Can I Sue After a Bicycle Dooring Accident in San Diego?

By Eugene Bruno on July 24, 2025

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle dooring accident in San Diego, you’re not alone. Local cyclists still face significant dangers on our roads, especially from inattentive drivers and passengers who swing open car doors without looking.

These dooring incidents can cause serious injuries, but they also raise important questions about liability and legal recourse. The good news is that California law—specifically Vehicle Code Section 22517—protects cyclists in these scenarios and provides the foundation for a personal injury claim.

What Is a Bicycle Dooring Accident?

A bicycle dooring accident happens when a cyclist collides with a vehicle door that’s suddenly opened into their path. This typically occurs when the person exiting the car fails to check for approaching cyclists before opening the door, which is an all-too-common oversight in busy areas like downtown San Diego, North Park, and Mission Hills.

These crashes often happen in bike lanes or along narrow roads where cyclists are forced to ride close to parked vehicles. The result? Cyclists are thrown into traffic, against pavement, or into other vehicles, often suffering the following types of injuries:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Spinal trauma
• Internal injuries

California Law and Dooring Injuries

California Vehicle Code Section 22517 addresses this specific type of hazard: “No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic…”

In other words, drivers and passengers have a legal duty to check for oncoming traffic, including bicycles, before opening a vehicle door. Failing to do so may constitute negligence and form the basis of a personal injury claim.

If you were injured in a dooring accident, this statute can be crucial in establishing driver liability.

Who Is Liable in a San Diego Bicycle Dooring Accident?

Several parties may be liable, depending on the circumstances.

The Driver of the Vehicle

Drivers are responsible for both their actions and safely managing vehicle occupants. If a driver opened the door without checking or allowed a passenger to do so unsafely, they may be found negligent under CVC 22517.

The Vehicle Passenger

In cases where a passenger (especially in rideshare or taxi situations) opens the door, they may be directly liable. If the driver contributed (e.g., parked illegally or failed to warn), both parties could share fault.

Rideshare or Commercial Operators

If the dooring involved a rideshare driver (Uber, Lyft) or commercial vehicle, the company may also bear responsibility, especially if they failed to train drivers or enforce safety protocols.

How Is Fault Proven in Cyclist Injury Claims?

To succeed in a cyclist injury claim after a door zone crash, you need to establish that:

1. The defendant (driver or passenger) owed you a duty of care.
2. They breached that duty by opening the door unsafely.
3. This breach caused your injuries.
4. You suffered measurable damages (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.).

Evidence That Helps Prove Your Case:

• Police report citing Vehicle Code 22517
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Photos of the scene
• Medical records linking injuries to the crash
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

Common Defense Tactics in Dooring Cases

Even when liability seems clear, insurance companies and defense attorneys may try to deflect blame or reduce your compensation. Common strategies include the following.

Blaming the Cyclist

They may claim you were riding too fast, too close to parked cars, or in an unsafe manner, even if you were legally in a bike lane.

Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries

Insurers often downplay injuries or claim they were pre-existing. Thorough medical documentation is critical.

Denial of Duty

In rare cases, defendants may argue they had no duty to look (e.g., opening a rear door far from traffic). But courts generally find that all vehicle occupants share responsibility under California law.

Comparative Fault and Dooring Injuries

California follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your award may be reduced proportionally. A skilled bike crash lawyer in San Diego can push back against these tactics to secure a fair outcome.

Compensation That Can You Recover

Victims of bicycle dooring accidents may be entitled to several types of damages.

Economic Damages

• Emergency medical treatment
• Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages or future earning potential
• Property damage (e.g., damaged bicycle, gear)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Dooring Accident?

Handling a bicycle dooring accident in San Diego without legal guidance can be risky. Insurance companies know how to take advantage of injured cyclists who are unfamiliar with the legal process or unsure of their rights.

Working with an experienced San Diego bicycle accident attorney ensures you have someone on your side who can do the following:

• Knows the ins and outs of California CVC 22517
• Can gather the right evidence and build a strong case
• Will handle negotiations and push back on lowball offers
• Can represent you in court if the insurer won’t settle fairly

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’ve handled countless cyclist injury claims with compassion and skill. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll these accidents take—and we fight hard to get you the recovery you need.

What to Do Immediately After a Dooring Accident

If you’ve been involved in a dooring incident, take these steps to protect your health and your case:

1. Call 911 and report the incident to police.
2. Seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
3. Get contact information for the driver, passengers, and any witnesses.
4. Take photos of the scene, vehicle, injuries, and your bike.
5. Avoid making statements about fault or minimizing your injuries.
6. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of preserving evidence and avoiding costly mistakes.

Talk to an Experienced San Diego San Diego Bicycle Injury Lawyer Today

Don’t let someone else’s carelessness derail your life. You may be entitled to compensation, and we’re here to help you get it. Call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your rights under California CVC 22517, and fight to secure the justice you deserve.