"Doored" While Cycling in New York
Understanding Liability for Dooring Incidents in New York
The "door zone" is the space of 2-4 feet adjacent to parallel parked, double parked, or stopped cars. While cycling in the "door zone," a cyclist can suffer a severe injury or even death if a door is suddenly opened into their path of travel. "Doorings" are all too common in New York and make up a large percentage of our cycling crash practice.
When choosing a lawyer to handle a "dooring" crash case, your lawyer should not only be a cyclist, but should also be familiar with the laws and strategies used in litigating this type of crash. Not all personal injury lawyers have this knowledge and experience. Daniel Flanzig has written the only published New York Law Journal article on litigating a "dooring" claim in New York and is regularly quoted in New York and National news outlets regarding these claims.
Our firm has successfully obtained multiple decisions from Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York where we have obtained Summary Judgement for cyclist's in a "dooring" crash case. This means we have had the Court find as a matter of law that the vehicle was 100% responsible for the crash. We have gained a national reputation of being one of the top "dooring" crash attorneys in the Country.
Read Daniel Flanzig's recent interviews on "Dooring Crashes":
Key Legal Regulations in New York
In New York City and New York State, opening a vehicle door into moving traffic is a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law:
Section 1214 of the Vehicle and Traffic law states "opening and closing vehicle doors – "No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic, and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall a 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."
NYCRR- Section 4-12-(c) Getting Out of Vehicle: In New York City: "No person shall get out of any vehicle from the side facing on the traveled part of the street in such manner as to interfere with the right of the operator of an approaching vehicle or a bicycle."
Understanding New York City Taxi Regulations
NYCRR- Section 4-11, Section C, requires "Taxis….while engaged in picking up or discharging passengers must be within 12 inches of the curb or parallel thereto".
NYCRR- Section 4-11-Taxi and Cars for Hire - (c) picking up or discharging passengers shall not be made under such conditions as to obstruct the movement of traffic and in no instance so as to leave fewer than 10 feet available for the free movement of vehicular traffic; Where stopping is prohibited; or Within a bicycle lane.
Actual Video captured by one of our clients during a Dooring Crash
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"Went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement"Dan and his team were quick to respond after my bike accident and went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement.- Jared
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"Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming"After being hit on my bike, Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming. Daniel himself explained everything thoroughly and I felt supported throughout the whole process with followup from his team. Super grateful to have found Daniel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.- Cody
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"Phenomenal Team!"The team here is nothing short of phenomenal. I reached out about my case on a Sunday afternoon from the hospital and we spoke before the evening was over. Since then, they have been happy to answer any question I have, and walked me through the entire process from handling my no-fault insurance to ultimately getting a settlement offer.
To any cyclist in search of a lawyer who understands the challenges of biking in this city, look no further than Daniel and his team.- Conor -
"I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence."Almost 4 years ago I was struck by a delivery truck while on my bike and suffered a shattered wrist. Cathy Flanzig guided me through the process of bringing a suit against the company that owned the truck and the driver. Ms. Flanzig was professional and compassionate and realistic throughout the whole process. I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence.- Kathe D.
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"Combination of legal expertise with a compassionate approach"If you are in search of a lawyer who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to client care, look no further than Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig and Flanzig. From start to finish, Daniel not only holds an impressive depth of legal knowledge, especially in bicycle laws, but also a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Daniel took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of my case, patiently listened to my concerns, and provided clear, concise explanations of the legal strategies available. This level of transparency and communication instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance during what was initially a daunting process. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.- Runa R.
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"Supported me since DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey!"Daniel Flanzig was with me on DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey through the fractured legal system following a serious bicycle accident which left me with two broken wrists. The thirteen day hospital stay included surgeries on both, titanium plates implanted on both, and a severe challenge to my mental health and way of life. Unfortunately, I needed two
more surgeries on the significantly more damaged right wrist. Dan navigated me through the strained New York City Medical System, still struggling in late 2021 from the wrath of COVID. When the lawsuit needed to be moved to New Jersey, Dan seamlessly transferred the case to Joseph G. Hughes. Both men proved to be upstanding attorneys and outstanding human beings, emotionally invested in my traumatic, drawn-out experience, and committed to reaching the settlement deserved. After matters were resolved by Mr. Hughes, I received a call from Dan, closing this chapter of our time together, but cementing a lifelong connection filled with the utmost respect and gratitude.- Marty Keiser -
"Helped me through a difficult time with great results!"I recently suffered a grievous injury being struck by a drunk driver while cycling, when dealing with short-term disability, hospital bills, and all manner of associated paperwork I received care and support from the lawyers at Flanzig & Flanzig. Can't recommend their services enough, they really helped me through a difficult time with great results!- Brandon W.
