Benoit's experience was fairly typical, according to Andrew M. Fischer, a Boston lawyer who represents bicyclists who have been in accidents. Fischer has never failed to collect a settlement for a doored cyclist. Getting doored accounts for up to 8 percent of bike-car accidents, according to the bikers' bible Effective Cycling by John Forester. Bicycling's Traffic Survival Guide. However, that fear is misplaced, Allen said.
Car doors are a greater threat.
Use your rear-view mirror and glance over your shoulder to keep track of what's behind you. Claim the lane if you must. If you need to take the lane, look over your shoulder, signal, and get cooperation from the driver behind you as you move away from the shoulder, Allen advises. You have a perfect legal right to the space you need to be safe, Allen writes. Most drivers will respect this right.