Bicycling is a popular form of transportation and a common leisure activity that many people in the Las Vegas area enjoy. Locals may choose to bike to and from work. Tourists to the Las Vegas area often enjoy biking around the city and out on hiking trails in the desert. Biking is a healthy, relaxing, and usually safe activity that many bicyclists enjoy. But things can turn dangerous, or even fatal when a bicyclist is involved in an accident with a motorized vehicle. Seeking legal counsel from a Las Vegas personal injury attorney can be beneficial for gaining the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle collision injuries are unfortunately all too common, especially in Las Vegas. In most cases involving bicyclists and automobiles, the person driving the car is almost always at fault in the accident. There are other reasons for bicycle accidents to consider as well. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas at Valiente Mott have knowledge in all aspects of bicycle equipment, accident reconstruction, and roadway design as it relates to bicyclists and these factors may be a crucial part of your case. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.
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Why Choose Valiente Mott?
How We Handle Bicycle Accident Claims
Bicycle Collision Statistics and Trends
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Las Vegas Bicycle Laws To Know
Bicyclist Right to the Road
Evidence in Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Claims
What To Do if You Are in a Bicycle Collision
Contact our Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Why Choose Valiente Mott?
At Valiente Mott, our Las Vegas bicycle accident attorneys understand how difficult the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident can be and are here to help injured cyclists.
- We’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients injured in motor vehicle collisions.
- Our attorneys are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service.
- We are a full-service personal injury law firm. Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys will handle everything involved in your case, including help with employment or personal issues, property damage, securing a rental car, and anything way the accident impacts your life.
- We are committed to winning and it shows. Our track record speaks for itself and we have been successful in 99 percent of the cases we’ve handled.
How We Handle Bicycle Accident Claims
At Valiente Mott, we handle bicycle accident claims with meticulous care and the personalized attention that our firm is known for:
- Free Initial Consultation and Tailored Case Review: We offer a cost-free initial consultation, underlining our commitment to unparalleled customer service. This session is crucial for us to understand the specifics of your bicycle accident and assess your claim’s validity.
- In-Depth Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our extensive experience in significant injury cases guides our approach to detailed investigations. We collect vital evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, ensuring robust representation of your case. With our deep understanding of Nevada laws, we effectively determine liability and advocate for your rights.
- Strategic Insurance Negotiations: Our skilled Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers handle all interactions with insurance companies, aiming to secure fair compensation that covers your losses comprehensively, reflecting our commitment to achieving exceptional results.
- Readiness for Litigation: If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our team of top-class attorneys will utilize our litigation skills to put on an aggressive front in your case.
We strive to be great lawyers and great people. In doing so, we maintain a clear channel of communication with you throughout the process, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with every step. In line with our principle of honesty and integrity, we operate on a contingency fee basis, reiterating our commitment to your success – you won’t owe us attorney fees unless we win your case. Our approach to bicycle accident claims is reflected in our high client ratings and the trust we have earned from both our clients and other attorneys.
Bicycle Collision Statistics and Trends
Each year about 2 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head. A total of 961 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2021. Most bicyclist deaths in 2021 (88%) were those ages 20 and older.
Deaths among bicyclists younger than 20 have declined 90 percent since 1975. Deaths among bicyclists 20 and older have more than quadrupled. In every year since 1975, many more male than female bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles. The decline since 1975 among female bicyclists (34 percent) was larger than the decline among male bicyclists (1 percent).
Numbers from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety reveal some alarming trends. According to the latest numbers:
- Sixty-one percent of bicyclists killed in 2021 were not wearing helmets. Helmet use was unknown for 24 percent.
- Among bicyclists ages 16 and older who were killed in 2021, 19 percent had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent.
- Bicyclist deaths in 2021 were highest during September (12 percent) and lowest during February (5 percent).
- Bicyclist deaths in 2021 peaked during the hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (22 percent).
- Thirty-five percent of bicyclist deaths in 2021 occurred at intersections.
- Sixty-five percent of bicyclist deaths in 2021 occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways, and 32 percent occurred on minor roads.
If your loved one was in a bicycle accident that was fatal, our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice.
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions
The most common cause of serious bicycle collisions is driver negligence. Drivers of motor vehicles are required by law to operate them in a manner that keeps other users of the road safe – including cyclists. However, distraction, inattention, and carelessness invariably lead to most situations where a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- A bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle making a left or right-hand turn.
- A rider gets rear-ended.
- A cyclist can be hit by a vehicle door.