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"Ever since my accident, they paid close attention to my needs & welcomed any questions."Exceptional lawyers with great client services. Ever since my accident they paid close attention to my needs and welcomed any questions. Any issue I had was met with a prompt response via phone or email. They made the process easy and produced results. I would definitely return if I ever needed their services again.- Efren V.
Over 2 Million Dollars Recovered for "Doored" Cyclist to Date
Some Recent Results for Our Clients "Doored" in NY
DISCLAIMER: Previous results are not a guarantee of future success. Each case is unique, and the final outcome of negotiations and/or a trial is never guaranteed.
$250,000 settlement for Cyclist “Doored” in Brooklyn.
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $250,000 settlement for a cyclist doored in Brooklyn who sustained a severe wrist injury. After first having the court determined, via summary judgment, that the defendant was 100% responsible for the crash and that our client sustained a serious injury, the defendant tendered the full primary insurance of the vehicle that opened the door. This is one of the many cases where we have successfully obtained summary judgment against the vehicle operator for opening his door into traffic.
$210,000.00 Recovery for Cyclist "Doored" in Manhattan
Daniel Flanzig obtained a $210,000.00 recovery for cyclist "doored" in Manhattan. The cyclist, a model and bartender, was "doored" on his way to work by an exiting driver on 13th Street. As a result of the crash, our client sustained a severe laceration to his bicep, requiring surgery to repair. The settlement was reached before trial in the Supreme Court, New York County.
$210,000 recovery for cyclist “Doored” in Brooklyn
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $210,000 settlement for cyclist who sustained severe injuries when "doored" in Brooklyn. The recovery was obtained during a lengthy mediation between our office and the insurance company for the vehicle.
$150,000.00 For Cyclist "Doored" in Nassau County, NY
Daniel Flanzig obtained a $150,000.00 dollar settlement for a Long Island cyclist "doored" on a residential street. The settlement was obtained at the early stages of litigation and prior to depositions being held.
$150,000.00 Settlement obtained for Cyclist "Doored" in Noho.
Daniel Flanzig obtianed a $150,000.00 settlement for a citibike rider "doored" in Noho. The settlement was paid by both the carrier for the livery vehicle AND a policy of insurance held by the employer of the exiting passenger. The passenger was in the course of their employment at the time they were exiting the vehicle allowing us to tap into the policy of insurance held by her employer due to her violation of VTL 1214.
$145,000.00 for cyclist "Doored" in Flatiron District
Daniel Flanzig obtained a $145,000.00 recovery for cyclist "doored" on 19th Street in Manhattan. Our client was traveling West on 19th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. As vehicular traffic was stopped, our client attempted to pass traffic on the right. As he was traveling along side the defendant's vehicle, a door swung open into his path. Our client attempted to avoid the opening car door, swerved, and crashed. No contact was ever made between the cyclists and the door. As a result of the fall our client sustained a severely fractured wrist.. After obtaining the full policy limit from the owners vehicle ($100,000.00), we were then able to obtain another $45,000 from the exiting passengers own auto policy. This case is an important illustration of two points. The first, contact between a bike and a vehicle is always not necessary in order to establish negligence on behalf of a driver or exiting passenger. Secondly, all possible insurance coverage should be explored before entering into a settlement.
$140,000.00 Settlement for NYC Cyclist "DOORED" in the West Village
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $140,000.00 settlement for a cyclist "doored" in the West Village. The cyclist was lawfully within a bike lane when an exiting passenger of an NYC Taxi Cab opened the door into his path. As a result of the crash, our client sustained a fractured clavicle. In this case, the cab company and the passenger's insurance company both contributed to the settlement.
