Motorcycle Dooring Accident Lawyers 

Slammed by a Car Door While Riding? Here’s What You Need to Know 

One second, you’re cruising down the road. The next, a car door swings open right in front of you. No time to stop. Now you’re on the pavement, hurting, angry, and wondering what just happened. That’s where a motorcycle accident attorney from Horn Wright, LLP, comes in—to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Motorcycle dooring accidents aren’t just frustrating—they’re dangerous. And they happen way too often. Some drivers or passengers aren’t paying attention, and you’re the one who pays the price. Broken bones. Head injuries. Weeks or months of pain and recovery. 

Why Dooring Accidents Happen? Simple: Carelessness. 

Most drivers don’t look for motorcycles. They check for cars, sure. But a bike? Half the time, you’re invisible to them. And when they open a door without checking? It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Here’s why these crashes keep happening: 

• They don’t check their mirrors. Drivers are trained to check for cars, but motorcycles are smaller, faster, and easier to miss. A driver might glance at their mirror quickly but fail to see you coming. If they don’t look over their shoulder or use the Dutch Reach method (opening the door with the opposite hand to force a look back), they might swing their door right into your path. 
• They’re distracted. We live in a world where people can’t put their phones down for two seconds. Drivers are texting, checking GPS, or digging for something in the glove box. Passengers are talking, adjusting their seatbelts, or stepping out without paying attention. All it takes is a moment of distraction, and suddenly, a door is blocking your lane. 
• They park in risky spots. Some streets are just dangerous for bikers. If cars are parked too far from the curb or in bike lanes, motorcyclists have no choice but to ride close. In cities with heavy congestion, narrow streets and packed parking create high-risk zones for dooring crashes. 
• They assume they’re safe. Drivers open their doors without thinking about what’s behind them. They assume no one is coming or believe motorcycles can stop instantly. A motorcycle can’t brake as quickly as a car, and swerving to avoid a door could send you straight into moving traffic. 

The worst part? It’s 100% preventable. A simple glance in the mirror could save your ride—and your life. Our personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, have seen countless injuries caused by negligent drivers who carelessly open their doors without checking.  

What Should You Do Right After a Dooring Accident? 

Your heart’s racing. Maybe you’re in shock. Maybe you’re already feeling the pain. But what do you do next?  

1. Stay down if you’re hurt. Your instinct might be to jump up and shake it off, but that could make things worse. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like fractures, concussions, or internal bleeding. Take a moment to assess yourself before moving. If something feels off, don’t force it. 
2. Call 911. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case. The officer will document the scene, talk to witnesses, and record statements that can help prove liability. If you skip this step, the at-fault driver could deny responsibility later. 
3. Get medical attention. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Internal injuries, whiplash, and concussions can take hours or even days to appear. A doctor’s visit not only ensures your health but also provides medical records that support your claim for compensation. 
4. Document everything. Your phone is your best friend here. Take clear photos of the car, the open door, your bike, your injuries, and the overall scene. If possible, record a short video describing what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. 
5. Get the driver’s information. You’ll need their name, contact details, and insurance info. If they were a rideshare driver, note the company (Uber or Lyft). If a passenger doored you, get their details too. 
6. Don’t admit fault. Even saying something as simple as, “I didn’t see it in time,” can be twisted against you. Insurance companies love using your words to reduce their payout. Stick to the facts and let your experienced attorney do the talking. 
7. Talk to a lawyer before the insurance company. The insurance adjuster’s job is to pay you as little as possible. If you don’t have legal help, they’ll try to trick you into accepting a lowball offer. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer fights back to make sure you get what you deserve. 

Who’s Responsible? Spoiler: It’s Probably Not You. 

In almost every motorcycle dooring case, the person who opened the door is at fault. Why? Because state laws make it illegal to open a car door unless it’s safe. New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1214 specifically prohibits opening a door into moving traffic. 

Other parties might also share responsibility, including: 

• The driver of the vehicle. If a passenger doored you, the driver may still be at fault for parking in a dangerous spot or failing to warn their passenger. 
• The city or local government. Poor street design, a lack of bike lanes, or hazardous parking situations could mean the city shares responsibility. 
• Rideshare companies. If an Uber or Lyft passenger doored you, the company’s insurance policy might cover your damages—but they won’t hand that money over easily. 

Insurance Companies Will Try to Blame You—Don’t Let Them 

You’d think an open-and-shut case like this would be simple, right? Not when an insurance company’s involved. They’ll do whatever they can to pay you as little as possible—or nothing at all. 

• They’ll say you were speeding. Doesn’t matter if you were going the limit—they’ll claim you were moving too fast to stop. 
• They’ll argue you had time to react. As if you’re supposed to have superhuman reflexes. 
• They’ll blame lane-splitting. Even in states where it’s legal, they might still try to use it against you. 
• They’ll downplay your injuries. “It’s just a bruise.” Meanwhile, you’re in physical therapy for six months. 

Why You Need a Lawyer Who Knows Motorcycle Accidents 

A lot of personal injury lawyers handle car accidents. But motorcycle crashes are different. You’re more vulnerable, the injuries are worse, and the insurance companies? They’re way more aggressive. 

The right lawyer knows how to prove fault, push back against insurance company tactics, and make sure you get what you deserve. 

Horn Wright, LLP, recognized as one of the best law firms in America, doesn’t just handle motorcycle accident cases—we fight for riders. We get it. We ride too. And we know how to take on insurance companies that think they can push you around. 

Call us today for a free consultation.  Let’s get you the compensation you deserve.