Nevada Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bike is a cost-effective and convenient form of transportation that offers several benefits to cyclists. This includes promoting fitness and providing flexibility in traffic. Despite these positive aspects, there are some potential downsides that can make it risky to ride a bike on Nevada roads.

For instance, bicycle safety can be affected by negligent drivers and road hazards. Since there is no protective barrier surrounding a cyclist from intense contact, they may face severe or fatal injuries after getting struck by an object. Bicycle accident victims who have been injured due to reckless behavior committed by an individual or entity may sue the at fault party to recover damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Nevada bicycle accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. With over $1.6 billion in financial compensation recovered for our clients, our legal team has a successful track record of delivering client satisfaction and are confident that we will secure a favorable settlement on your behalf.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Nevada Bicycle Laws

Nevada has established bicycle laws to promote safer roads for cyclists. Some of these rules and regulations include the following:

• You must ride at least three feet away from parked cars.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing at night to remain visible to other motorists.
• Stay on the right side of the road and in a single file for courtesy.
• Use bike hand signals to communicate turns and stops to other motorists.
• Install brakes on your bicycle.
• Have a white lamp in the front of the bike to be visible from at least 500 feet away and a red tail reflector visible in a vehicle’s low beams from 300 feet away. You should also place reflective material on both sides of the bike that is visible in low beams from at least 600 feet away or a lamp visible on each side from 500 feet away (Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.783).

Common Causes of a Bicycle Accident in Nevada

Understanding what the common causes are in a bicycle accident can help reduce the risks of potential danger cyclists are likely to face when traveling. In the sections listed below, we will discuss these particular reasons and how it can lead to collisions.

Negligent Drivers

Drivers must provide a duty of care when sharing the road with others. Unfortunately, some will go against traffic laws for their own personal benefits. Common actions that are known to occur when a reckless driver is operating a motor vehicle include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Open car door accidents
• Impaired driving
• Failure to yield

If you were harmed in a bicycle accident after being hit by a motor vehicle, you may be entitled to sue the at fault driver to seek damages. Under such circumstances, you should hire a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, to represent you.

Our skilled Nevada bicycle accident attorneys will assess your case and form an effective strategy against the opposing side to ensure you get a fair compensation.

Inexperienced Bicyclists

Inexperienced bicyclists can put themselves at risk of getting into an accident by:

• Struggling to maintain control of the bike
• Misinterpreting traffic laws
• Making poor decisions

To lessen the chances of a bicycle accident, beginners should take some time to practice on open roads and familiarize themselves with Nevada’s bicycle laws.

Poor Road Maintenance

Poor road maintenance can put a bicyclist in a dangerous position. Hazards, like potholes, debris, and uneven pavements, can cause a cyclist to lose control over the bike and fall off. Moreover, dimly lit streets and inadequate signages and markings will spark confusion amongst cyclists. These particular factors will make it challenging to ride safely alongside other motor vehicles.

Defective Bicycle

A defective bicycle can create many complications for a cyclist. Particular components that can trigger an accident include:

• Unresponsive brakes
• Tire blowouts
• Loose handlebars
• Flawed pedals

If you sustained bodily harm as a result of a defective bicycle, you can file a product liability claim against the at fault party to seek compensation. Potential defendants may include the:

• Bike manufacturer
• Distributor
• Other entities associated with the chain of distribution

To identify accountability, you can reach out to West Coast Trial Lawyers and request a free consultation with one of our top-rated Nevada bicycle accident attorneys.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries will vary depending on the intensity of the impact. Some common types of bodily damage that may occur are:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries

It is encouraged to receive medical care after a bicycle accident, even if you believe you suffered minor harm. Symptoms may take days, weeks, or even months to appear. It is best to assess your condition sooner rather than later to detect any potential signs of hidden injuries that may progressively worsen if left untreated.

What Are Bike on Bike Accidents?

Bike on bike accidents happen when two or more cyclists collide with one another. This could be due to the following:

• Failure to yield
• Lack of attention
• Recklessly overtaking another bike rider

To prevent this from occurring, cyclists should maintain awareness of their surroundings and use bike hand signals to effectively communicate their next move to others nearby. Protective gear should also be used to reduce the chances of sustaining serious injuries.

If you were involved in a bike on bike accident with a negligent cyclist, you may take legal action against them. An experienced bicycle accident attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers will listen to your concerns and create a tailored approach to ensure your legal needs are satisfied.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident in Nevada?

Determining liability in a bicycle accident will require you to gather evidence and present it to one of our Nevada bicycle accident lawyers. Once they have reviewed the information provided, they will pinpoint the negligent party and figure out what necessary steps should be taken to make sure you are granted a fair settlement.

Potential defendants in a bicycle accident lawsuit may include the following:

• Driver
• Government entity
• Property owner
• Other bicyclists

Remember, bicycle accident victims all have unique experiences, meaning that the person or party at fault will vary for each person and case.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Getting into a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. Although it is easier said than done, try to fulfill the actions listed below to make sure you are handling the situation safely and responsibly.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you see any injuries or damages, you should contact your local law enforcement. Once they arrive at the accident scene, they will conduct a police report in which you can request a copy to use in your case.

Gather Evidence

Be sure to collect the following evidence:

• Photographs of your injury, damages, and where the collision occurred
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report
• A copy of your medical records pertaining to your bicycle accident injuries

Seek Medical Attention

After a bicycle accident, you should get yourself examined by a physician. They will diagnose your injury and give you a medical care plan that is best suited to treat your condition. Some recommendations that may be provided include:

• Surgical procedures
• Physical therapy
• Prescriptions

Your visits will be saved on file and can be used in your bicycle accident lawsuit. If you fail to take immediate action, the opposing side may argue that your injury could have been caused by another factor or that it was not as serious as you claimed.

Hire a Nevada Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can often lead to physical and emotional pain. Having to deal with a lawsuit while also monitoring your injuries can be overwhelming and exhausting. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Nevada bicycle accident attorneys will handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident?

The statute of limitations to file a bicycle accident claim in Nevada is two years from the date of when the incident occurred. Be sure to collect a substantial amount of evidence and find the right Nevada bicycle accident lawyer to represent you. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, you will no longer be given the opportunity to recover compensation.

What Damages Are Available in a Bicycle Accident in Nevada?

In Nevada, available damages for a bicycle accident claim will differ based on what factors are associated with the event. The court will take the following into consideration:

• The extent of your injury
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• The amount of negligence committed by each side
• Current and future medical expenses incurred by the bike accident

Generally, economic damages and non-economic damages are calculated in a personal injury settlement and are appropriately awarded. In rare cases, punitive damages will be provided, should the accident exceed a certain threshold of negligence or recklessness.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are calculable financial expenses you sustained due to the bicycle crash, like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that are not directly associated with monetary losses, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer for their egregious behavior and to prevent others from exhibiting similar conduct in the future. This type of damages is served in about 5 percent of verdicts. To prove punitive damages, you will need to collect evidence that shows how the defendant committed fraud, malice, or intentional harm.

Our Nevada Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Bike accident victims who suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence may file a personal injury claim to seek damages. At West Coast Trial lawyers, our skilled Nevada bicycle accident attorneys will guide you through each stage of the legal process to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your losses.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.