Can I Sue If I Was "Doored" While Riding My Bicycle?

 Posted on May 06, 2026 in Personal Injury

"Dooring" happens when a bicyclist passes a vehicle as someone inside opens their door to get out, causing a collision. You see it often as a comedy bit in movies. In reality, it can lead to very serious injuries. It’s a common enough problem for cyclists that whole forums and organizations have been set up online to educate drivers on how to safely open their doors when a cyclist might be present.

Who pays for damages when these accidents occur? If you’ve been a victim of dooring in 2026, a Springfield personal injury attorney can help you understand whether you have a case and who is responsible.

Does Illinois Have Laws Addressing "Dooring" of Bicyclists?

Dooring of anyone, bicyclist or not, is actually illegal under Illinois law. According to 625 ILCS 5/11-1407, no person may open a vehicle door on the side of moving traffic unless it's reasonably safe to do so. Violating this law is a traffic offense, and it can also form the basis of a civil lawsuit.

"Traffic" includes cyclists. The Illinois Vehicle Code allows cyclists the same rights on the road as drivers. When a motorist violates those rights, they can be responsible for the damages that result.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Dooring Accident?

Figuring out who's responsible for an accident involving a bicyclist and a vehicle depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Some of the parties who may be at fault are as follows.

The Driver or Passenger Who Opened the Door

The person who opened the door is often the primary party at fault. Whether it was the driver or a passenger, they had a legal duty to check for approaching cyclists before opening the door. If they didn't, they may be liable for your injuries and losses.

The Vehicle Owner

If the person who opened the door wasn't the owner of the vehicle, the owner may still share responsibility depending on the situation. Illinois recognizes liability for vehicle owners in certain circumstances when someone else operates or uses their car. However, this is rare.

An Employer

If the person who doored you was in a work vehicle or was on the job at the time (for example, a delivery driver), their employer could share in the liability.

Can the Bicyclist Be at Fault for a Dooring Accident in Illinois?

Even if you were partially at fault – for example, you were riding too close to parked cars or distracted – Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule that may allow you to recover damages. Under law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but as long as you were not over the 50 percent threshold, you could still have a claim.

What Damages Can a Doored Cyclist Recover in Illinois?

Dooring is dangerous not only because of the impact with the car door, but also because a cyclist can hit the door and then fall or steer into other traffic. They are also significantly more vulnerable on the road than someone in a vehicle. Because of this, the recoverable damages can be substantial.

For non-fatal accidents, compensation available includes:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment

• Lost wages if you missed work during recovery

• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term

• Pain and suffering

• Damage to your bicycle and any other personal property

A thorough medical record of your treatment from the day of the accident to the present is very important for your case. Don't wait to see a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor at first, and contact a personal injury attorney early for help building your case.

Call a Peoria, IL Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Our Springfield personal injury lawyers bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to personal injury cases. Attorney Todd Bresney also previously served at the Federal Trade Commission and as a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation and find out what compensation could be available in your case.