Cyclists and motorcyclists have every right to use Massachusetts roads safely. Yet, each year, countless riders are injured in dooring accidents—crashes that occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicycle or motorcycle.
These incidents are especially common in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and other dense urban areas, where high bicycle traffic meets crowded parking. Unfortunately, victims often suffer severe, life-changing injuries because they have little to protect them from impact.
At Rightful Legal, we understand how devastating these accidents can be. Led by Managing Attorney Tracy Paulsen, our firm has more than 15 years of experience representing Massachusetts Dooring Accident Victims in Boston, Bristol County, Norfolk County and throughout Massachusetts. Attorney Paulsen is widely respected for her compassion toward clients and her aggressive pursuit of justice against negligent drivers and insurance companies.
If you or a loved one were injured in a dooring crash, Contact Rightful Legal Today, we are here to fight for you.
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Massachusetts law explicitly prohibits dooring. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 14, no person may open a vehicle door “into the path of any other moving vehicle” unless it is safe to do so. This includes bicycles and motorcycles, which are legally recognized as vehicles under state law.
Violating this statute can result in fines, but more importantly, it establishes a legal duty. If you are injured because a driver or passenger opened a door into your path, that individual—and potentially their insurer—may be held liable for your injuries.
The law is clear: you do not need to prove the driver intended harm. You only need to show that they failed to use reasonable care by opening the door without checking for approaching riders.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the number of fatal bicycle accidents in the U.S. has been rising, with urban crashes being the most common. Dooring is a major contributor.
The Dutch Reach Project identifies dooring as one of the leading causes of injuries to cyclists in cities like Boston, Somerville and Cambridge. Riders traveling at even moderate speeds can be thrown over handlebars, into traffic, or onto the pavement, resulting in severe injuries.
At Rightful Legal, we have represented clients who suffered significant dooring injuries, including:
– Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
– Facial fractures, scarring, and dental trauma
– Broken wrists, arms, and shoulders
– Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
– Psychological trauma, including PTSD
– Wrongful death in the most tragic cases
Attorney Tracy Paulsen has dedicated her career to helping injury victims throughout Massachusetts. With more than 15 years of experience handling bicycle, motorcycle, and pedestrian accident cases, she has built a reputation for being both compassionate and relentless in the pursuit of justice.
– Experience: Extensive background in Massachusetts personal injury law, including dooring claims and bicycle crash litigation.
– Commitment: Known for giving each client personal attention—not treating them like a case number.
– Advocacy: Willing to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.
– Recognition: Trusted by cyclists, motorcyclists, and families across Boston, Cambridge, and beyond.
When you hire Rightful Legal, you work directly with Attorney Paulsen and her skilled legal team—not shuffled off to a case manager at a high-volume firm.
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Dooring is entirely preventable. Safety advocates recommend a simple technique: the Dutch Reach (also known as the Far-Hand Reach). By opening the door with the hand farthest from the handle (right hand for U.S. drivers), the driver naturally turns their body, forcing them to look over their shoulder and check for oncoming cyclists.
Despite its effectiveness, many Massachusetts drivers are unaware of the Dutch Reach. This lack of awareness puts cyclists at risk daily. When prevention fails, victims have the right to pursue justice.
Rightful Legal fights for full and fair compensation for every client. Depending on the facts of your case, you may recover:
– Medical expenses (ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication)
– Lost wages and diminished future earning ability
– Pain and suffering
– Psychological injuries, such as anxiety or PTSD
– Scarring and permanent disability
– Loss of enjoyment of life
– Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Attorney Paulsen will work closely with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction professionals to document the true impact of your injuries and fight to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries.
The Massachusetts statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dooring accidents, is generally three years from the date of injury.
Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation. Acting quickly also ensures vital evidence—such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports—is preserved.
Cyclists and motorcyclists deserve an advocate who understands both the law and the challenges they face on the road. Rightful Legal is that advocate.
– Proven Results: We have recovered compensation for Massachusetts accident victims in cases big and small.
– Personal Approach: You will always be treated with dignity and compassion.
– Aggressive Representation: We are not afraid to take on insurance companies in negotiations—or in court.
– No Fee Unless We Win: Our contingency-fee model means you pay nothing upfront.
Rightful Legal proudly represents clients across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Worcester, Bristol County, and throughout Massachusetts.
In most cases, the driver or passenger who opened the door is at fault under Massachusetts law.
Yes. While helmets reduce head injury risk, failure to wear one does not eliminate your right to pursue compensation.
Yes. The driver’s or passenger’s auto insurance typically covers injuries caused by dooring.
Seek medical attention, call the police, gather witness information, and contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
If you were injured in a Massachusetts dooring accident, you need an experienced attorney who understands the law and will fight for your rights.
Call or Text Attorney Tracy Paulsen at 617-821-5856 or Schedule a Free Consultation Online Today
Your consultation is confidential and comes with no obligation. At Rightful Legal, we don’t get paid unless we win your case.