Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing in an instant. Imagine riding down a city street in New York when suddenly, a driver opens their car door without looking. In a split second, you’re thrown from your bike, facing severe injuries, medical bills, and lost income. These “dooring” crashes are among the most dangerous incidents motorcyclists face in urban areas. If this scenario feels close to home, you’re not alone—dooring accidents are increasingly common in New York, and the law provides pathways to hold negligent parties accountable.
This article explains how dooring accidents happen, what New York law says about them, and the steps you can take if you’ve been injured.
Understanding Dooring Accidents in New York
A dooring accident occurs when the occupant of a parked or stopped vehicle opens a door into the path of a motorcycle. These accidents are especially dangerous for bikers because they often happen at close range, leaving little time to brake or maneuver.
New York City streets, with their narrow lanes, dense parking, and high traffic volumes, create the perfect conditions for such crashes. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have the protective barriers of seatbelts or airbags, which means injuries tend to be far more severe.
Why Dooring Crashes Are So Dangerous
The impact of striking a door can launch a rider into moving traffic or onto hard pavement. Injuries may include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Severe road rash and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
The seriousness of these injuries highlights why New York law places clear duties on drivers and passengers to check before opening a vehicle door.
New York Laws Governing Dooring Incidents
New York has specific traffic laws that directly apply to dooring accidents. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1214, it is illegal for any person to open a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic unless it is safe to do so. Violating this statute creates a strong basis for liability in a personal injury claim. In practice, this means if a driver or passenger swings open a door without looking and causes a motorcycle crash, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries.
Additionally, New York’s comparative negligence rule (New York Civil Practice Law & Rules §1411) may apply if multiple parties share blame. For instance, if an investigation shows the motorcyclist was speeding at the time of the collision, damages may be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dooring Crash?
Determining liability depends on the circumstances, but possible responsible parties include:
- The driver who opened the door.
- The vehicle’s passengers if they caused the obstruction.
- Ride-hailing or delivery services if a commercial driver was involved.
- Municipal entities if unsafe street design contributed to the hazard.
An attorney can investigate factors such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports to establish responsibility.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Dooring Accident in New York
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by dooring, the actions you take immediately afterward can affect both your health and your case.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
- Contact the police to file an official report.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle, and your injuries.
- Collect witness information if anyone saw the crash.
- Avoid giving statements to insurers before consulting an attorney.
These steps help create strong documentation that may prove essential for compensation claims.
Compensation Available for Dooring Crash Victims in New York
Injured riders may pursue different forms of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages if the injury prevents you from working.
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress.
- Property damage to repair or replace the motorcycle.
- Future care costs if long-term treatment is required.
The value of a case depends on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
Real-World Example of a Dooring Crash in New York
Consider the case of a Brooklyn motorcyclist who suffered multiple fractures after a taxi passenger flung open a door on Atlantic Avenue. The rider’s medical bills exceeded $100,000, and he was out of work for nearly a year. By using New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1214 to establish liability, his attorney successfully recovered damages that covered both his medical expenses and lost earnings.
This scenario illustrates how the law works in real cases and why legal representation is so critical.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in New York Motorcycle Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle dooring crash isn’t just about healing physically—it’s also about protecting your legal rights. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, sometimes even blaming motorcyclists for being “too close” to parked cars. Without skilled legal representation, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
An experienced New York motorcycle accident attorney can:
- Collect and preserve evidence.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers.
- Connect you with medical experts.
- File a lawsuit if fair settlement isn’t offered.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
A motorcycle dooring crash in New York can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and lasting pain. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our team understands the unique dangers motorcyclists face on New York streets and fights tirelessly to secure fair compensation. Whether you’re dealing with a negligent driver, a ride-hailing passenger, or an insurer trying to shift blame, we are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm represents motorcycle accident victims across New York, offering compassionate support and aggressive legal strategies. If you’ve been injured in a dooring crash, the time to act is now.