- A cyclist is run off the road or forced to make an evasive maneuver leading to an injury
- A vehicle sideswipes a cyclist
For their own safety, bicyclists need to be prepared for drivers not to see them. This does not mean that drivers are free from liability when it comes to bicyclists. Drivers who cause harm to bicyclists should be held accountable for the damage that they have caused. If you have been injured, you need to seek compensation from the driver who is liable.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. They lack the protection of a vehicle and don’t have the speed of a motorcycle to escape a dangerous situation. What might be an ordinary fender bender with another car can be fatal when a cyclist is involved.
Injuries to cyclists run the gamut from:
- Road rash—a deep scrape caused when a vehicle drags the cyclists on the road.
- Joint injuries—often the result of impact with the ground.
- Serious brain damage—bicycle helmets cannot always stand up to the forces of a car collision
- Broken bones—without a vehicle body to stop the cyclist, broken bones are expected.
- Death—complications from injuries often result in death for bicycle accident victims.
The severity of injuries becomes magnified in a bicycle accident, and many injuries require long-term care. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Valiente Mott can pursue fair compensation for any death or injury caused by a negligent driver, even covering ongoing medical expenses.
Las Vegas Bicycle Laws To Know
There are certain Nevada laws that can be crucial in Las Vegas bicycle accidents. Here are some key bicycle laws that may apply to your claim in accordance with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Bicycle Lanes: When bike lanes are present, bicyclists should use them. However, they can leave these lanes for specific reasons such as making a left turn or avoiding hazards. (NRS 484B.270)
- Helmet Laws: There are no Nevada state laws mandating helmet use for bicyclists. (NRS 484B)
- Passing Bicycles: Motorists must pass bicyclists at a safe distance (at least three feet away). (NRS 484B.270)
- OUI Laws: Bicyclists are subject to the same laws as motorists regarding operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (NRS 484C)
- Safety Equipment: Bicycles used at night must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector. (NRS 484B.783)
- Right to the Road: Bicyclists are granted the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means they are allowed to ride on the road and must adhere to the same traffic laws. (NRS 484B.777)
Bicyclist Right to the Road
The “Right to the Road” law plays a critical role in handling bicycle accidents in Las Vegas by establishing a clear legal framework for bicyclists. This statute is instrumental in accident investigations and liability determinations. For instance, if a cyclist is hit by a car while legally occupying a lane, this law reinforces the cyclist’s right to be there, potentially placing greater liability on the motorist, especially if the motorist failed to observe the three-feet passing rule. Conversely, if a cyclist runs a red light and is struck, the law implies that cyclists must adhere to traffic signals and can shift the liability towards the cyclist. In legal proceedings following an accident, violation of traffic laws as required can significantly influence the outcome of claims and the apportionment of fault. This law serves not just as a guideline for behavior on the road but also as critical in determining who is at fault.
Evidence in Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Claims
There can be many forms of evidence in establishing the facts and liability in a Las Vegas bicycle accident claim. One of the most important types of evidence is the accident scene documentation. This includes photographs or videos of the scene, which can capture poor road conditions in Las Vegas, traffic signals, vehicle and bicycle positioning, and any obstructions or hazards. These visuals help in reconstructing the accident scenario and can highlight factors like road defects, visibility issues, or signage problems that might have contributed to the accident. Any physical evidence from the scene, such as debris from the collision, skid marks, and damage to the bicycle and vehicle, can provide tangible proof of the impact and dynamics of the crash.
Another crucial component of evidence comes from witness statements and police reports. Eyewitness accounts can offer an independent perspective on the accident, shedding light on crucial details like the speed of the vehicle, the cyclist’s actions, and the events leading up to the collision. Police reports serve a similar role as they provide an official record of the accident, often including the officer’s observations and initial assessment of fault. Medical records are important in substantiating the connection between the cyclist’s injuries (including their severity and required treatment) and the accident.
What To Do if You Are in a Bicycle Collision
If you find yourself involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, it is important that you immediately get the medical attention that you require. Don’t worry about anything else before you seek medical treatment for your bike accident injuries. Even if you think that you are unhurt, you should make a point to be checked out by a medical professional, just to be sure. Next, you should speak with police and report the accident.
If you are not injured too badly, and you have a camera phone, you should take as many pictures of the accident, your bike, and your injuries as possible. These photos can be useful evidence later down the road.
Finally, you need to speak with an experienced Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney about your situation. You have a limited amount of time in which to bring a claim against those who are responsible for causing your injuries. An experienced bike accident lawyer in Las Vegas will make sure that your rights are preserved. Let us help you after your bicycle accident.
Contact Our Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact Valiente Mott today. Our dedicated team of Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers are committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
With our in-depth understanding of Nevada’s bicycle laws and a track record of success in handling complex accident claims, we are uniquely equipped to navigate the legal challenges of your case. We offer a free consultation and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Trust us to be your steadfast ally in this challenging time. Reach out to Valiente Mott and let us start working towards securing the justice and recovery you are entitled to.
