Originally Posted by
mavimao
I was doored in High school about 7 years ago. A friend and I were biking to his house and I was riding in front when suddenly a car door popped open and life started running in slow motion before I smacked right into it. I had a swollen shoulder and a bent fork and wheel. The woman who was in the car was crying hysterically and kept apologizing. We exchanged information and a few weeks later an agent from her insurance company came to my apartment and gave me money to fix my bike plus a bit extra and the assurance that if any thing were to happen to my body anytime in the future as a result of this accident, they would pay for the medical bills.
Of course, this was in France, so you'd expect a little social equality.
Similar thing happened to me in Australia except a car sideswiped me. The driver was so apologetic and freaking out. In the end I only needed stitches in my leg but the bike was totalled.
Bike damage was covered by their car insurance and the medical treatment was covered by Medicare. The cheque that I got for my road bike has enabled me to build up a track bike and go on holiday so I feel that I have been compensated, although would rather not be hit by a car again.
Surely the people that have been doored are covered by the driver's insurance for medical/property damage?