vehicle, the individual who opened the door could be held liable for resulting injuries. This is because, according to Florida Statute 316.2005, a passenger or driver is not supposed to open a car door unless and until they have confirmed that it is safe to do so and that opening the door will not interfere with the movement of other traffic. Additionally, it is against Florida law to keep a car door open on the side of a car available to moving traffic for a longer period than is necessary to load or unload passengers.

Often, in bicycle dooring accidents, liability is clear. Nevertheless, if the facts of the case are contested, things can get complicated. Because of this, it is advisable that you hire a qualified bicycle accident attorney after being involved in a dooring bicycle accident.

Damages Recoverable in a Florida Bicycle Dooring Accident

Some of the damages you can recover in a Florida Keys bicycle dooring accident claim include;

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Also, you may be able to recover money for the damage to your bike in a Florida bicycle dooring accident claim.

Contact a Key West & Marathon Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a Florida Keys dooring accident, talk to one of our Key West & Marathon bicycle accident lawyers at Florida Keys Injury. We can help you hold an at-fault party liable and recover the compensation you deserve.

Resource:

floridabicycle.org/drive-your-bike/

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