There are many different types of crashes that occur regularly in Florida. Cycling crashes are somewhat common, as the climate in the Sunshine State lends itself to year-round cycling. Not only do many residents rely on bicycles to reach their preferred destination, but many tourists ride bicycles as an alternative to renting motor vehicles during their vacations. Some cyclists get hurt in crashes caused by drivers who don’t pay attention in traffic. Others may actually end up injured by those in stationary vehicles.
Dooring incidents occur when someone in a vehicle opens a car door into traffic with a cyclist approaching, resulting in the cyclist striking the door and getting hurt. How serious are dooring incidents for Florida cyclists?
Doorings can be deadly
A dooring can cause immediate traumatic injury for a cyclist. The force involved when they strike the door could break bones or cause a brain injury. They are also at risk of getting thrown into traffic. Cyclists traveling at a high speed could fly over the door after making contact. They may end up in the road, where other vehicles might hit them.
A dooring incident and any secondary collisions can lead to immediate fatalities in some cases. Other times, the cyclists could suffer multiple broken bones, comminuted fractures, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and possibly amputations because of the trauma of the dooring incident.
The law recognizes these crashes
Dooring incidents are serious enough that Florida lawmakers have adopted statutes addressing this exact scenario. It is illegal for a vehicle occupant to open their door in a way that impedes the flow of traffic, including oncoming bicycle traffic.
A violation of the law theoretically makes vehicle occupants liable for any injuries they caused by opening a door into traffic. The insurance covering the vehicle involved can sometimes help cover the cost of cycling collisions, including dooring incidents. However, the extreme injuries possible may make litigation necessary.
Filing a lawsuit can help an injured cyclist cover their medical bills and replace lost wages when they get hurt by someone opening a door into traffic. The medical expenses and career consequences of a dooring could cost far more than the amount covered by basic liability insurance.
