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Improved cycle infrastructure in Ireland has led to an increase in the number of cyclists on Irish roads. Research from the National Transport Authority shows that, in Dublin alone, cycling trips to work increased from 23.2 million trips in 2023 to 30 million in 2025. And 25% of all adults in Dublin surveyed say they cycle at least once a week.¹

Cycling brings enormous benefits to society and to the health of a population.

Walking, scooting and cycling take up to 510,000 cars off the road each day in the Dublin Metropolitan Area, while the exercise benefits of these activities save the HSE €55.7 million annually – this is equivalent to the cost of over 920,000 GP appointments.

There are of course risks to cycling, and despite improved infrastructure, cyclists remain vulnerable road users and road safety for cyclists should always be front of mind.

One particular type of bicycle accident we frequently see as bicycle accident claims solicitors, involves cyclists colliding with opening car doors.

This happens when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an approaching cyclist, resulting in:

• a direct collision with the door itself
• the cyclist being thrown over the handlebars from the sudden impact, or
• a collision with another vehicle when the cyclist has to swerve into traffic to avoid the door.

Unfortunately, these are common accidents, so it’s important to know:

• your legal rights around claiming compensation,
• how to prevent this type of accident from happening, and
• the steps to take if it happens to you.

Can you make a claim for compensation if you are hit by a car door while cycling?

As with most accident claims, the answer to this question will depend on:

• who was liable for the accident,
• if it occurred as a result of negligence or a breach of duty of care.

Who is liable?

Every situation is different, so liability will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.

However, in general, drivers have a duty of care to ensure no one is injured by their actions or the actions of their passengers. If they breach this duty of care, they may be liable for the accident.

The rules of the road state:

Before opening any doors, check for other road users nearby, in particular motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

All drivers must check their mirrors and blind spots before opening a door, so they do not endanger anyone, including cyclists.

In most cases, the person who opened the door is considered liable. However, if the cyclist was reckless in their behaviour, for example, if they were looking at a phone instead of watching where they were cycling, they may be responsible, or partly responsible for the accident.

This is why it is always worth speaking to a solicitor and explaining exactly what happened so they can talk you through the best course of action.

What if a passenger caused the accident?

According to the rules of the road, passengers should exit a vehicle on the kerbside.

If a passenger opens the car door into the road and injures a cyclist as a result, the driver of the car may be liable.

Ultimately the driver is responsible for ensuring the safety of those in the car and around it. This includes taxi passengers and children exiting a car. The driver must ensure that it is safe for someone to leave the car and not pose a risk to oncoming traffic, including cyclists.

How to avoid car door accidents

Actions for cyclists

While responsibility usually lies with the person opening the door, cyclists can make simple adjustments to how they ride to minimise the chance of a car door collision from happening.

Adjust road positioning where possible

If traffic conditions allow, ride at least a metre (roughly a door’s width) from parked vehicles.

Watch for signs that a door may open:

• Brake lights or interior lights illuminating
• Movement inside the vehicle
• Vehicles that have just parked, especially taxis and delivery vehicles

Slow down near parked cars

Reduce your speed when passing a line of parked cars to give yourself more time to react if a car door suddenly opens.

Be visible

Use front and rear lights even in daylight and wear highly visible clothing to increase the chances someone exiting a car will notice you.

Actions for drivers

Always check your mirrors and blind spots before opening a car door. Try to adopt the habit of opening the car door with the hand furthest from the door (i.e. right hand for Irish drivers). This naturally turns the body and directs the gaze toward approaching traffic.

Where possible, make sure that passengers exit the car onto the kerbside rather than the roadside. If they need to exit onto a road, check first it is safe to do so.

And always ensure that you park safely and legally, for example, don’t park in a bike lane or along double yellow lines.

What to do if you are hit by a car door while cycling:

Here are the steps you should follow if you are hit by a car door while cycling:

1. Seek medical attention

Your health is the number one priority, so always get checked by a medical professional, either at the scene if an ambulance attends, or at a GP clinic or hospital as soon as possible.

Even if you feel okay initially, take your time and assess if you have been injured. Remember that adrenaline can mask pain and some injuries like concussion, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. Avoid moving suddenly if you have any neck or back pain.

2. Gather evidence at the scene:

If you’re able to:

• Take photographs: of the vehicle from multiple angles, the position of the open door, your bicycle, the road layout and weather conditions, any visible injuries and anything else that may be relevant to the accident.
• Note the registration and insurance details: take photos of insurance discs and vehicle registration plates.
• Request contact details: try to get the contact details of anyone involved in the accident, such as the driver, passengers or any witnesses. If emergency personnel attend the scene, get their names and contact details, such as Pulse ID number for Gardai.
• Note the time, date, and exact location: this is important information so take note of it if you can.

If you’re injured, ask someone nearby to help with this.

3. Report to the Gardai

All road accidents should be reported to the Gardai. If the Gardai do not attend the scene, report the accident, explaining exactly what happened, at your nearest station as soon as is practical.

4. Gather additional evidence

• Document any damage to your bike and helmet or clothing.
• If you have a helmet camera or bike computer with GPS, preserve the footage and data.
• If there were CCTV cameras near where the accident happened, request this as soon as possible.
• Write down your own account of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Keep copies of all Gardai and medical reports.
• Note down the details of any medical appointments or treatments and keep receipts of any expenses related to your injuries.

5. Consult a Bicycle Accident Claims Solicitor

Contact a specialist bicycle accident claims solicitor as soon as you can for advice. They will be able to assess whether you have a viable claim. There is a strict time limit called the Statute of Limitations in which you can make a claim for compensation, so the sooner you act, the better.

If you are entitled to make a claim for compensation, your solicitor will manage the process to get the best possible outcome for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Your solicitor can help you to recover compensation for:

• Your injuries
• Medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Travel and care costs

To find out more, contact us and tell us about your case today. A member of our team will be happy to speak to you in complete confidence.

 

Source:

1 https://www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-investment/active-travel-investment-programme/walking-and-cycling-index-2025/dublin-metropolitan-region-walking-and-cycling-index-2025/