Dooring accidents occur in St Cloud when the occupant of a vehicle opens their door out into the road without looking for passing bicyclists. If the door opens into the path of a rider, it can cause a collision.
In many cases, bicyclists are ejected onto the roadway and suffer significant injuries. If you were harmed in a dooring accident, our injury attorneys in St Cloud can help you understand your rights.
Common Injuries from Dooring Accidents
Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable during accidents. Even with helmets on, there is a significant risk of serious injuries. Some common injuries our St Cloud bicycle accident lawyers help dooring accident victims recover compensation for include:
- Broken Bones: Bone fractures are one of the most common injuries in dooring accidents. These often result from the impact of the cyclist striking the door or pavement.
- Joint Injuries: Joints may be injured during the collision, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Impact can result in damage to internal organs, leading to serious complications.
- Spinal Injuries: Sudden stops can lead to spinal injuries, affecting the neck or back.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Contact with the door or pavement may cause cuts, scrapes, and road rash.
- Nerve Damage: Trauma from the accident can result in nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling sensations.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries can include strains or sprains caused by coming to a sudden stop at impact.
- Head Injuries: The head striking the door or ground can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists can suffer facial injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and fractures, in dooring accidents.
Immediate medical attention is necessary after a dooring accident. Not only is it crucial to protect your health, but immediate medical treatment also establishes a clear link between the injuries and the accident. Our St Cloud bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights in the aftermath of a bicycle accident.
Laws Regarding Dooring Accidents in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, drivers are required to check for approaching traffic before opening their doors. This means they must ensure no bicycles or other vehicles are coming from behind before they exit their parked vehicle. If a driver fails to do so and causes a dooring accident, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages that result.
It is worth noting that liability may also extend beyond just the driver of the parked vehicle. Anyone responsible for opening the door, such as a driver or passenger, may be held accountable under Minnesota law.
In terms of insurance coverage, if you are injured in a dooring accident while riding your bicycle in Minnesota, you may be able to seek compensation through various avenues. The first layer of protection is through your own no-fault insurance policy. If you did not own a vehicle, then you would look to any relatives who you live with that have a no-fault policy. If you do not live with any, then you can obtain no-fault benefits through the vehicle that you were involved in the accident with. Your no-fault benefits will generally pay up to $20,000 in medical expenses and up to $20,000 in wage loss and replacement services.
You may also have a personal injury claim against the at fault party. Through that claim, the at-fault party’s auto insurance policy may cover your medical expenses and wage loss that was not covered by your no-fault claim, then additional compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
Successful resolution of dooring accident cases often hinges on strong evidence. Documenting the scene, gathering witness statements, and obtaining medical records are essential steps to bolster the case. By working with our injury attorneys in St Cloud, you will have someone advocating for your rights while helping you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
When you are injured in a dooring accident in Minnesota, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The amount of compensation will vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and any long-term effects.
In a personal injury claim related to a dooring accident, you may seek compensation for medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy sessions, and any necessary assistive devices. Additionally, you may be able to recover lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working during your recovery period.
You can also seek non-economic damages. These include emotional distress caused by the accident or resulting injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations imposed by the injuries sustained.
It is essential to speak with our injury attorneys in St Cloud to determine what specific types of compensation you may be eligible for after a dooring accident in Minnesota. We will assess your case and help guide you through this process.
Contact Our St Cloud Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you were hurt in a dooring accident, our injury attorneys in St Cloud can help you get justice. Since 1995, Nelson Personal Injury has provided exceptional legal representation for those who have experienced a severe personal injury or the loss of a loved one.
Our team is committed to providing our clients with dedicated and personalized legal representation. Over the past three decades, we have helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for various accidents and injuries. Contact our St Cloud bicycle accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your rights.
