When you’re walking and cycling along the roads in Las Vegas, you could face unexpected dangers from motorists who don’t abide by the concept of “sharing the road.” Bicyclists themselves can also pose a danger to pedestrians and even motorists when they fail to abide by the rules of the road.
Nevada’s traffic laws are designed to keep people safe, especially the far less protected pedestrians and cyclists, but when people violate these laws, the consequences can be severe and devastating. Bicyclists and pedestrians may face ongoing pain, suffering, and permanent disabilities when drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. Learn more about what causes pedestrian accidents and what drivers need to know to ensure everyone’s safety.
Bicycles and Cars Sharing the Road
In general, bicyclists and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road. However, in most cases, motorists need to give way to bicycles in order to prevent dangerous crashes. Cars must give bicyclists 3 feet of clearance as they drive and while passing. Bicycles are permitted on the streets and many Nevada sidewalks, and they also have the right to fully occupy a lane of traffic on most roads. On multi-lane roads, a bicyclist is entitled to full use of a lane, and cars that wish to pass must use another lane. Motorists are also not allowed to enter bike lanes except in narrow, emergency circumstances. For additional insight on this, read bike lane laws in Nevada.
Bicyclists also have the responsibility to use proper lighting at night and follow the rules of the road, including signaling when turning or changing lanes and stopping at red lights and stop signs. Unlike regular roads, highways can ban bicycles, and cyclists are not allowed to violate such prohibitions. To learn more about the rising dangers cyclists face, visit the article discussing whether pedestrian deaths and injuries are increasing in Nevada.
Watch Out for Pedestrians on the Road
While there are several Nevada laws to protect pedestrians, in one year alone, 35 out of 243 traffic accident fatalities involved pedestrians. At crosswalks and intersections, pedestrians have the right of way to cross the street. However, pedestrians may not suddenly run into the road directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Pedestrians also need to yield to drivers when crossing the street where there is no crosswalk or intersection. At the same time, drivers have a responsibility to watch out for pedestrians and stop to avoid collisions. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, learn what you should do next after the accident.
If you’ve been injured while cycling or walking due to a negligent driver, you could face escalating, costly medical bills as well as lost wages due to an inability to work. Injury lawyers of Nevada can help people who have been hurt due to someone else’s dangerous behavior to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. For more information on legal support for cyclists, visit our Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyer page.
When you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash or pedestrian accident caused by someone else, contact an experienced Las Vegas law firm that can help you get what you deserve. Call The Schnitzer Law Firm at (702) 960-4050 or use our online form to set up a free consultation with our skilled personal injury attorneys.