When a motorist opens their door into a bike lane or into the path of an oncoming cyclist, they set the stage for a dooring accident, which is one of the most common and preventable bike accidents. While Buffalo boasts very popular recreational bike trails and neighborhood corridors, the number of biking commuters is also on the rise. If you or someone you love has been injured in a dooring accident, you need skilled legal guidance on your side. Our experienced Buffalo bike accident attorneys at Campbell & Associates are standing by to help.
Who Is Responsible for a Dooring Accident in New York?
Bike accidents are often caused by driver negligence, and dooring accidents are a prime example. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1214, no one may open a vehicle door on the side facing moving traffic unless it’s reasonably safe to do so and won’t interfere with other traffic. The law also bars leaving a door open on the traffic side longer than needed to load or unload passengers.
When a driver or passenger violates this law and a cyclist is injured, the violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence. That doesn’t mean the case is automatically won. The driver’s insurer may argue that the cyclist was riding too fast, too close to parked cars, or without proper lights. New York reduces a cyclist’s compensation by their share of fault, so evidence such as witness statements, photos, and video footage can make a significant difference.
The Dutch Reach
Motorists are encouraged to adopt what’s called the Dutch Reach when opening their doors into traffic. This involves using one’s right hand to open the door, which requires the driver to reach across themself and should remind them to look back at traffic in the process. This gives drivers a bird’s-eye view of bicyclists in their midst and can greatly reduce dooring accidents.
Buffalo’s Bike Lane Law
In 2022, the City of Buffalo amended its traffic ordinance to strengthen protections for cyclists. Under Chapter 479 of the City Code, vehicles may not park, stand, idle, or drive in a marked bike lane. Drivers and passengers also may not open a door into a bike lane when a cyclist is approaching. A violation of this ordinance can support a dooring claim alongside state law.
How New York’s 2026 Auto Insurance Changes Affect Dooring Claims
A cyclist injured by a car door is generally entitled to New York no-fault benefits, which cover medical bills and lost wages up to policy limits regardless of who caused the accident. To recover compensation for pain and suffering, you must also show that you suffered a “serious injury” as defined by New York law.
Changes enacted in May 2026 made that harder. The law eliminated the category that allowed recovery for temporary injuries that kept a victim from normal activities for 90 of the first 180 days after an accident. It also bars pain and suffering damages if you’re found more at fault than the defendants combined. These changes apply to lawsuits filed on or after May 26, 2026, even if the accident happened earlier. Because of these rules, early medical documentation and a thorough investigation of fault are more important than ever.
Turn to Our Experienced Buffalo Bike Accident Lawyers for the Help You Need
Our capable Buffalo bike accident attorneys at Campbell & Associates dedicate our imposing practice to fierce advocacy on behalf of our valued clients, and we’re here for you, too. The outcome of your claim will directly affect your future, so please don’t wait to learn more by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 716-992-2222 today.
