Who’s Liable for Bicycle Dooring Accidents in Illinois?

 Posted on September 09, 2025 in Personal Injury

In busy cities across America, including Illinois, bicyclists are often forced to share narrow streets with parked cars, significantly increasing the risk of "dooring" accidents. Dooring accidents occur when a passenger in a parked vehicle suddenly opens the vehicle door into an oncoming cyclist’s path. Crashes like this can cause severe injuries to the cyclist, but who is legally responsible when it happens?

Cyclists have protections through Illinois laws, and personal injury lawsuits allow those injured to recover damages. If you have been injured in a dooring accident, you must understand your rights. Consulting with an experienced Champaign County, IL personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

Secondary Collisions Resulting from a Dooring Accident

When a driver opens his or her vehicle door into the path of an unsuspecting cyclist, the cyclist may slam into the door or swerve to avoid it. If the cyclist swerves, then a secondary collision occurs as the cyclist is hit by another vehicle or thrown from the bike into oncoming traffic. In either case, the cyclist can suffer severe injuries or death, especially when the secondary vehicle is unable to avoid hitting the cyclist.

Who Is Responsible for a Dooring Accident?

While bicyclists must certainly remain alert, there is usually no way for a cyclist to know when a driver in a parked car will suddenly open the door. Illinois law (Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/1407) requires drivers and passengers to check their surroundings and ensure it is safe before opening the vehicle door. The state has even adopted a method known as the "Dutch reach," which involves opening the car door with the hand farthest from the door, forcing the individual to turn and look over his or her shoulder, increasing the visibility of approaching cyclists.

The city of Chicago has increased the fine for a driver who opens his or her door in the path of a cyclist to $1,000. Other cities in the state have adopted similar, though less costly fines for drivers who "door" a cyclist. A driver can generally also be held legally liable for the cyclist's injuries, although in some cases, the cyclist may have been negligent by not following traffic rules. This could potentially reduce the cyclist’s compensation.   

What Are the Most Common Cyclist Injuries in a Dooring Accident?

Whether the cyclist hits the open door or swerves and is hit by another car, the injuries are often severe or even catastrophic. Bicyclists have virtually no protection, other than a helmet. Head and traumatic brain injuries are common, especially if the cyclist is not wearing a helmet, and can cause lasting damage. Other common injuries to the cyclist include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Lacerations, scarring, and road rash can lead to serious infections.
• Spinal injuries with long recovery times or even paralysis.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Injuries to the neck and collarbone
• Soft tissue damage
• Psychological damage can also result from a serious dooring accident, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How Can a Cyclist Prove Fault Following a Dooring Accident?

Some bicyclists now have bike-mounted cameras that can help prove fault. Traffic cameras, police reports, and eyewitness accounts of the accident can be crucial in proving that the driver was at fault for the accident. It is important that the cyclist seek medical attention immediately so that his or her injuries are adequately documented.

The cyclist may be entitled to medical expenses, including rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering damages, such as emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life. If the driver showed reckless disregard for the cyclist, then punitive damages may also be awarded.

Contact a Chicago, IL Personal Injury Attorney

After a bicycle dooring accident, you should not be left to handle the medical bills and lost wages on your own. You need a strong legal advocate who can prove liability and fight for fair compensation. A skilled Champaign County, IL bicycle accident lawyer from SpyratosDavis LLC is ready to help you through this difficult time. Our attorneys focus on developing the most effective strategy possible to achieve a positive outcome. Call 630-810-8881 to schedule your initial attorney meeting.