Bicycle Accidents
We Know Cycling (And How To Represent You In The Event Of An Accident).
In Las Vegas, personal injuries from bicycle accidents need specialized knowledge.
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is proving liability – the rules simply aren’t as clean-cut as automobile cases.
Which is why you need experts who understand cycling and your unique circumstances. You’ve found them.
We know how dangerous Vegas roads can be for cyclists and, more importantly, the legal specifics behind any injury that results from an accident.
That means getting you the compensation you deserve, whether in the form of hospital fees or property recovery.
A bicycle lawyer advocates for the safety of all cyclists
A bicycle attorney advocates for all cyclists, regardless of their experience or reason for riding. These attorneys help protect cyclists on the road by holding drivers accountable for reckless or negligent behavior, whether texting while driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way. In addition to representing injured cyclists in court and against insurance companies, Red Rock Injury Law also helps cyclists with bicycle insurance, bicycle safety, and local advocacy efforts.
A bicycle lawyer can guide cyclists through medical treatment and bills, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit when necessary. Having a knowledgeable and experienced bicycle lawyer is crucial for cyclists who have been involved in accidents, as they can serve as both legal and social advocates, helping clients get back up and riding as soon as possible.
Nevada Bicycle Laws
Nevada law requires that bicycles follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Bicyclists have the right to share the road with cars, but must ride with the flow of traffic and use hand signals when changing lanes or turning. Bicyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder, but must ride as far to the right as possible and in the same direction as traffic. If there is a clearly marked bike lane, it must be utilized.
Vehicles must move over at least three feet when passing a bicyclist, and must yield to them at intersections.
Bicyclists are not required to wear helmets, but they should. Also, a cyclist must have a white light on the front of their bike, red reflectors on the rear, and reflective material on both sides if riding at night.
Negligence in a bicycle accident is determined by whether or not a driver violated a law and if that violation contributed to the collision.
What To Do After A Bike Accident
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience that can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. However, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your health, rights, and financial compensation. Here’s what you should do after a bicycle accident:
- Call for emergency assistance: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or emergency services right away. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s still a good idea to call the police to file an official report.
- Gather information: Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and witnesses involved in the accident. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, broken glass, weather conditions, and property damage.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and seeking medical attention can help protect your health and your legal rights.
- Do not make statements: Do not apologize or admit fault to anyone, including law enforcement, insurance companies, or other parties involved in the accident. Keep details to a minimum when speaking to law enforcement and do not speak to insurance companies without a bicycle accident lawyer present.
- Retain a bike accident lawyer: Consult with and retain a bicycle accident lawyer. Your attorney will protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
- Do not repair your bike: Do not repair your bicycle right away. Your bicycle accident attorney will advise you if and when you can fix your bicycle. Save the accident bicycle for evidence.
- Avoid social media: Do not post about the accident on social media, including photographs of the scene or your injuries. Keep all photographs between you and your personal injury attorney.
Following these steps, you can protect your health, rights, and financial compensation after a bicycle accident. Remember that it’s essential to seek medical attention, gather information, and retain a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your legal rights.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are usually caused by negligence, which can occur in various ways.
Negligent drivers often cause accidents by failing to follow traffic safety laws, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other common causes of bicycle accidents include defective parts on bicycles or vehicles, poorly maintained roads, hazardous road conditions, and reckless driving. It is essential to determine the cause of the accident to build a strong claim against anyone who shares liability.
As a bicycle accident attorney, we work diligently to identify the cause of the accident, which can happen in public or private streets, parking lots, or even on poorly maintained roads. We urge all bike riders to remain vigilant and obey traffic safety laws to avoid accidents.
Determining Fault After Bicycle Accidents
When it comes to determining fault in bicycle accidents, several factors are considered. The legal analysis of a negligence claim involves establishing a duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. The burden of proof falls on the victim, who must prove that the other party was at fault in the crash.
This is where a bicycle accident attorney comes in, as they can help clients navigate this process and gather evidence to support their case. Evidence may include photos of the scene, witness statements, and medical reports. The attorney may also hire an accident reconstructionist to investigate the accident. Contacting a bicycle accident attorney when unsure of fault, injuries sustained, or questions regarding damages is of critical importance.
Other Factors That Place Both Drivers and Cyclists at Risk
Aside from the common risky driving behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving, other factors can place both drivers and cyclists at risk.
These include bad weather conditions, sun glare, and manufacturing flaws in vehicles or bicycles. Bicyclists must ride defensively, wear proper safety gear, and remain alert to avoid accidents.
In the event of a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a bicycle accident attorney from Red Rock Injury Law can help. They can assist in filing a claim and seeking financial compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorney can also investigate the cause of the accident and determine liability, whether it is the driver, manufacturer, or other parties involved.
What Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Bicycle accident victims in Las Vegas, Nevada, may be entitled to various types of damages, including economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover financial costs and losses associated with the accident, such as medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-economic damages compensate for hard-to-value losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, depression and anxiety, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages may also be applicable in situations involving extremely intoxicated drivers or hit-and-run motorists after a fatal bike accident, but these are limited to only the most serious cases. It’s important to work with a professional personal injury attorney to accurately calculate the value of your bicycle accident claim and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
Las Vegas sees a significant number of bicycle accidents, with a high percentage involving collisions with motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36% of bicycle deaths in 2016 occurred at intersections.
Additionally, 59% of bicycle deaths occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways, and 32% occurred on minor roads. Common causes of these accidents include distracted driving, failure to yield, hazardous road conditions, low visibility, and defective bike parts.
Bicyclists must take necessary precautions to prevent accidents, such as wearing a properly fitted helmet, making themselves visible with reflective clothing and lights, and following all traffic laws.
Las Vegas Bicycle Accident FAQ
How Dangerous Is a Bike Accident in Las Vegas?
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Bicycle accidents in Las Vegas are a major concern due to the high number of fatalities and injuries that occur. In 2016, Clark County recorded five bicyclist deaths, while Washoe County recorded only one. Negligent, distracted, and drunk drivers are often responsible for these accidents. In addition, Nevada follows comparative negligence rules, which means the plaintiff can only collect compensation if they are found less than 51% responsible for the accident. Las Vegas was ranked as the third most dangerous city for cyclists in America, with over one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in the state involving cyclists or pedestrians. Activists have pushed for new bicycle laws to protect cyclists, but even with the best laws, a negligent driver inside a motor vehicle will always be a danger to cyclists.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Bicycle Crash in Nevada?
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In Nevada, individuals involved in a bicycle accident have a two-year time limit from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This means that if you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, the courts may dismiss your case unless your claim falls into a legal exception. Acting quickly and speaking with a Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney is crucial to understand the importance of pursuing your claim immediately. It is also important to note that Nevada’s statute of limitations applies only to personal injury claims, not insurance claims. Reporting the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible can help ensure the validity of your claim.
What Are a Bicyclist's Rights and Responsibilities in Las Vegas?
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Bicyclists in Las Vegas have the right to ride on the road alongside motor vehicles and are subject to all the same rules of the road, including stop signs and rights-of-way.
Cyclists must ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic and keep as far to the right side of the road as possible, except when turning. They cannot lane split or ride in between two lanes of traffic. If there is a bicycle lane available, the biker must use it.
Bicyclists have the right to expect drivers to keep at least three feet of distance. Cyclists are not required to wear helmets under Nevada State Law, but it is highly recommended.
Riding on sidewalks in Las Vegas is not recommended and is illegal in certain areas.
Bicyclists are required to utilize hand signals when changing lanes or turning and must obey all traffic laws.
Las Vegas is one of Nevada’s more bicycle-friendly communities, with marked or dedicated bicycle lanes and shared-use paths in many neighborhoods. Despite this, cyclists must exercise caution to avoid accidents.
What insurance should a cyclist in Las Vegas have?
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Cyclists in Las Vegas should have proper insurance coverage to protect themselves in case of accidents. In Nevada, motorists are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance. However, this may not be enough to cover the damages caused by a serious bicycle accident.
Cyclists can protect themselves by purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which will provide additional coverage in case the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance or is not insured at all.
It is also recommended to purchase medical payments coverage (Med Pay) in addition to health insurance, which will cover the cyclist’s medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.
Having adequate insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and protect cyclists from the potentially life-altering consequences of a bicycle accident.
How Dangerous Are Motor Vehicle-Cyclist Crashes?
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Motor vehicle-cyclist crashes can be extremely dangerous and even deadly, especially if the cyclist is not wearing safety equipment such as a helmet.
In fact, each year, about 2% of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists, and a majority of bicyclist deaths involve serious head injuries.
In 2016, 835 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles, marking the highest number of bicyclist deaths since 1991. The severity of injuries sustained in these accidents can range from broken bones and joint injuries to serious brain damage and death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 857 cyclist deaths in 2018 alone, making up nearly 2.3% of all traffic deaths throughout the year. It’s important for both motorists and cyclists to be aware of the risks and take appropriate safety precautions to prevent these tragic accidents.
How can Cycling Accidents be Prevented?
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Here are some helpful tips to prevent cycling accidents:
- Prepare yourself before leaving by ensuring your bike is the right fit, checking your equipment, and planning your route.
- Ride defensively by anticipating potential hazards, riding with the flow of traffic, and obeying traffic laws.
- Ride predictably by signaling your intentions, slowing down around pedestrians, and using your bell or voice to alert those around you.
- Be aware of common causes of accidents, such as dooring and side-swiping, and position yourself safely on the road to avoid them.
- Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing, especially when riding at night.
- Use proper lights when riding.
Remember, accidents can still happen, so if you are involved in a cycling accident, call a lawyer to ensure you receive your due compensation. Stay safe and enjoy your ride!