Article by Jacklyn Barrios, Student Lawyer
What is Dooring?
Dooring occurs when the door of a vehicle opens into a moving cyclist, and causes a collision. These types of accidents can cause significant injury, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, and head injuries.
Dooring is considered a motor vehicle accident under section 200(1.1) of the Highway Traffic Act, even if the motor vehicle is stationary, stopped, or parked.
If you are involved in a dooring accident, you can claim accident benefits for your injuries and may be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit. These damages may include pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and future economic loss. If you are involved in a dooring accident, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and make it easier to claim benefits and compensation for your injuries.
Seek medical attention
Make sure you are in a safe location to prevent any further accidents or injuries. Call 911 if you believe you are injured, and to request an ambulance; these fees will be covered by no fault insurance. If you do not have your own insurance, the insurance of the car driver that hit you will apply.
Document the scene
Take pictures of the area the incident occurred, damage to the vehicle and your bicycle, the license plate of the vehicle involved, and the individual’s driver’s license information.
Collect the contact details of the driver, passengers, and any witnesses
An individual involved in a motor vehicle accident must provide their name, driver’s license and insurance information, name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle, and vehicle permit number under section 200(2)(c) of the Highway Traffic Act. If the individual refuses to provide their insurance information, police can give it to you on the scene.
Should you choose to pursue legal action, you have two years from the date of your accident to bring a claim forward. You can reach out to one of our experienced lawyers at Reybroek Barristers for guidance.
