All types of motorized bicycles and mopeds are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. According to a recent report from CNN Tech, electric bike sales are exploding. While motorized bicycles are a great form of transportation and entertainment, they also have the potential to be dangerous. When operating a motorized bike in Las Vegas traffic, riders must always comply with Nevada state law.

At Ladah Law Firm, PLLC, our top-rated Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers have extensive experience handling claims involving moped crashes. If you or your loved one was severely injured in a motorized bike accident in Clark County, Nevada, it is imperative that you take immediate action. Please do not hesitate to contact our Las Vegas law office today for free legal guidance: 702-570-2037.

It is crucial that all riders know exactly how they are supposed to operate a motorized bike in Nevada. As a starting point, motorized bikes must always be operated in a reasonably safe manner on public streets. If you operate this type of vehicle in a careless or reckless manner, you could be cited for a violation and you may be held legally liable for any resulting damages. There are also some key Nevada state regulations that you should know about. Specifically, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles requires that all motorized bike owners in the state comply with the following three important laws:

You must register your motorized bicycle. Under Nevada law, you cannot operate a moped on public roads unless you have properly registered the vehicle. Though, only one single registration is required for the entire life of the moped. You are not required to update the registration each year
The operator must have a valid driver’s license. In Nevada, you cannot operate a motorized bike on public streets without a valid driver’s license. Any class of license meets this requirement; you do not need to have a motorcycle license. However, if you have no license, you may be cited for a traffic infraction.
Motorized bikes should always be in the far right lane, except to make left turns. Unlike motorcycles, motorized bikes should always stay to the extreme right on multi-lane roads. The only time that riders can move to other lanes is when they are required to do so to make a left-hand turn.

Note: These laws apply to ‘mopeds’. If your bike meets Nevada’s definition of a moped, then you must comply with the listed requirements. Electric bikes are not held to the same standard. In Nevada, a bicycle can qualify as an electric bike instead of a moped if it has an engine that is 750 watts or fewer and it goes no faster than 20 miles per hour. In addition, electric bikes must have pedals and must be generally recognizable as a ‘bicycle’. This standard is somewhat vague, so sometimes this decision can be confusing. If you are concerned that your bicycle might qualify as a moped instead of an electric bike, you should stop by your local DMV office to make sure that you understand your specific requirements that you must follow under Nevada state law.

Four Things You Need to Know About Motorized Bike Accidents in Nevada

1) Your Accident Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement

If you were injured in an accident with another vehicle, the crash should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Under Nevada law, all motor vehicle accidents on public roads that result in injuries should be reported to the police. If you were involved in a motorized bike accident with another driver, it is strongly in your best interest to ensure that the collision is reported to the police. The responding officers will write an official accident report that will serve as an important form of evidence in your case.

2.) Liability is Based on Negligence

If you are injured in a motorized bike accident in Las Vegas, your legal claim will likely be brought under Nevada’s comparative negligence standard (Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 41.141). Under this standard, all parties are legally liable for the proportion of the accident that was caused by their negligence (recklessness or carelessness). Notably, if you are injured in a motorized bike accident, and you were not following the motorized bike rules properly when the crash occurred, it could adversely affect your case. To be clear, you may still be able to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim in this circumstance if another defendant’s negligence also contributed to the accident. However, these are complicated cases. They always require personalized attention from a skilled Las Vegas moped accident lawyer.

3.) You Deserve Full and Fair Financial Compensation

Under Nevada law, negligent parties can be held legally liable for the full value of the victim’s damages. If you were hurt in a moped accident, you deserve the maximum available compensation. Unfortunately, getting a complete recovery can be challenging. At Ladah Law Firm, PLLC, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers have the skills and tenacity needed to ensure that our clients get the full compensation they are owed. Money damages may be available for emergency medical care, other hospital/medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental distress, physical disfigurement, long term disability, loss of life enjoyment, and the wrongful death of a family member.

4.) Be Ready to Get Help From a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer

The personal injury claims process is notoriously complex. Most motorized bicycle accidents claims are defended by large insurance carriers. These companies are interested in protecting their own bank accounts, not paying moped accident victims a full settlement offer. Following a serious motorized bike crash in Nevada, you should speak to a qualified Las Vegas car accident attorney. Your attorney will be able to conduct a review of your case and determine what specific action needs to be taken to protect your legal rights and financial interests.

Were You Injured in a Motorized Bike Accident in Southern Nevada?

Our legal team can help. At Ladah Law Firm, PLLC, we are strong advocates for injured victims. If you or your family member was injured in a moped accident in Southern Nevada, please do not hesitate to call us today at 702-570-2037 for a free case evaluation. With a law office in Las Vegas, we serve communities all over Clark County, including Enterprise, Sunrise Manor, Paradise, Spring Valley, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Whitney.