CHICAGO – As more bikers, pedestrians and drivers flock to the city’s streets this summer, a Chicago Personal Injury attorney is issuing an important reminder to always be vigilant and aware of who you are sharing the road with. Although most seasoned cyclists and drivers know they need to watch out for one another on the road, one accident type that is often overlooked is a dooring accident.
A dooring accident occurs when a cyclist is traveling in the road or bike lane next to a parked vehicle, and the driver or passenger opens their side door directly into the cyclist’s path. This could cause the cyclist to hit the door head on, swerve into traffic, or be pushed off their bike into the path of a motor vehicle. Injuries sustained in dooring accidents can be serious or even fatal.
Chicago Personal Injury attorney Rob L. Kohen, a Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, says:
Unfortunately, ‘dooring’ incidents happen far too often when they can and should be easily avoided. As a driver in Illinois and Chicago, being aware of your surroundings, especially when you are parked next to a bike lane, is the key to avoiding these incidents. A simple check of the side view mirror and turn of the head is all it takes to make sure it is safe before you open the door of your vehicle. Motorists should be aware that dooring is actually a criminal offense that in summary states that no person shall open a vehicle door unless it is safe to do. A driver who does not comply with this safety rule is in violation of Illinois Motor Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1407 and Chicago Municipal Code 9-30-035.
It is important to note that even though cyclists have the right of way in these situations, there are a number of things a cyclist can do to try and avoid being “doored.” As an avid cyclist myself, I recommend that you always keep your eyes in front of you and not give yourself any distractions like using your phone while riding. Watch for people entering or exiting their vehicles in the roadway ahead, and be prepared to slow down as you approach vehicles where you know someone just got into their vehicle.
Mr. Kohen and one of his clients who was injured in a dooring accident are available to discuss the dangers of these types of incidents. Please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com for more information.
