Dooring Accidents in New Orleans

A New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation

Riding a bicycle through the streets of New Orleans is a way of life for many. It’s how people commute, explore, stay active, and connect with their city. From the colorful lanes of Bywater to the hustle of the CBD, New Orleans has slowly become more bike-friendly over the years, but there’s still one danger cyclists face that’s as sudden as it is serious: dooring accidents.

If you’ve been “doored” while riding, you know how quickly things can change. There’s no time to swerve, and nowhere to go. The impact of a dooring bicycle accident can throw you off your bike and onto the pavement or into traffic.

The Law Offices of John S. Williams knows how devastating these crashes can be. You’re hurt, shaken, and often blamed for something that wasn’t your fault. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you deserve answers and compensation. Contact us for a free consultation with a lawyer who will advocate for you every step of the way.

“The office is very clean and professional. The legal secretary is wonderful. You will be greeted by her. The attorneys are very kind and good at what they do.” – N.L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What is a dooring accident?

A dooring accident happens when someone inside a parked car (usually the driver or a passenger) opens the door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The cyclist either slams into the door or swerves and crashes trying to avoid it. Either way, the results are often serious.

Common places for dooring accidents include:

Magazine Street, where cars park close to active bike lanes
The French Quarter, with its mix of tourists, rideshares, and cyclists
Esplanade Avenue and its residential corridor full of parallel parking
Streets in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, where bike culture is strong but infrastructure varies

Unlike some cities with wide buffered lanes, New Orleans doesn’t always give cyclists enough space to safely avoid a suddenly opened door. That puts the burden on drivers and passengers to be aware. Far too often, they’re not. When that happens, the Law Offices of John S. Williams is ready to hold the negligent party accountable and help you on the path to recovery.

Why do dooring accidents happen?

Most dooring crashes aren’t the result of aggressive driving; they’re caused by carelessness. The person in the car simply doesn’t check for approaching cyclists before opening the door. In many cases, these crashes could have been prevented with a simple glance over the shoulder. Some common causes include:

Drivers distracted by phones, GPS, or passengers
Rideshare passengers getting out without looking
Tourists unfamiliar with bike lane layouts
Poor lighting or visibility, especially at night
Tight parking lanes that push cyclists closer to cars

Who is at fault in a dooring accident?

In Louisiana, the person who opened the door is usually at fault. Louisiana law requires drivers and passengers to ensure it’s safe before opening a vehicle door into traffic. That includes not just cars but bikes, too. Cyclists have every right to use the road, and drivers must respect that right. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:283: “No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.”

If someone violates this law and causes a crash, they can be held liable for the injuries and damage that result. Attorney John S. Williams can thoroughly investigate your dooring accident and ensure that fault is appropriately assigned.

Does the Dutch Reach apply in Louisiana?

The “Dutch Reach” is a safety method promoted by cycling advocates where drivers and passengers use their far hand to open the car door. This forces them to turn their bodies and naturally look behind them, which makes it easier to spot approaching cyclists.

While this isn’t legally required in Louisiana, public safety campaigns have started to educate people about it. Unfortunately, awareness is still limited. You can’t count on someone to use the Dutch Reach, but you can hold them accountable if their failure to check causes you harm.

What injuries are common in dooring accidents?

The impact of hitting a car door, or swerving and crashing, can lead to serious injuries. Cyclists have little protection beyond their helmets, and even that only goes so far.

Common injuries include:

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Broken collarbones, wrists, ribs, and arms
Facial injuries and dental damage
Spinal cord injuries
Deep lacerations and road rash
Knee and shoulder trauma from bracing the fall

Some injuries take months or years to fully recover from. Others leave permanent damage. Many cyclists suffer from chronic pain, emotional distress, or mobility issues long after the crash. Because these accidents often happen at relatively low speeds, people underestimate how serious they can be.

Additionally, insurance companies often downplay injuries in these cases. That’s why you need a strong legal advocate on your side fighting for you every step of the way. Attorney John S. Williams can ensure you get fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.

What should I do after a dooring crash?

If you’ve been hit by an open car door while riding in New Orleans, here’s what you need to do:

Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, go to a doctor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked out also creates a medical record that can support your case.
Report the crash: Call 911 or the New Orleans Police Department and make sure a report is filed. This helps document the facts and preserves evidence that can be helpful later.
Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, including your bike, the vehicle, the door, and your injuries. Get the name, contact information, and insurance details of the driver or passenger. Also, talk to witnesses, including nearby drivers, pedestrians, or store employees. Get their statements and contact information if possible.
Save your damaged gear: Keep your bike, helmet, clothes, and any broken gear. Don’t throw anything away. These items can help prove the force of impact and the severity of the crash.

Can you file an insurance claim or lawsuit?

If someone opened a door into your path and caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. In most cases, the at-fault person’s car insurance will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The most common sources of compensation include:

Liability insurance (from the driver or passenger): Covers injuries they caused by opening the door unsafely.
Your own auto policy (if you have one): MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage may help cover costs, especially if the at-fault party is uninsured or flees the scene.
Homeowners or renters insurance (for the at-fault party): May cover property damage to your bike if auto coverage is denied.

Keep in mind, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may downplay your injuries or try to shift the blame. That’s where having an experienced New Orleans bicycle accident attorney can help you level the playing field. The Law Offices of John S. Williams won’t back down from insurance companies, even when they try to play hardball.

Let us help you get compensated after a dooring accident in New Orleans

When someone’s careless actions leave you with painful injuries, medical bills, and time away from work, you shouldn’t have to face this battle alone. The Law Offices of John S. Williams knows how these crashes happen, and we know how to hold negligent drivers, passengers, and even rideshare companies accountable.

Our legal team will investigate the details of your case from every angle. We’ll track down surveillance footage, talk to witnesses, and gather the evidence needed to prove fault. We’ll also work with medical experts to understand the full scope of your injuries. When insurance companies try to delay, deny, or downplay your claim, we push back.

You don’t have to worry about upfront legal costs. We handle dooring accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen, explain your rights, and help you take that first step toward recovery.