Suing Uber for a “Dooring” Accident as a Cyclist in Baltimore

Although any driver can “door” a cyclist if they’re not careful, these incidents often involve parked Uber or Lyft vehicles. Many passengers fling open their doors without a care in the world – often struggling with severe intoxication after a night out. This can easily put cyclists in danger, and in some cases, these dooring accidents prove fatal. What can you do in the aftermath of a dooring accident? Can you sue Uber or Lyft for causing your injuries in Baltimore?

What Exactly IS a “Dooring” Bicycle Accident? 

A “dooring” accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of a cyclist. With no time to react, the cyclist impacts the open door – and this often ejects them from their bicycle at high speed. They may subsequently hit the cement and suffer a range of debilitating or fatal injuries. Even if these cyclists were wearing helmets at the time of their accidents, they may still suffer permanent brain damage due to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The door impact may also eject the cyclist into the path of moving cars. Lying prone on the road, the cyclist may be unable to avoid being run over by other vehicles. In some cases, they are knocked unconscious by the initial impact and therefore totally vulnerable to passing traffic. These types of dooring accidents often prove fatal.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for a Dooring Accident?

 Yes, it is possible to sue Uber or Lyft for a dooring accident that causes you to suffer injuries. Drivers are legally required to pull over and let their passengers disembark only in safe areas. Often, Uber or Lyft drivers park directly in the path of designated bike lanes. When their passengers open their doors, they inevitably come into contact with cyclists and cause serious injuries.

While passengers may shoulder some of the blame for these incidents, they may be too intoxicated or disorientated to be aware of their surroundings. Often, Uber passengers are tourists who are completely unfamiliar with bike lanes and the Baltimore area. In contrast, Uber drivers are supposed to be professionals who understand and follow local traffic laws closely. As a result, they may be held accountable for the actions of their passengers in certain scenarios – especially when it comes to the location of drop-offs.

That being said, you do not necessarily need to sue the driver or passenger directly. Instead, you may sue Uber or Lyft for the damages caused by their vehicles and representatives on the road. This often proves to be a beneficial strategy, as these multi-billion-dollar tech companies are capable of paying out high settlements.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer in Baltimore 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced car accident lawyer in Baltimore, look no further than Furman Honick. With our help, you can assess your legal options after a dooring accident and determine how to pursue compensation. Often, cyclists are fully entitled to hold Uber or Lyft accountable for dooring accidents. Book your consultation today to learn more.

Sources: 

mva.maryland.gov/Documents/FY19_Bicycle_ProgramAreaBriefFINAL.pdf

wbaltv.com/article/bicyclist-killed-hit-and-run-west-franklin-street-baltimore/46636068