One moment you're riding through downtown Hartford or New Haven—then suddenly, a parked car door swings open in your path. You're thrown from your motorcycle, shaken and in pain. What just happened is known as a motorcycle dooring accident, and it’s more common than most people think.

In Connecticut, these incidents pose a significant threat to riders. Because motorcycles offer far less protection than passenger vehicles, even a low-speed dooring accident can result in serious harm. If you’ve been injured in this type of crash, understanding your legal rights and the steps you need to take could make all the difference in your recovery.

Continue reading to learn more about what motorcycle dooring accidents are, why they happen, how Connecticut law applies, and what you can do if you’re injured. We’ll also explain how an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build your claim.

What Is a Motorcycle Dooring Accident?

A dooring accident happens when a vehicle occupant opens a car door into traffic and directly into the path of a motorcycle. Because motorcycles are narrow and maneuverable, many drivers don’t spot them—or forget to look entirely—before flinging open their doors.

Some common scenarios include:

• A driver parked along a city curb opens the driver-side door without looking.
• A passenger in the back seat opens a door on the traffic side.
• A motorcyclist riding in a bike lane or road shoulder encounters a sudden obstacle—a swinging car door.

These moments unfold in a flash, and the rider often has little to no time to avoid impact.

Connecticut’s Rules on Dooring Accidents

Under Connecticut General Statutes §14-100, drivers and passengers must check for oncoming traffic before opening a door on the side of a moving lane. Failing to do so can be considered negligence.

Additionally, Connecticut operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still be awarded compensation if you were partially at fault—so long as your share of the blame doesn’t exceed 50%. Your final compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

This matters in dooring crashes, where drivers or insurance companies may try to shift blame to the rider. A lawyer can help counter that.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Dooring Crash in CT?

If you’ve been in a motorcycle dooring accident, taking immediate action can help preserve your health and your legal options.

Here's what to do:

• Call 911: Always report the crash to the police.
• Get medical care: Even if injuries aren’t obvious right away, seek an evaluation.
• Exchange information: Get the name, contact info, and insurance details of the person who opened the door.
• Take photos: Capture the door’s position, your motorcycle, road conditions, and injuries.
• Find witnesses: Ask for their statements and contact info.

The more documentation you have early on, the easier it will be to support your claim later.

Injuries Common in Motorcycle Dooring Accidents

Without the protection of a vehicle frame, motorcyclists are vulnerable to injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and road rash
• Dislocated joints
• Concussions

Even minor-looking accidents can have long-term consequences.

Filing a Dooring Crash Claim in Connecticut

If a driver or passenger opened a door into your lane without looking, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Working with a motorcycle accident attorney can help you:

• Secure evidence like surveillance footage or eyewitness statements
• Get a copy of the police report
• Connect your injuries to the crash through medical records
• Determine how much compensation to pursue, including lost wages and future treatment

Remember, Connecticut generally allows two years from the date of the crash to file your claim.

Misconceptions That Can Hurt Your Case

Motorcyclists often face unfair bias. Insurance companies might argue that you were speeding, weaving between cars, or riding too close to parked vehicles. This is why having an attorney is so important. They can build a case that shows the dooring accident was not your fault—and that you were riding safely when it occurred.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle dooring crash in Connecticut, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we’re committed to fighting for the rights of injured riders and helping them recover fair compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your health, your finances, and your future.