Bicycle Accident Attorney in Las Vegas, NV
Cycling around Las Vegas can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be dangerous. Bike accidents happen more often than you’d think. They can result in severe injuries like broken bones, internal injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and enduring physical and emotional pain. Motor vehicle drivers are often at fault, failing to follow traffic laws or not paying attention to bike lanes and cyclists.
When a bike accident occurs, you need to understand your rights under Nevada bicycle laws. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim, gather police reports, and navigate the complexities of dealing with an insurance company. They will work to hold the negligent driver accountable and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our bicycle accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, specialize in these types of cases. We know the ins and outs of Nevada law and are dedicated to fighting for bike accident victims.
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Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Las Vegas
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 846 cyclists died, and 49,000 were injured in bicycle accidents in a recent year.
The leading causes of bike accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to watch for cyclists
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to yield
If you sustained serious injuries in a crash with a negligent motorist, seek immediate medical attention and contact a bicycle accident attorney to learn your legal rights.
Types of Bike Accident Injuries
A bike accident can leave a cyclist with devastating injuries, such as:
- Cuts and bruising
- Road rash
- Hand, wrist, and arm injuries
- Soft-tissue and joint injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Skull fractures and facial injuries
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Limb loss (amputation)
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because of their relative lack of protection from the force of a collision. While helmets can protect riders against head injuries, they aren’t foolproof. If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries after a bicycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can be an essential ally in the fight for compensation from the at-fault party.
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. Here are some of the common types of Las Vegas bicycle accidents include:
Right- and left-turn accidents
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.
Dooring
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.
Rear-end accidents
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.
Intersection accidents
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 as other motorists.
Sideswipes
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 case facts 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?
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. However, your personal injury claim could be dismissed if you are found to be 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
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, your trusted Vegas bicycle accident attorney, are here to help you every step of the way. Our experienced team understands the complex process of bicycle accident claims and is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident. Schedule a consultation with our skilled bicycle accident attorneys today. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery. With THE702FIRM by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.