Are Drivers Liable for Dooring Bicyclists?

 Posted on August 31, 2026 in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

A cyclist who is suddenly confronted with the open door of a car can sustain significant injuries. If they hit the door, they may be thrown from the bike. If they swerve to avoid it, they stand a good chance of steering into other traffic, and the results can be catastrophic.

In many bicycle dooring accidents in Illinois, the person who opened the door is at fault. State law puts the responsibility on the person exiting their car to look for traffic first. A Rolling Meadows, IL bicycle accident lawyer can help you sort out liability and deal with the driver’s insurance company after a crash in 2026.

What is Illinois’ Law About Opening a Car Door Into Traffic?

Illinois has a specific statute when someone is exiting a car near traffic. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1407, no one may open a car door on the side facing traffic unless it is reasonably safe. It also has to be done without getting in the way of other traffic. A door must not stay open longer than it takes to load or unload passengers.

Bicycles have the same right to the road as other vehicles. Someone who opens a door into an oncoming cyclist has violated the law just the same as if there was an oncoming vehicle.

Is the Person in the Car Always at Fault in an Illinois Dooring Accident?

The person who opened the door is often responsible, but not in every case. Bicyclists may also share fault for the incident depending on the circumstances. If someone was biking at night with no lights and no reflectors, for example, they may also be in violation of Illinois law. A driver may not have been reasonably expected to see them before opening their door.

There is also the possibility of third-party liability in some claims. If the driver was on-shift for a rideshare or a delivery company, the company may share liability as well. Whether a third-party claim applies depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.

What Can a Doored Cyclist Recover in Illinois?

After a dooring accident, a cyclist may be able to recover money for:

• Emergency care, follow-up treatment, and other medical expenses

• Lost wages if your injuries kept you off work

• Repair or replacement of your bike, helmet, and other gear

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life for severe injuries

What a claim is worth depends on how serious the injuries are and how fault is assigned. Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If you are deemed to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can’t recover anything. If you are no more than 50 percent at fault, the amount you are able to recover will be reduced proportionally to your share of fault.

What Should You Do After a Dooring Accident in Illinois?

Evidence of how the accident happened will make your claim stronger. Call the police or have someone else call the police if you are unable. If the person in the vehicle opened their door without looking first, they may be issued a citation, which can help your case.

Ask for medical help. Some injuries, like a concussion or a torn ligament, may not immediately be in evidence. Medical records from soon after the accident can help tie your injuries to the accident.

Take photos of the scene, including the open door, your bike, and the location of the accident. Get the driver’s insurance information and the names of any witnesses. If possible, avoid giving recorded statements to the other person’s insurance until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.

Call a Palatine, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Dooring accidents are serious matters that can lead to major injuries. If you’ve suffered an injury from a dooring accident, our Rolling Meadows bicycle accident attorneys can help you pursue adequate compensation.

Newland & Newland, LLP is made up of local attorneys who know these communities. Our team has decades of combined experience with bicycle and traffic injury cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients.

Call us at 847-797-8000 today to schedule your free consultation.