You opened your car door in traffic…are you liable under Massachusetts’ “dooring law”?
Car accidents can happen in unexpected ways, and one situation that often raises questions is when a car door is involved. Whether you're a driver or a passenger, it's important to know your responsibilities and liabilities in various scenarios. In this blog post, we'll explore the legal aspects of car door accidents in Massachusetts to help you stay informed and safe on the road.
The Massachusetts “Dooring Law” (M.G.L. c. 90, § 14)
“No person shall open a door on a motor vehicle unless it is reasonably safe to do so without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists and pedestrians. Whoever violates the preceding sentence shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.”
Scenario 1: Opening Your Car Door into Traffic
Imagine you're parked on the side of the street, and you open your car door, accidentally causing a collision with an oncoming vehicle. Who's responsible for the accident?
In Massachusetts, it's crucial to be aware of the "dooring law" (MGL c. 90, § 14). This law places the responsibility on the person opening the car door to do so only when it's reasonably safe and won't interfere with other traffic, including bicyclists and pedestrians. If you open your door without ensuring it's safe and an accident occurs, you may be held responsible for the accident. Always exercise caution and check for approaching vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians before opening your car door.
Scenario 2: Bicyclist in a Bike Lane
Now, let's consider a situation where there's a designated bike lane, and a bicyclist is riding within it. You're parked on the side of the road, and you open your car door, causing a collision with the passing bicyclist. What happens in this case?
In Massachusetts, if you open your car door and strike a bicyclist who is lawfully riding in a designated bike lane, you are likely to be held liable for the accident. Drivers are expected to exercise due care when exiting their vehicles to avoid endangering others, especially those using designated lanes for their safety.
Scenario 3: Bicyclist Not in a Bike Lane
Now, let's explore a scenario where there's no designated bike lane, and a bicyclist is riding on the road. You open your car door, and a collision occurs. What are the liability considerations here?
Even when there's no designated bike lane, you are still required to follow the dooring law, which means it's your responsibility to ensure it's safe to open your car door without interfering with other traffic. If an accident happens because you failed to do so, you may be found liable.
Scenario 4: Opening Your Car Door in a Parking Lot
Lastly, let's discuss liability when opening your car door in a parking lot and accidentally striking another person's car. Parking lot accidents involving car doors are common, but who's liable in this case?
In this situation, liability typically falls on the person who opened the door. It's considered your responsibility to ensure you don't cause damage to other vehicles or endanger pedestrians in the vicinity. If you fail to do so and an accident occurs, you may be held liable for the resulting damages.
In all these scenarios, whether you're a driver or a passenger, being mindful of your surroundings and following traffic laws can help prevent accidents and potential legal liabilities. Understanding Massachusetts' dooring law is essential to promote safety on the road. If you find yourself involved in such an accident, it's important to handle the situation responsibly and be prepared to address any legal or insurance-related matters that may arise.
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding car door accidents may vary by jurisdiction and can change over time. If you have specific legal concerns or questions about your rights and responsibilities in a car door accident in Massachusetts, contact my office today and I will provide you with legal guidance tailored to your individual circumstances. Remember that this blog post is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is established through reading or interacting with this content. Always exercise caution and comply with local traffic laws when opening car doors to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.