In the bustling urban areas of Connecticut, bicyclists navigate a number of potential hazards every day. Among these dangers, "dooring" has emerged as a particularly insidious threat. This phenomenon occurs when a cyclist, while traveling alongside a row of parked cars, suddenly collides with an abruptly opened car door. The impact can hurl the rider onto the pavement or into another vehicle or can force the rider to swerve precipitously into active traffic lanes. The consequences are often severe, ranging from serious or catastrophic injuries to tragic fatalities.
Connecticut, like many states, has taken legal steps intended to protect urban cyclists from such accidents. A 2021 state law has made it illegal for a person to open the door of their vehicle in a way that causes contact with moving traffic. Violation of the statute is a traffic infraction punishable by fines. Nevertheless, cyclists who are injured and in need of financial compensation must take legal recourse through civil lawsuits.
Determining liability in dooring incidents hinges on establishing negligence. Drivers and passengers who fail to check for cyclists before opening a door can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. They can also be found negligent for leaving the car door open longer than necessary for loading or unloading. Financial compensation owed to injured cyclists can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
However, as in other personal injury cases, comparative negligence may come into play. In Connecticut, this means that if a cyclist is partially responsible for their injuries, their recovery of damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Factors such as whether the cyclist was wearing a helmet or exercising caution can affect the extent of their compensation. What’s more, the cyclist cannot recover damages at all if their fault was greater than 50 percent.
The possibility of a dispute over comparative negligence underscores the importance of legal representation for victims of dooring accidents. An experienced bicycle injury lawyer can advocate effectively for fair compensation while ensuring that the cyclist’s rights are protected.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven and Hamden represents victims of bicycle accidents throughout Connecticut. To set up a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. is located in Hamden, CT and serves clients in and around North Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, Bethany, Milford, Wallingford, Prospect, Woodbridge, Northford, Madison, Beacon Falls, Branford, Cheshire, North Branford, East Haven, Naugatuck, Meriden, Ansonia and New Haven County.
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