Dooring Accidents Involving Bicycles in Nashville

When drivers open car doors without looking, cyclists get hurt

In Nashville and across Middle Tennessee, bicycle accidents don’t always involve moving vehicles. One of the most common and dangerous types of crashes happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist – causing a sudden, violent collision. These incidents, known as dooring accidents, happen quickly and without warning, often sending cyclists into traffic or directly over their handlebars.

Tennessee law places the responsibility on drivers and passengers to look before opening a vehicle door. But in high-traffic areas like 12 South, the Gulch, and Hillsboro Village, that duty is ignored far too often. And when it is, cyclists are left with serious injuries and complicated insurance claims.

As a Nashville bicycle accident lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, Eric Beasley knows how to investigate dooring accidents, determine fault, and fight for full compensation. These crashes are preventable – and when they happen, the victims deserve justice. If you were injured in a Tennessee dooring accident, contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley for a free case evaluation now.

How dooring accidents happen

Dooring accidents typically occur in busy, on-street parking areas where cyclists are forced to ride near parked cars. Drivers or passengers, unaware of approaching bikes, swing open a door into the cyclist’s path. The rider has no time to stop or swerve – resulting in a direct impact or a crash into surrounding traffic.

Some of the most common scenarios that lead to dooring accidents in Nashville include:

A driver parked on the side of Gallatin Pike opens a door into a bike lane without checking for cyclists.
A rideshare passenger exits on Charlotte Avenue into a cyclist traveling legally on the shoulder.
A delivery driver opens a rear door on a narrow street, forcing a cyclist to veer into traffic.
A driver parks on West End Avenue and opens the driver-side door directly into an oncoming rider’s path.

These accidents aren’t rare. In neighborhoods with growing bike traffic and limited infrastructure, cyclists have no choice but to ride within range of parked cars. When someone in that vehicle fails to check their surroundings, the outcome can be devastating.

Injuries caused by dooring accidents

Even at low speeds, dooring crashes can result in serious injuries. The cyclist often has little time to react and no space to maneuver. If they are thrown from the bike or into moving traffic, the injuries can be catastrophic.

Common injuries in dooring accidents include:

Broken collarbones, wrists, or arms.
Facial injuries, dental trauma, or jaw fractures.
Traumatic brain injuries or concussions.
Spinal injuries or herniated discs.
Road rash, lacerations, and scarring.
Secondary injuries from being hit by a passing vehicle.

Medical care after a dooring crash often involves emergency treatment, orthopedic care, physical therapy, and extended recovery time. A lawyer who understands these cases can document not only the immediate injuries but also the long-term physical and financial impact.

Driver and passenger responsibility in Tennessee dooring accidents

Tennessee does not have a statewide “dooring” law. However, that doesn’t mean drivers and passengers can open their car doors without looking. Across the state – including cities like Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin – people inside vehicles still have a legal duty to act with care and avoid harming others.

This general duty is rooted in Tennessee negligence law. When someone opens a car door into the path of a cyclist and causes injury, they may be held liable (legally responsible) for failing to use reasonable care. Simply saying “I didn’t see them” is not a defense – it’s an admission that they didn’t look.

Some municipalities have gone further and passed specific ordinances:

Murfreesboro has a local law that prohibits opening a car door into the path of a cyclist unless it is safe to do so.
Nashville doesn’t have a specific “dooring” ordinance, but it does restrict vehicle use in bike lanes and requires drivers to yield to cyclists traveling in them. Opening a door into a bike lane – particularly on roads like 12th Avenue South or Woodland Street – could be considered interference or negligence under local rules and design standards.

Even in places without a specific ordinance, the risk is clear. Nashville and other Middle Tennessee communities have expanded their bike infrastructure in recent years, increasing the chances that a parked car will be adjacent to a bike lane or shared-use street. Failing to check for cyclists before opening a door is both dangerous and legally risky.

A Nashville bicycle accident lawyer can use these local codes and general legal principles to establish fault and hold negligent drivers or passengers accountable.

Challenges in dooring accident claims

Despite clear laws and driver responsibility, insurance companies often push back on dooring claims. They may argue:

The cyclist was riding too close to parked cars.
The cyclist was not wearing reflective gear or a helmet.
The door was opened “just a crack” or for “only a second.”
The person opening the door wasn’t the policyholder.

These arguments are designed to limit payouts – not uncover the truth. An experienced injury lawyer can challenge these tactics with evidence, expert opinions, and a firm understanding of how Tennessee courts interpret fault.

What to do after a dooring accident

If you were hit by an open car door while riding your bike, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, documenting the incident is important.

Try to do the following:

Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed.
Get the name, contact info, and insurance details of the driver or person who opened the door.
Take photos of the scene, the door position, your injuries, and the bike.
Get names and statements from any witnesses nearby.
Seek medical care immediately – even for minor pain.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.

A Nashville bike accident lawyer can handle all communication with insurers, investigate fault, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Talk to a Nashville bicycle accident lawyer who understands dooring accident cases

Dooring crashes are preventable. When drivers and passengers fail to follow the law, cyclists suffer—and someone needs to be held accountable. Attorney Eric Beasley knows how to handle these cases from start to finish. He’s taken on the insurance companies, investigated these incidents in depth, and helped injured cyclists recover what they’re owed.

If you were injured in a dooring accident anywhere in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley for a free case evaluation. There is no fee unless we win, and your case will be taken seriously from day one.