Cyclists in the UK are vulnerable to a specific risk: car dooring, where a car occupant opens a door into a cyclist’s path. If that happens, you could be entitled to make a bicycle accident claim — especially if you suffered injuries and financial losses. With expert legal help—from a bicycle injury lawyer or bicycle accident lawyer—you can pursue bicycle accident compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
At Bicycle Accident Claims, we specialise in handling these cases across the UK. Our team understands what evidence is required to support a strong bicycle accident injury claim following a dooring incident.
What Is Car Dooring and Who Is Liable?
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking behind, causing collision with an oncoming cyclist. Under UK law, it is an offence to open a vehicle door in a way that “injures or endangers any person” (Regulation 105 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986) .
The Highway Code, Rule 239, states that you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when opening a door and should check for cyclists or traffic, ideally using the “Dutch Reach” technique (opening with the far hand).
Liability typically rests with the person opening the door—but even if it was a passenger, the driver can still be held responsible for “permitting” someone to open the door negligently .
Why Doorings Are Dangerous
Dooring incidents can cause severe injuries. In some cases, cyclists are thrown into traffic, sustaining head trauma, fractures, road rash, or worse. In one high-profile case, a former Commonwealth Games cyclist is seeking over £1 million in compensation, claiming brain damage and PTSD after being doored in London.
Between 2011 and 2015, over 2,000 cycling injuries, including serious injuries and fatalities, were attributed to negligent door openings in incidents reported by police—though actual figures are likely much higher .
Evidence That Strengthens a Dooring Claim
To successfully pursue a bicycle accident claim following a dooring, gathering strong evidence is essential:
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Photos: Of the open door, vehicle position, and accident scene.
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Helmet or dash‑cam footage: Captures the door opening and whether braking was possible.
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Witness statements: Especially from local residents or passersby.
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Police reports: Provide an official description of the incident.
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Medical records: Show injury severity, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Repair receipts: For your bike, helmet, clothing, or other damaged items.
Insurers typically admit liability if evidence shows the cyclist had little or no time to avoid the door—especially with sudden collisions caused by door opening.
Compensation: What You Could Be Entitled To
In a successful car dooring claim, you may recover:
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General damages: For pain, suffering, emotional distress, and trauma.
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Special damages: Including medical treatment costs, lost earnings, replacement bike/gear, and travel expenses.
Examples of settlement outcomes:
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A cyclist received around £70,000 following a dooring accident in east London.
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A softer tissue or facial injury case settled for around £4,000.
Claim values vary depending on injury severity, financial impact, and long-term effects. Payscale guidelines show:
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Wrist or forearm fractures: £5,000–£15,000
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Serious shoulder injury: £11,980–£18,020
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Minor brain injury/concussion: £2,070–£11,980.
Cyclist Experiences: What Others Say
Real-world experiences highlight the importance of legal advice:
“They opened into traffic as I was passing… I lost one day’s wages, bike damage, replacement costs… They offered only £450 initially” .
“I had broken collarbone and three broken fingers… dashcam captured everything… solicitors advised action.”.
These stories show how dooring can lead to serious injury, expensive repairs, and weak offers from insurers unless legally challenged.
What to Do If You Have Been Doored
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Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Documentation is vital.
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Document the scene: Photos, notes, witness information, car registration, and helmet/dashcam footage.
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Call the police, particularly if injuries are involved.
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Avoid communicating directly with the other party’s insurer—refer them to your bicycle accident lawyer.
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Contact Bicycle Accident Claims: Our expert solicitors will investigate, gather evidence, and manage the claim process—from liability through to settlement. We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis.
How Bicycle Accident Claims Assists You
At Bicycle Accident Claims, we:
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Provide free case assessments tailored to dooring incidents
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Gather and preserve critical evidence quickly
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Work with medical and reconstruction experts if needed
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Manage all communications with insurers and take legal action if required
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Secure maximum personal injury compensation for injury, loss, and trauma
Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we handle every step while you focus on recovery.