The open road on a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom that few other experiences can match. But that freedom comes with a heightened vulnerability. In the blink of an eye, a routine ride through Boston, Worcester, or Springfield can turn into a life-altering event. One of the most sudden and dangerous scenarios a rider can face is the "dooring" crash—an entirely preventable collision caused by a driver or passenger carelessly opening a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.

If you've been the victim of a dooring accident, you're likely dealing with serious injuries, a damaged bike, and a mountain of questions. The moments after the crash are disorienting, and the path forward can seem unclear. You might be wondering who is at fault, how you'll cover your medical bills, and what your rights are under Massachusetts law.

This guide is your starting point. It is designed to provide clear, straightforward information for motorcyclists injured in dooring incidents across the Commonwealth. We will break down the laws, the evidence you need, and the steps to take to protect your right to fair compensation.

What Exactly Is a Dooring Accident, and Why Is It So Severe?

A dooring accident happens when a person opens the door of a parked or stopped vehicle directly into the path of a moving motorcyclist. Unlike other types of traffic collisions where a rider might have a split second to react, a dooring event is instantaneous. A solid metal door suddenly becomes an immovable wall, leaving the motorcyclist with no time to brake or swerve.

The physics of these collisions are brutal. The rider often impacts the edge of the door, a narrow, unforgiving surface that concentrates the force of the impact. This can lead to the rider being thrown from their motorcycle, often into the flow of traffic, risking a secondary collision with another vehicle.

The injuries resulting from a motorcycle dooring crash are frequently severe and can include:

• Broken Bones: Fractures to the clavicle, arms, legs, and ribs are common.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent motion of being ejected from the bike can lead to permanent damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis.
• Severe Road Rash: This is more than just a scrape. Deep abrasions can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and dangerous infections.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs can occur from the initial impact or the subsequent fall.

Beyond the physical pain, the financial and emotional toll is immense. Your motorcycle—often a source of pride and joy—may be totaled. You could face weeks or months of missed work while confronting a stack of mounting medical bills. The experience can leave lasting emotional scars, including anxiety or a fear of riding again.

Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Dooring Crash in Massachusetts

In the chaotic aftermath of a crash, the driver who opened the door might try to shift the blame. They might claim you were speeding, riding too close to parked cars, or that you "came out of nowhere." However, Massachusetts law is very clear on this issue.

The Law Is on Your Side: Understanding Negligence in a Motorcycle Crash

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 14 contains the state's "dooring law." This statute explicitly states: "No person shall open a door on a motor vehicle unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists and motorcyclists."

This is not just a suggestion; it is a legal duty. The responsibility to check for approaching traffic before opening a car door rests squarely on the shoulders of the person inside the vehicle.

This is where a legal principle called negligence per se becomes very powerful for your case. In simple terms, negligence per se means that if someone violates a safety law—like the dooring statute—and that violation causes the exact type of harm the law was designed to prevent, they are automatically considered negligent. You don't have to go through the lengthy process of proving they were being careless. Their illegal act of opening the door unsafely is, by itself, proof of their negligence.

For your claim, this means the driver or passenger who opened the door is presumed to be at fault for your injuries, which gives your case a strong foundation from the very beginning.

What About Comparative Negligence?

While the driver is likely at fault, their insurance company will look for any possible reason to reduce their payout. They may try to argue that you share some of the blame for the accident. This is based on a legal concept in Massachusetts called modified comparative negligence.

Under this rule (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85), you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not more than 50%. However, your final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 10%. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all.

Insurance adjusters might try to claim you were:

• Speeding: Traveling faster than the posted speed limit.
• Lane Splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic, which is illegal in Massachusetts.
• Not Paying Attention: They might suggest you were distracted and could have avoided the door.

This is a common tactic designed to minimize what they have to pay. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to combat these claims and prove the other party was fully responsible for your injuries.

Evidence to Collect After a Motorcycle Dooring Accident in Massachusetts

The strength of your personal injury claim depends on the quality of the evidence you can provide. While your first priority should always be your health and safety, if you are able, gathering information at the scene can significantly help your case. If you are too injured, ask a bystander to help.

Immediately after the accident, try to gather the following:

1. Police Report: Call 911 immediately. A police report is an official record of the incident. It will contain the names and contact information of all parties involved, insurance details, witness statements, and the officer’s initial observations about what happened. Make sure you get the report number before you leave the scene.
2. Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to gather digital evidence. Take photos and videos from multiple angles of:
   • The open car door that hit you.
   • The position of your motorcycle and the car.

• The damage to your bike and the vehicle.
  • Your injuries.
  • The surrounding area, including traffic signs, skid marks, and the general layout of the street.

3. Driver and Witness Information: Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the driver who caused the accident. Also, collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Independent witness testimony can be incredibly valuable in refuting any claims that you were at fault.
4. Medical Records: Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have immediate symptoms. A medical record creates an official link between the dooring accident and your injuries, which is vital for your claim. Follow all of your doctor’s orders, attend follow-up appointments, and keep a file of all medical bills and records.
5. Keep Your Damaged Gear: Do not throw away your helmet, jacket, or any other damaged riding gear. This gear serves as physical evidence of the force and nature of the impact. Your helmet, in particular, can be examined by experts to demonstrate the severity of a head impact.
6. Write Down Your Account: As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident. Details can fade over time. Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, traffic conditions, and a step-by-step account of what happened from your perspective.

Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts: Why It Matters

You might think that because the law is on your side, handling the claim yourself will be simple. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out fair settlements; their goal is to protect their bottom line. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers trained to dispute claims and pay as little as possible.

This is where a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer becomes your most important advocate.

Here’s how an attorney can guide you after a dooring crash in MA:

• An Attorney Will Handle the Insurance Companies: As soon as you hire an attorney, all communication from the insurance company goes through their office. You no longer have to deal with aggressive adjusters asking for recorded statements designed to trick you into hurting your own case. They will manage the paperwork, the deadlines, and the negotiations so you can focus on your recovery.
• They Will Conduct a Thorough Investigation: An attorney doesn't just rely on the police report. Their team will conduct an independent investigation into your motorcycle crash. This may involve obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, hiring accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash dynamics, and tracking down additional witnesses.
• They Will Accurately Calculate Your Damages: They work with you, your doctors, and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim. This goes far beyond just your initial medical bills. We calculate:
  • Economic Damages: This includes all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle.
  • Non-Economic Damages: This is compensation for the human cost of the accident, including your physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• They Will Fight for Maximum Compensation: Attorneys are skilled negotiators and accomplished trial lawyers. While most cases are settled out of court, they will prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This meticulous preparation shows the insurance company that they are serious, which often leads to a much higher settlement offer. If they refuse to be fair, your attorney will be fully prepared to take your fight to a jury and win.

Ultimately, partnering with a seasoned Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer is about leveling the playing field. It transforms your claim from a stressful, uphill battle against a powerful insurance corporation into a fair fight. While you focus on what matters most—healing from your injuries and getting your life back on track—your attorney works tirelessly to manage the complexities of your case, combat lowball offers, and build the strongest possible argument for the maximum compensation you deserve. It’s an investment in your peace of mind and your financial future.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is One Phone Call Away

A dooring accident can throw your life into chaos, but you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. The legal system can be complex, and you deserve a dedicated advocate who understands what you are going through and knows how to win. The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is committed to fighting for injured motorcyclists across Massachusetts.

We understand the unique challenges you face and have a proven track record of securing the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives. Don't let an insurance company decide your future.

Contact us for a free consultation today and to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and learn how we can help you. We are here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.