Who’s at Fault in a Car Door Bicycle Accident?

If you’ve ever ridden a bike on a busy California street, you probably know the anxiety that comes with passing a row of parked cars. Any second, a door might fly open into your path, resulting in car door injuries. These car door bicycle accidents are surprisingly common, and while they may sound minor, they can lead to serious injuries.

But when a car and bicycle accident happens, who’s actually at fault? Is it always the person who opens the door? Or could the cyclist share some of the blame? Let’s break it down.

When the Driver Is at Fault

In most bicycle car door accidents, the fault lies with the person who opened the door. California law states that you can’t open a car door unless it’s safe to do so. That means looking for oncoming traffic—including cyclists.

Here are three common scenarios where the driver or passenger of a vehicle is typically at fault:

Failure to Check Blind Spots

One of the most common causes of car door injuries is simply not looking. Drivers or passengers may swing their door open without checking mirrors or turning their head to look over their shoulder.

Cyclist Riding Too Close to Parked Cars

While it might seem like the cyclist should take some blame here, riding in the “door zone” is often unavoidable—especially on streets with narrow bike lanes or heavy traffic. It’s still the responsibility of the person inside the car to make sure it’s clear before opening the door.

Low Visibility or Night Riding

Sometimes, poor lighting or bad weather makes it harder to see cyclists. But whether it’s dark, foggy, or raining, it’s the driver’s job to check carefully before opening a door. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for a bike accident caused by open car door.

When the Cyclist May Be at Fault

While drivers are usually to blame, there are cases where cyclists can be held partially responsible, especially if they weren’t following the rules of the road or taking proper safety precautions. Here are two common examples where a cyclist can be at fault:

Riding Without Lights or Reflectors at Night

California law requires cyclists riding at night to use a white front light, red rear reflector (or light), pedal reflectors, and side reflectors. If a cyclist is hit at night and they weren’t properly lit or visible, they could share some of the fault—especially if visibility played a role in the collision.

Not Wearing Safety Gear

Not wearing a helmet or visible clothing could work against a cyclist in some injury claims. It may not automatically make them at fault, but it could be used to reduce the compensation amount based on the idea that the cyclist didn’t do everything possible to protect themselves.

California follows comparative negligence laws, which means fault can be shared between both parties in car door bicycle accidents. So, if a cyclist was 25% at fault for riding without lights, and the driver was 75% at fault for opening the door without looking, the cyclist’s compensation would be reduced by that percentage.This is important in cases involving compensation for a bicycle accident—whether you're a cyclist or a driver.

Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in North Hollywood or Glendale?

Whether you're a driver wondering what to do if a cyclist hits your car or a cyclist dealing with car door injuries, understanding the role of comparative negligence is crucial. And when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to speak with an attorney who knows the ins and outs of safety tips for cyclists in California and can help you figure out where the responsibility really lies.

If you were in a bike accident caused by open car door, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation. Since 1998, we’ve been a trusted legal advisor serving thousands of clients across Southern California. Call our office today to connect with a bicycle accident lawyer in North Hollywood or request to speak to one of our Glendale personal injury lawyers who can help.

Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee.

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