NEVADA BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Hurt in a Bike Accident in Nevada? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Driving a car next to a large 3-trailer truck can be a very scary experience but not necessarily more frightening than riding a bicycle in everyday traffic. But you don’t ride your bicycle to get scared out of your wits; you ride for enjoyment, for the gas mileage, for exercise, and for cleaner air. Sadly, accidents happen. Cyclists are inherently vulnerable and bike safety remains a serious area of concern in Nevada.

At Ladah Law Firm, PLLC, we understand your predicament. As experienced Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers, we know the dynamics of bicycle accidents and the devastating injuries that can and do occur. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of car, truck, or motorcycle, you need to know your rights and responsibilities now. Hurt in an accident? Contact our Las Vegas law office today for a free consultation with a top-tier Nevada bike accident lawyer.

What You Need To Do

Just as in a car accident, you need to gather as much information about the driver of the car, the accident, and any reports filed by the police. Unfortunately, you may be banged up and unable to take care of those matters. That is where an experienced bicycle accident attorney with Ladah Law on your side can help you retain your rights and receive the compensation you need to recover. We take care of the details you didn’t even know were important.

Similar to a car accident, we will seek for compensation for your injuries and other losses from the driver’s car insurance. We make sure you are covered for your medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and even pain and suffering.

After a collision with a motor vehicle, you need to call the police report away to report the incident. The driver has a duty to do so as well. If you were hurt in the crash, get yourself to a doctor right away. All bike accident injuries should be evaluated. 

Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

For a cyclist, riding around traffic can be stressful—and with good reason. Cyclists are inherently exposed. Unfortunately, bike accidents remain a serious safety issue. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that approximately 1,250 cyclists are killed in motor vehicle collisions nationwide each year. There are many thousands for cyclists who suffer terrible, even life-changing trauma. Our law firm handles the full spectrum of bike accident injury claims in Nevada. No matter how severe they are, we can help victims get justice. Some of the most common bike injuries include: 

• Cuts/lacerations; 
• Sprains/strains; 
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries; 
• Joint injuries, including torn ligament; 
• Fractured and broken bones; 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
• Internal bleeding and internal organ damage; 
• Spinal cord trauma; and
• Loss of limb (amputation). 

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Cyclist in Nevada

Navigating the roads of Nevada as a cyclist involves understanding both your rights and responsibilities. Doing so can ensure not only compliance with state and local law, it can also help you protect your safety. Here are key points to now about bicycle laws in Nevada: 

• Cyclists Have a General Right to the Road: In Nevada, cyclists have the same right to use the roadways as any other vehicle. In other words, you are entitled to ride on the street. Other vehicles must respect your space. The only exception is if a specific road is marked otherwise, such as an interstate highway. Still, you should always use a marked bike lane if you are riding in an area where one is available. 
• Cyclists Should Ride as far to the Right as Practical: Nevada law requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as is practical and sensible given the specific circumstances. The principle is designed to allow for the safe passage of motor vehicles and to maintain a clear flow of traffic. However, “as practical” allows for exceptions—such as when avoiding obstacles, making a left turn, or when the lane is too narrow for a bicycle to safely travel side by side. I
• Cyclists Have a Responsibility to Follow Traffic Laws: It is crucial to remember that while cyclists have a right to the road, they also have responsibilities as well. Just as motorists are expected to follow all state and local traffic laws, so too are cyclists. Along with other things, key responsibilities include obeying street signs, following traffic lights, and complying with lane markings. Beyond that, cyclists should signal their intentions to turn or stop. 

While Not Required, Bicycle Helmets are Strongly Recommended

There is no state law in Nevada that requires adult cyclists to wear a helmet. Though, minors should wear a helmet when on a bike. With that being said, even without a relevant law, riders should still get a helmet. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) strongly recommends that all cyclists wear a properly-fitted safety helmet. Indeed, state highway safety regulators estimate that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by 85 percent. 

Understanding Bike Accident Liability in Nevada

Nevada is a fault-based negligence state for most personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents. Every collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what happened. The negligent party—often a driver—can be held liable for a cyclist’s damages. With that being said, a driver is not automatically liable for a bicycle accident in Nevada. Instead, liability is based on negligence. You must prove fault. Your lawyer will proactively investigate your accident to ensure you have the evidence to establish liability. 

Notably, a bicyclist could be partially at fault for their own injuries. Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence system (NRS 41.141). Each party to a bicycle accident is liable for their proportionate share of the fault. If you are 25 percent responsible for your own bike accident due to a traffic safety violation, you would be 25 percent liable for your own damages. Being assigned partial fault could take thousands of dollars out of your settlement. A top-rated Nevada bike accident lawyer can protect you from unjustified blame.

We Help Injured Cyclists Maximize Their Compensation

A bicycle accident can cause terrible injuries. Financial compensation can help you give to the resources that you need to put the pieces back together. In Nevada, injured cyclists have a right to claim compensation for their economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. With that being said, insurance companies can put roadblocks in the claims process. Our Nevada bike accident lawyers fight for the maximum compensation for victims, including for: 

• Property damage, such as a new bike; 
• Emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills and other health care costs; 
• Physical therapy and mental health therapy; 
• Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;  
• Pain and suffering & mental distress; 
• Permanent disability or disfigurement; 
• Loss of quality of life; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Know the Statute Of Limitations to Bring a Claim

Under Nevada law (NRS 11.190), bicycle accident injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. You must file any lawsuit for a bike accident within two years of the date of the crash. There are only very limited exceptions to the rule. If a claim is not brought in a timely manner, your case could simply be dismissed without a hearing. Do not wait to take action: Consult with a Nevada bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents: Driver Negligence

A significant share of bicycle/vehicle collisions are caused by driver negligence. Broadly speaking, negligence is the failure to take due care. Here are some of the most common examples of driver negligence that can contribute to bicycle accidents in Nevada: 

• Speeding: Excessive speed is a major factor in bicycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their ability to react to a cyclist’s movements or other changes in the road environment is reduced. Faster speeds also increase the severity of injuries in accidents.
• “Buzzing” a Rider: “Buzzing” refers to the dangerous practice of driving too close to a cyclist. This can intimidate or startle a cyclist, potentially causing them to swerve out of control or fall. It is crucial for drivers to maintain a safe distance from cyclists,
• Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic signs, signals, or failing to yield the right-of-way can lead to collisions with cyclists. These violations are particularly dangerous at intersections. A driver can be held liable for contributing to a collision. 
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving—from texting to talking on the phone—takes a motorist’s attention off the road. It seriously impairs a driver’s attention and their response times. Unfortunately, distracted drivers pose a serious risk to cyclists. 

• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely affects a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and overall control of the vehicle. Drunk driving is extremely hazardous. An intoxicated driver must be held accountable—criminally and civilly.