Question: While I was riding my bike, I was doored by a passenger exiting an Uber vehicle. Who is liable in this situation: the passenger or the Uber driver?
Answer: When a rideshare passenger doors a cyclist, the question of who will be at fault, the rideshare driver or passenger, will depend on the facts of the accident. For example, if the rideshare driver stopped the vehicle in a bike lane and allowed his/her passenger to exit in the lane, it can be argued that the driver is at fault.
For the injured party, the driver would be the more lucrative party if they are found liable for the dooring accident. This is because Uber and Lyft drivers are insured for up to $1 million for bodily injuries. If the passenger is found to be at fault, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance would cover the accident damages. However, many people don’t have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Dooring accidents can result in very serious injuries to a bicyclist. The injuries sustained in these types of accidents can be permanent and life altering. The medical bills for many of these injuries can be staggering.
If you or a loved one are the victim of a car dooring accident, you should immediately seek the advice of an experienced car dooring accident lawyer to determine what legal options are available for you.
At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we have represented numerous cyclists who have been doored by passengers who were exiting an Uber or Lyft vehicle. We have gone up against Uber and Lyft on many different occasions, and we are familiar with the defense strategies that these companies will attempt to employ. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer are a husband and wife attorney team. We are available for a free consultation24 hours a day, 7 days a week.