Legal Rights for Bicyclists in Nebraska Dooring Accidents

In busy cities and quiet neighborhoods alike, dooring accidents are an often-overlooked danger for cyclists. A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist, causing a sudden, often violent collision. These crashes can lead to severe injuries—and leave cyclists feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we understand the devastating impact a dooring accident can have on your health, livelihood, and peace of mind. With more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims across Nebraska, our attorneys are here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process with compassion and strength.

In this post, we’ll explain what dooring is, what Nebraska law says about liability, and what steps you can take if you’ve been injured in a dooring accident.

What Is a Dooring Accident?

A dooring accident happens when a vehicle occupant opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents are especially common in urban areas where parked cars line busy streets, but they can happen anywhere.

The cyclist typically has little or no time to react. In many cases, they’re forced to:

• Slam into the open door head-on
• Veer into traffic to avoid the door, leading to secondary collisions
• Fall from the bike and suffer serious injuries

Why Do Dooring Accidents Occur?

Dooring accidents don’t happen by chance—they’re often the result of preventable human error, oversight, or poor street design. One of the most common causes is distracted driving or distracted behavior by passengers. Whether checking a phone, talking to someone, or rushing to get out of the car, many vehicle occupants simply fail to check for cyclists before opening vehicle doors into the street.

Another key factor is the door zone—the narrow strip of roadway alongside parked vehicles where an opened car door can intrude into the path of a cyclist. In cities with bicycle lanes placed directly next to parked cars, this area becomes particularly dangerous. Cyclists riding in the bike lane may unknowingly be riding in the door zone, with little room or time to maneuver if a door suddenly swings open.

These incidents highlight how bicycle crashes caused by opening vehicle doors can happen in an instant—and how they’re often entirely avoidable with just a moment of awareness. Education, safer infrastructure, and accountability are all critical in reducing the risk of dooring accidents and protecting cyclists’ rights on the road.

Common Injuries from Dooring Accidents

While dooring might sound minor to those unfamiliar with bike safety, the injuries can be severe or even life-threatening. Common injuries include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken collarbones, arms, and ribs
• Spinal injuries
• Lacerations, road rash, and facial trauma
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Psychological trauma and PTSD

Cyclists have virtually no protection compared to drivers, which makes the physical toll of a dooring accident especially serious.

Nebraska’s Dooring Laws: Who Is at Fault?

Nebraska law makes it clear: opening a car door into traffic must be done safely and with caution.

Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 60-6,283, a person may not:

“Open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so…”

The statute also prohibits leaving a car door open on the side of moving traffic for longer than necessary.

Translation: If someone opens a car door into the path of a cyclist and causes an accident, they may be considered negligent and held legally responsible for the cyclist’s injuries and damages.

Understanding Negligence in Dooring Accidents

To hold a driver (or passenger) accountable, you must prove that their negligence caused your injuries. In a typical dooring case, this means showing:

1. Duty – The occupant had a duty to open the door only when it was safe.
2. Breach – They failed to check for cyclists or opened the door into traffic.
3. Causation – This breach caused the accident.
4. Damages – You suffered harm (physical, emotional, financial) as a result.

In many dooring cases, liability is clear—but that doesn’t mean getting fair compensation is easy. Insurance companies may try to shift the blame or downplay your injuries. That’s where a skilled attorney can make all the difference.

What to Do After a Dooring Accident

If you’ve been involved in a dooring incident, here are the steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Call 911

Always report the accident, even if injuries seem minor at first. A police report creates an official record, which can be vital to your claim.

2. Get Medical Attention

Many injuries aren’t immediately visible. Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical care helps protect your health and supports your injury claim.

3. Gather Evidence

If you’re able, take photos of:

• The open door and surrounding vehicles
• Your injuries and bicycle damage
• The street layout and any bike lanes

Get contact information for the driver/passenger and any witnesses.

4. Don’t Admit Fault

Even saying “I’m okay” can be used against you later. Keep your statements factual and avoid taking any blame.

5. Contact an Attorney

Before speaking to insurance adjusters, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. You deserve someone who’s on your side from day one.

Can You Sue for a Dooring Accident in Nebraska?

Yes. If a driver or passenger’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. Through this claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Bicycle repairs or replacement
• Rehabilitation and long-term care

Nebraska follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 50% responsible.

Why These Cases Can Be Complex

Dooring cases can seem straightforward, but there are unique challenges:

• Passengers (not drivers) are often the ones opening the door. Their insurance may not automatically cover the claim.
• If the door was opened by a rideshare passenger, liability can get murky.
• Insurance companies often argue that the cyclist was riding too close or should have anticipated the door.

These are the kinds of tactics we know how to fight. Our attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators to build a strong, evidence-based case that tells your story—and demands justice.

We’re Here to Help Cyclists Across Nebraska

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we’re more than legal advocates—we’re members of this community. We support safe streets, responsible driving, and the rights of cyclists to move through our cities without fear.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dooring accident, don’t go it alone. We’re ready to listen, advise, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Contact a bicycle accident attorney at Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dooring Accidents

Is the driver always at fault in a dooring accident? Not always, but in many cases, yes. Nebraska law requires vehicle occupants to ensure it’s safe before opening a door. Fault can depend on the facts of the case.

What if I weren’t wearing a helmet? You may still be able to recover compensation. Nebraska doesn’t require helmets by law, and the lack of a helmet doesn’t excuse someone else’s negligence.

Can I file a claim if a passenger opened the door? Yes. Liability may fall on the passenger, and their personal insurance or the driver’s auto policy may apply.