Dooring Accidents in New York: Legal Options for Injured Cyclists and Scooter Riders

A fatal dooring crash in Ozone Park, Queens, has once again highlighted the serious and often overlooked dangers faced by cyclists, e-bike riders, and scooter riders on New York City streets. These incidents are not unavoidable accidents—they are frequently the result of a driver or passenger failing to exercise basic care when opening a vehicle door.

The Ozone Park Dooring Crash: A 10-Day Struggle for Survival

On the evening of November 18, 2025, Sahan Ahmed, a 24-year-old electric scooter rider, was traveling westbound on Liberty Avenue near 103rd Avenue in Ozone Park, Queens. As he passed a parked 2012 Kia Soul, the driver opened the driver’s-side door directly into his path.

With no opportunity to brake or safely maneuver around the door, Ahmed collided forcefully with the open door and was thrown from his scooter onto the roadway. He suffered catastrophic head injuries and was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

For the next 10 days, Ahmed remained hospitalized with severe brain trauma, never regaining consciousness. Despite intensive medical care, his condition did not improve, and he passed away from complications related to his injuries.

The driver, a 67-year-old woman, remained at the scene. While no immediate criminal charges were filed, the NYPD investigation remains ongoing. Under New York law, the lack of criminal charges does not determine civil liability.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern. Several cyclists and e-bike riders have been killed in Queens in recent months after being struck by suddenly opened car doors, including other fatal crashes on or near the same roadway.

New York Law and Dooring Accidents

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1214 prohibits drivers and passengers from opening vehicle doors unless it can be done safely and without interfering with traffic. This law is intended to protect bicyclists, e-bike riders, and scooter riders, all of whom have a legal right to use city streets.

When a dooring crash occurs, the person who opened the door—and potentially the vehicle owner—may be held financially responsible for the harm caused.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Dooring Crashes

Dooring accidents frequently result in severe injuries because riders are thrown directly onto the pavement or into active traffic. These injuries often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Skull fractures and spinal cord damage

• Internal organ injuries

• Permanent disability

• Wrongful death

In cases like this one, victims may initially survive the collision but endure days or weeks of critical medical treatment before succumbing to their injuries.

Legal Options for Victims of  Dooring and Families

Victims injured in a dooring accident—or families who lose a loved one—may pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim, even if no criminal charges are filed.

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses incurred before death

• Pain and suffering endured prior to passing

• Loss of financial support and services

• Funeral and burial costs

Why Queens Dooring Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation

Dooring cases often involve disputed liability, insurance defenses, and complex medical evidence—particularly when injuries worsen over time. In Queens, where traffic density and parked vehicles increase the risk of these crashes, experienced legal representation can be critical.

Victims and families may benefit from consulting experienced Queens car accident lawyers who understand how to investigate dooring crashes, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation under New York law.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

A moment of inattention can cause irreversible harm. New York law places a clear duty on drivers and passengers to check for approaching riders before opening a car door. When that duty is violated and a life is lost after days of suffering, the law provides a path for accountability.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a dooring accident in Queens or anywhere in New York City, speaking with an experienced injury attorney as early as possible can help protect your legal rights and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable. Contact us at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation with one of our top trial attorney.