Dooring accidents are one of the most common — and most preventable — dangers faced by bicyclists in Illinois. These incidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider little or no time to avoid a collision. In busy areas like Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and other Illinois communities, doorings lead to severe injuries every year.
As a law firm deeply committed to protecting vulnerable road users, The Collins Law Firm helps injured bicyclists understand their rights and pursue justice when a driver’s carelessness causes harm. If you’ve been hurt in a dooring accident on an Illinois roadway, legal guidance can make all the difference.
If you’re facing medical bills, time away from work, or long-term pain, let’s talk.
A “dooring” occurs when someone inside a parked or stopped vehicle opens their door directly into the path of a cyclist. This typically happens along:
Because cyclists usually travel close to parked cars to avoid traffic, they are especially vulnerable when doors swing open unexpectedly.
Doorings often cause the cyclist to:
Even at low speeds, the impact can cause catastrophic injuries.
Under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1407, it is illegal to open a vehicle door unless it is safe to do so. The statute reads:
“No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.”
This law specifically protects bicyclists and pedestrians who share Illinois roads. If a driver or passenger opens a door without checking for approaching cyclists, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Illinois has also adopted the “Dutch Reach” as a recommended practice: using the hand farthest from the door to open it. This naturally forces the person to turn and check oncoming traffic — including bicycles.
Dooring accidents nearly always result from preventable negligence. Common causes include:
People exiting vehicles often focus on:
Even a moment of distraction can put cyclists at risk.
Many bicyclists ride in blind spots close to parked cars. When drivers don’t take the extra moment to look, doorings occur.
Doorings happen frequently when drivers:
Some drivers simply do not recognize how frequently bicycles use local Illinois roads—particularly in suburban downtowns or areas with designated bike lanes.
Uber, Lyft, taxi, and delivery passengers cause a significant number of doorings when stepping out quickly on the traffic-facing side.
In most dooring cases, the person who opened the door bears responsibility. But multiple parties may be liable depending on the circumstances.
Even if the passenger opened the door, the driver may share liability because Illinois law requires drivers to ensure their passengers exit safely.
If a passenger opened the door without looking, they may be held individually responsible for negligence.
In Uber or Lyft incidents, additional insurance coverage may apply if the vehicle was in active service.
If a commercial vehicle or company car was involved, the employer may be liable.
If poor street design made the crash unavoidable, a government entity could share responsibility — though these claims involve strict deadlines under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Illinois, including a dooring incident, The Collins Law Firm is ready to help you understand your legal options.
Because the cyclist often absorbs the full force of the impact, dooring accidents can cause severe and lasting injuries, including:
The Collins Law Firm has extensive experience representing injured bicyclists and individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death after serious crashes.
To establish liability, your attorney will gather evidence such as:
Accident reconstruction may also be used to show that the cyclist had no reasonable way to avoid the crash.
Illinois law strongly supports bicyclist safety, and in most cases, the person opening the door is found at fault unless unusual circumstances indicate otherwise.
If you were injured in a dooring accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
If the crash resulted in a fatality, families may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Our attorneys have held dangerous drivers accountable — now let us help you.
Taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your case.
A police report is crucial for documenting what happened.
Even if injuries seem minor, internal trauma or concussions may not appear right away.
Document:
Even one witness can make a significant difference.
Insurers often try to shift blame onto cyclists.
The Collins Law Firm can help you navigate insurance issues, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dooring crash, call The Collins Law Firm today for a free consultation.
With decades of experience protecting Illinois communities, The Collins Law Firm provides:
Our attorneys understand how devastating a bike accident can be — physically, emotionally, and financially. We stand with you every step of the way.
Dooring incidents are not “accidents” in the traditional sense. They’re preventable events caused by inattention or carelessness. Cyclists deserve safe roads and strong legal protection when someone else’s negligence causes injury.
Whether your crash happened in Naperville, Chicago, Lisle, Wheaton, Aurora, West Chicago, or elsewhere in the Illinois metro area, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Injuries, health scares, and legal fights shouldn’t be faced alone. Call The Collins Law Firm today for a free consultation — and let’s talk about how we can help you get justice.
