EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER
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Stay Safe on Las Vegas Roads: What You Need to Know About Bicycle Accidents
Cycling in Las Vegas can be risky, especially considering the high-speed limits on most roads. A cyclist hit at 25mph has an 89% chance of survival, but this plummets to 35% at 45mph, which is the standard speed limit on many city streets. Intersections like Las Vegas Blvd and Caesars Palace Drive, Nellis Blvd and Cedar Avenue, and Las Vegas Blvd and Flamingo Road rank among the most dangerous. Additionally, streets such as Las Vegas Blvd, Charleston Blvd, Flamingo Road, Sahara Avenue, and Tropicana Avenue are particularly hazardous for cyclists.
Many bicycle accidents in Las Vegas occur due to drivers disregarding traffic laws, driving under the influence, or becoming distracted. Other contributing factors include severe weather, poor road conditions, and vehicle-related accidents. If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident, contacting a Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for injuries or damages.
COMMON BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Bicycle accident injuries can be more severe than injuries from other accidents, as you are more prone to experiencing a high-impact collision, even if you’re properly geared. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand these types of injuries to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
- Head traumas or skull fractures
- Ruptured discs or spinal cord injuries
- Broken, fractured, or dislocated bones
- Internal injuries or internal bleeding
- Contusions, severe road rash, or skin scrapes
- Disfigurement
Seeking immediate medical attention should be your priority after an accident, as it is vital to aid your recovery. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, contact a Las Vegas personal injury attorney from The Schnitzer Law Firm. They can assist you in receiving proper compensation for any injuries and damages sustained.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents can help cyclists take preventative measures and be more aware of potential hazards while riding. Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Motor Vehicle Collisions: In collisions with motor vehicles, drivers may not see cyclists, especially when turning or changing lanes.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, eating, or other activities may cause accidents due to the lack of attention to the road and their surroundings.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, bumpy surfaces, debris, and roads without a designated bike lane can cause cyclists to lose control and have accidents. Cities have a duty of care to maintain safe road conditions for all users, including cyclists.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Dooring Accidents: When a car door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, it can cause severe accidents.
- Rider Error: Sometimes, accidents occur due to cyclists’ actions. These may include riding while distracted, disregarding traffic signals, or failing to use proper hand signals.
- Defective Bicycle Equipment: Faulty bicycle equipment, including brakes, tires, or other bicycle components, can lead to accidents.
- Lack of Visibility: Drivers often need help seeing cyclists, especially at night or in low-light conditions, which can lead to accidents.
Knowing the common reasons for bicycle accidents can help cyclists and drivers prevent accidents. It’s also important to report any incident to the police, as having an official record can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies and filing an accident claim.
Bicycle Accident Law in Las Vegas
In Nevada, if you are injured in a bicycle accident, whether the injuries are minor, moderate, or severe, the state operates under at-fault rules. This means that as a victim, you are legally entitled to compensation for various damages. These can include medical expenses, anticipated future medical expenses, lost income due to inability to work, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, it may be possible for you to claim punitive damages against the driver.
Here are some regulations bicyclists must adhere to under Las Vegas law:
- You must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, stop at red lights and stop signs, yield when required, and follow all posted speed limits. Learn more about these requirements in our guide on Nevada bicycle laws and what drivers need to know.
- You are required to ride in the designated bike lane where available. If no bike lane is present, ride as far to the right as possible, with the exceptions including making a left turn or avoiding hazards.
- Wearing a helmet for adults is highly advised and mandatory for minors.
- You must ensure your bicycle equipment has a white front light and a red rear reflector to increase visibility and safety when riding at night.
- If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, file a police report to serve as an official record, which you can use as evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.
RECOVERING DAMAGES IN A LAS VEGAS BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY CASE
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Las Vegas due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages.
- Medical Bills
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
Insurance companies often carefully review these claims. A detailed police report and thorough documentation of all accident-related expenses and impacts can strengthen your case.
TIPS TO PREVENT BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Ensuring bicycle safety requires staying alert, following traffic regulations, and taking proactive steps to prevent accidents.
Follow Traffic Laws
Always follow traffic signals and signs when riding your bike. Remember to bike in the same direction as traffic and utilize bike lanes whenever they are accessible.
Maintain Your Bicycle
Before traveling, regularly check your bicycle equipment, such as brakes, tires, and gears, to ensure everything is in good working order.
Use Hand Signals
Wear brightly colored clothing and include lights and reflectors on your bike, especially when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Stay Alert
Avoid using your phone while biking and be aware of common causes of bicycle accidents, such as suddenly opening car doors or unexpected vehicle turns.
Stay Visible
Always remember to use your vehicle’s turn signals or hand signals to communicate your intentions to nearby drivers and pedestrians before stopping.
Consult a Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyer NOW!
First and foremost, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you do not feel injured, visiting a doctor for evaluation will confirm whether you are.
Next, consult a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents. At The Schnitzer Law Firm, we provide expert legal representation and offer a free consultation to help guide you through your case. Our team is well-versed in state laws and city regulations, ensuring professional and dedicated service for every client.