$100,000.00 (full policy limits) for Cyclist "Doored" in Brooklyn
Daniel Flanzig obtained a $100,000.00 settlement for a cyclist "doored" in Brooklyn. As a result of the crash, our client sustained a severe shoulder injury. The settlement was obtained during discovery in the Supreme Court, Kings County.
$100,000.00 for Cyclist "Doored" in Manhattan
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $100,000.00 total gross settlement for a cyclist "doored" in Manhattan. The settlement was obtained achieving a full settlement with the offending vehicle in the amount of $25,000.00. We then were able to obtain an additional $75,000.00 from our clients own insurance company under the Underinsured Motorist Coverage of his own policy.
$100,000.00 (full policy limits) for Cyclist "Doored" in Upstate NY
Daniel FLanzig obtained a $100,000.00 settlement for a Manhattan Cyclist "doored" while riding in Upstate NY. A a result of the crash our client sustained a fractured finger requiring surgery. The Settlement was obtained after depositions were taken but prior to trial in the Supreme Court, New York County.
$100,000 recover for Brooklyn cyclist doored by Cab
Cathy Flanzig obtained $100,000 ( full policy limits) settlement for a Brooklyn cyclist doored by the New York City taxicab. The settlement was reached prior to trial in Kings County, New York
$90,000.00 for Manhattan Cyclist "Doored" by Delivery Van in Manhattan
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $90,000.00 recovery for a New Jersey man "doored" by a delivery van in mid-town Manhattan who sustained a fractured finger in the crash. After compelling the defendants to agree that the crash was the fault of the employee driver, a settlement was obtained prior to jury selection in the Supreme Court, New York County.
$97,500.00 Recovery for Woman "Doored" by NYC Taxi
Daniel Flanzig obtained a settlement for NYC cyclist who sustained a severe back injury while "doored" by a tourist exiting a NYC Taxi cab while the cyclist was lawfully traveling in the bike lane on 6th Avenue in New York City. A settlement was obtained for almost the full policy limits of $97,500.00 in the Supreme Court, New York (Manhattan) County.
$80,000.00 Recovery for Cyclist "Doored" by Double Parked Car in the Bronx
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $80,000.00 recovery for a cyclist "doored" by a double parked car in the Bronx. The cyclist sustained a severe shoulder injury requiring surgery. The result was obtained via binding arbitration where the arbitrator found the defendant 100% responsible for the crash.
$75,0000.00 Recovery For Cyclist "Doored" in Brooklyn
Cathy Flanzig obtained a $75,000.00 settlement for a Brooklyn musician "doored" while riding in a bike lane in Brooklyn. The settlement was obtained before trial in the Supreme Court, Kings County.
$ 70,000.00 Settlement For Visiting Cyclist "Doored" on Long Island
A man visiting family in Long Island was "doored" while cycling in Nassau County. After Summary Judgment was granted in the cylists favor, with the Court finding the exiting driver %100 at fault, the matter was settled for $70,000.00 prior to trial in the Supreme Court, Kings County.
$52,500.00 Settlement for Cyclist "Doored" by Van on Bell Blvd in Queens
Daniel Flanzig obtained a settlement of $52,500.00 for a cyclist who suffered a fractured clavicle as a result of a "dooring" from the driver of a commercial van. The settlement was obtained via a private mediation while the case was pending on the trial calendar in the Supreme Court, Queens County.
$45,0000.00 Recovery for Woman "Doored" by an FDNY Fire Truck
In the Spring of 2015, our client was cycling Northbound in the protected bike lane on First Avenue in Manhattan. As she passing an inactive New York City Fire Truck parked adjacent to the bike lane, a firefighter attempted to exit the rear compartment of the truck. When he opened the large compartment door, it entered the bike lane with the edge of the door striking the cylcist's right finger. The impact caused a "burst injury" lacerating her finger and disrupting tendons. The injury ultimately required surgery to repair the tendon damage. A settlement with the City of New York was reached while the case was still pending in the Supreme Court, New York County.
If you have been injured in a "dooring" crash, contact New York Bike Law and Bike Crash Attorneys Flanzig and Flanzig at (888) 290-5994 or email us at DFlanzig&newyorkbikelawyers.com & cflanzig@newyorkbikelawyers.com to learn more about your rights.
Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP?
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