Types of Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists need to understand the rules of the road and obey all Las Vegas traffic laws. But even with the right helmet and lawful riding, it’s far too easy for a careless driver to cause a bicycle accident.
Common types of Las Vegas bicycle accidents include:
In these collisions, a driver either fails to notice a rider or disregards them and then turns in front of them. A bicyclist often doesn’t have time to react in these scenarios, leading to a deadly collision.
On many city streets, cyclists must ride next to moving traffic and parked cars. When someone in a parked car opens their door without looking first, a cyclist could strike the door and suffer serious injuries.
Bike riders often need to ride with the flow of traffic. But that can mean they’re at the mercy of drivers around them. Inattentive or distracted drivers can easily miss a cyclist and hit them from behind.
More than one-quarter of cyclist injuries occur at intersections. Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to look for bikes can cause life-threatening crashes. For this reason, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws that other motorists do.
Bicycle riders often share the road with motor vehicles traveling in the same direction. If drivers fail to check blind spots, give cyclists enough space, or change lanes unlawfully, they may strike riders beside them.
A negligent driver can be held liable for hitting cyclists through a personal bicycle accident claim or lawsuit. Your legal options will depend on the facts of the case and Nevada law. A bicycle accident attorney in Las Vegas can explore every opportunity to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Las Vegas Bicycle Laws
Many laws govern cyclists in Las Vegas and Nevada. These regulations cover everything from where cyclists can ride to how they need to share the road. Here are some of the key rules you need to know:
- NRS 484B.763. Under this law, bicycle riders are granted the same rights as other motorists. That means that cyclists also must obey traffic rules. Since bicycles are considered vehicles, they need to ride with the traffic flow.
- NRS 484B.783. When riding at night, cyclists must ensure that their bikes have lights that can be seen at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector on the rear that must be visible from 50 to 300 feet.
- Las Vegas Ordinance 11.40.120. Cyclists must use a bike path whenever one is available next to a roadway.
- Las Vegas Ordinance 11.40.200. All riders must have a bell or other device to give an audible signal to alert others of their presence.
Can I Get Compensation for my Las Vegas Bicycle Accident?
If you were injured in an accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Bicycle accident victims may recover money for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and damage to your earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Under Nevada law, you can potentially seek compensation even if you were partially responsible for a bike accident. But your personal injury claim could be dismissed if you are found more than 50 percent to blame. Insurance companies will seize upon this opportunity to deny your claim. Rather than risk your ability to recover compensation, contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney for help with your case.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
If you were injured in a Las Vegas bicycle accident, a personal injury lawyer from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can protect your rights and fight for the money you deserve.
Our law firm will deliver the knowledgeable counsel and one-on-one attention you need to rebuild your life. Call us or contact us online now for your free initial consultation.