Bicycle Accidents

If you’ve been injured by the wrongdoing of someone else, you may be entitled to payment for your medical expenses, the pain you had to go through, and the time you missed from work.

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Bicycle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road with other vehicles. In the event of an accident, it’s also important to understand the legal options available to you.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

There are many factors that can contribute to a bicycle accident. Some of the most common causes include:

Motorists failing to yield to cyclists
Drivers not paying attention to the road
Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris
Cyclists not following traffic laws or riding in the wrong direction
Inadequate lighting or visibility

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the cause and circumstances of the incident. This can help your attorney build a strong case in your favor.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to serious, life-altering conditions. Even with proper safety equipment and precautions, bicyclists are at risk of injury due to the lack of protection compared to motorists. Some common injuries that can occur in a bicycle accident include:

Head Injuries: Head injuries are some of the most serious and common injuries suffered by bicyclists. These can range from concussions and brain injuries to skull fractures, and they can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the neck and spinal cord can cause chronic pain and paralysis, which can affect a person’s quality of life.
Broken Bones: Bicyclists can suffer a variety of broken bones, including broken arms, legs, wrists, and ribs.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include bruises, sprains, and strains, and they can be painful and slow to heal.
Road Rash: Road rash is a type of skin abrasion caused by friction with the road surface. It can range from minor scrapes to deep lacerations that require medical attention.
Psychological Injuries: A bicycle accident can cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The types and severity of injuries suffered in a bicycle accident will depend on the circumstances of the accident. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your injuries are treated and documented. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.

Nevada State Biking Laws

In Nevada, bicycles are considered vehicles. This means that cyclists are required to follow traffic signals and signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. However, there are also some specific laws that apply only to cyclists, including:

Bike Lane Laws: Cyclists are required to use a bike lane if one is available, unless it is obstructed or unsafe to do so.
Passing Laws: Motorists are required to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the road.
Reckless Driving: In the event of a collision between a motorist and a cyclist, the motorist may be charged with reckless driving.
Responsibility of Both Parties: It is the responsibility of both cyclists and motorists to interact with each other in a safe manner. Either one may not intentionally interfere with the movement of the other.
Designated Bicycle Path: Motorists may not block a bike lane, unless they are performing official duties, it’s an emergency, they are directed by a police officer, or they are entering or leaving an alley or driveway.

It’s important for cyclists to be aware of these laws and to follow them in order to ensure their safety. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident and believe that a driver or other party violated one of these laws, it can be an important part of your legal case. A knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights under Nevada State Law and how they apply to your case.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get a medical evaluation as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Call the Police: It’s important to have a police report on file, which can help establish fault in the accident.
Gather Information: Collect the contact and insurance information of any drivers involved in the accident, as well as the contact information of any witnesses. Take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your bicycle or other property.
Contact an Attorney: A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

What if My Bicycle Accident Was a Hit-and-Run?

If you were involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it can be a particularly challenging situation. Hit-and-run accidents occur when the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident without stopping or providing their contact information. This can make it more difficult to pursue a legal claim for damages, but it’s still possible to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some steps to take if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident:

Seek Medical Attention: If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help ensure your safety and well-being, but it will also create a record of your injuries.
Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle. Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Ask witnesses and surrounding stores for video of the vehicle that hit you. Sometimes you can find a video showing the license plate of the person who hit you, which can help police and your attorney identify the at-fault driver.
Contact the Police: Call the police and report the hit-and-run. Provide as much information as possible about the vehicle that hit you, including the license plate number, make and model, and any identifying characteristics.
Contact an Attorney: A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. They can review your case and help determine the best course of action.

It can be more difficult to recover damages in a hit-and-run bicycle accident. An experienced attorney can help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Do I Need a Nevada Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer. While it’s not required, having an experienced attorney on your side can provide many benefits and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider hiring a bicycle accident lawyer:

To Navigate the Legal Process: A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, which can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re dealing with injuries or trauma from the accident.
To Investigate the Accident: An attorney can help investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
To Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to settle for less than you deserve, but an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
To Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury.
To Understand Your Legal Rights: A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, including the types of damages you can recover, the statute of limitations for filing a claim, and the state biking laws.

What Damages Can I Recover from a Bicycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recover damages from the at-fault driver. Damages are the monetary compensation you receive for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident. The types of damages you may be able to recover include:

Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment for your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
Lost Wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost during that time.
Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the accident.
Property Damage: If your bicycle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you may be able to recover punitive damages in addition to other compensation. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct in the future.

The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case and the

extent of your injuries. A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help you assess the damages you have suffered and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

Safety Reminders to Prevent Bicycle Accidents

While accidents can happen even when cyclists take all necessary precautions, there are several steps riders can take to reduce their risk of being involved in a bicycle accident:

Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet can help protect your head in the event of an accident.
Use Lights and Reflectors: Make sure your bicycle has front and rear lights, as well as reflective gear, to increase your visibility to other drivers.
Follow Traffic Laws: Obey traffic signals and signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
Stay Alert: Keep your attention focused on the road ahead, and avoid distractions like texting or using headphones.
Choose Safe Routes: Look for roads and bike lanes that are well-maintained and have low traffic volume.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers: When crossing intersections or turning, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
Avoid Riding in Bad Weather: Rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions can make riding more dangerous. If possible, wait until the weather clears up before riding.

By following these safety tips, cyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in a bicycle accident. However, accidents can still occur due to the negligence of other drivers or dangerous road conditions. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney to protect your legal rights.

Contact a Nevada Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Your attorney can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case to prove fault and liability.

At Roebuck Law Firm, we understand the complexities of bicycle accident cases and have a successful track record of fighting for our clients’ rights. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine your legal options. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Bicycle Accidents