Dooring Accidents in California: A Guide for Cyclists and Drivers from an Oakland Personal Injury Lawyer

Jonathan Harriman | Feb 18 2026 23:46

Dooring Accidents in the Bay Area

Cycling is woven into daily life across the Bay Area—especially in dense corridors of Oakland, San Francisco, Hayward, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Pleasanton, and other communities where riders share narrow streets with parked cars, rideshare drop‑offs, and delivery vehicles. One of the most common and preventable causes of serious bicycle injuries is something many drivers hardly think about: dooring.

What Is “Dooring”?

“Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or scooter rider. The cyclist may crash directly into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it—both scenarios often result in serious injuries. At Harriman Law, Oakland bicycle accident attorneys commonly see fractures, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and nerve damage arise from these incidents.

California Vehicle Code § 22517

California law squarely addresses this danger. California Vehicle Code § 22517 states as follows:

 

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

 

Under this law:

  • Drivers and passengers must not open a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe to do so.
  • They must check for approaching cyclists before opening a door.
  • They cannot leave a door open longer than necessary.

Violating § 22517 can establish negligence in a civil claim. Because the statute specifically defines a driver’s duty, liability is often clearer in door­ing cases than in other bicycle collisions. As an Oakland personal injury attorney representing cyclists throughout the Bay Area, we frequently rely on this statute to hold negligent drivers accountable.

How Drivers Can Prevent Dooring a Cyclist

Dooring is preventable with intentional habits. Drivers and passengers should:

  1. Use the Dutch Reach – Open the door with the hand farthest from the door, forcing your body to rotate toward oncoming cyclists.
  2. Check mirrors and blind spots – Bike lanes often fall in blind zones.
  3. Open the door slowly – A staged approach gives cyclists time to react.
  4. Treat bike lanes as traffic lanes – Never swing a door into a marked bike lane.
  5. Close doors promptly – California law prohibits leaving doors open longer than necessary.

How Cyclists Can Reduce Dooring Risk

Although California law places the legal burden on the person opening the door, cyclists can take precautions:

  1. Maintain a “door zone” buffer – Ride 3–5 feet from parked cars when possible.
  2. Increase visibility – Use bright clothing, reflective gear, and front and rear lights.
  3. Watch for clues – Brake lights, interior movement, or a newly parked car can signal risk.
  4. Control the lane when necessary – California law allows cyclists to leave the bike lane when it’s unsafe.
  5. Stay alert in high‑risk areas – Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, Temescal, San Francisco’s Market Street, and commercial districts see high dooring rates.

Why Dooring Cases Matter

Dooring crashes often cause severe injuries, long recovery periods, missed work, and costly medical bills. Even when liability appears clear under § 22517, insurance carriers frequently attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist. Having an experienced Oakland bicycle accident lawyer—or a Bay Area personal injury attorney familiar with local streets, traffic patterns, and jury expectations—levels the playing field.

Injured in a Dooring Accident? Harriman Law Can Help.

Harriman Law represents cyclists throughout Oakland, San Francisco, and the greater Bay Area who have been hurt by negligent drivers. As a top-rated personal injury lawyer in Oakland focused exclusively on helping people injured by negligence, we understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be and we take on insurance companies so our clients can focus on healing.

If you or someone you know was injured in a dooring accident, we offer a free consultation and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Contact Harriman Law today at (415) 625-3564 or visit harriman.law to speak with an experienced Oakland personal injury attorney.