Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Fighting For Bicycle Accident Victims in Nevada
There are astounding numbers of recreational cyclists in the Las Vegas area. Thanks to the area’s warm climate, thousands of individuals rely on bicycles to help them get around or for exercise in Nevada. Unfortunately, motorists frequently fail to notice bikers or give them adequate space on the road, even when they are traveling in designated bike lanes. If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced lawyer can help you obtain compensation for the related losses.
According to PeopleForBikes’s bicycle transportation study, 50 percent of adults in the United States are worried about getting hit by a car when they ride their bikes. At Christiansen Trial Lawyers, our bicycle accident attorneys stand up for the rights of injured bikers in Las Vegas and are determined to make the roads safer for bicyclists by holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions. We understand that bicyclists have the same rights as drivers, and we vigorously work to uphold those rights.
Fill out our form online or call our firm at (702) 357-9977 for straightforward and compassionate service from our bicycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas. Achieving your legal goals is our highest priority.
Common Bicycle Accident-Related Injuries in Nevada
Nevada classifies bicycles as vehicles, which means that bicyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Drivers must also give cyclists the same respect they’d give other drivers: according to Nevada’s vulnerable user law, all drivers must give three feet of space to bicyclists on single-lane roads and one full lane of distance on highways.
Drivers are also expected to give bicyclists the right of way at intersections and crosswalks. Despite the number of laws designed to protect bicyclists on the road, accidents still occur when drivers are behaving carelessly. Unfortunately, bicyclists often suffer severe injuries and fatalities because they don’t have the protection that cars have, such as airbags and seat belts.
Because bikers are virtually unprotected while riding, a collision with a vehicle can result in a range of serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Abrasions
- Wrongful death
Contact our Las Vegas bicycle accident attorneys at (702) 357-9977. During a free initial consultation, we can provide a straightforward evaluation and explain your options.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Drivers can injure bicyclists in the same way they injure other drivers and passengers on the road. Distracted driving is a major cause of bicycle accidents because when drivers aren’t focused on their surroundings, they may miss a bicyclist traveling in their blind spot or in the bike lane when they’re about to make a turn. Drivers can seriously harm cyclists when they cut them off in the bike lane or drive too closely behind them.
Other forms of driver negligence that can contribute to bicycle accidents include:
- Speeding: It’s a known fact that the faster you drive, the less time you have to respond to a situation like slowed traffic before you cause a collision. Drivers can seriously harm bicyclists when they speed and don’t have time to stop for a bicyclist crossing the street, or when they lose control of their vehicle and hit a cyclist on the side of the road.
- Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers have difficulty focusing on the road and their blurred vision as well as their distracted nature can prevent them from noticing a bicyclist riding beside or in front of them. Drivers are also more likely to run stop signs and red lights, putting other drivers and bicyclists in danger.
- Reckless driving: Drivers who fail to follow road laws are said to be reckless, which is also considered negligence. Some common types of reckless driving include running stop signs or red lights, changing lanes without signaling or looking in your blind spots, and driving above the speed limit. Drivers can also harm bicyclists in parking lots and driveways when they fail to check their mirrors or backup cams when they’re backing out.
While many bike accidents are caused by driver negligence, they can also be caused by other factors. Some bikers are attacked or bitten by dogs while riding. Others experience problems caused by defective bicycle parts. Whether you were injured by a negligent driver on the roadway or someone you love suffered fatal injuries in another type of bike accident, our Las Vegas bicycle accident attorneys are here to help.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Following a bicycle accident, taking specific steps can significantly impact the success of a claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical care ensures injuries are treated and documented, providing essential evidence for the claim.
- Report the Accident: Filing a police report creates an official record of the incident, which is valuable for the claim.
- Gather Evidence: Compile the contact information of witnesses, photograph the accident scene, and preserve damaged property.
- Consult an Attorney: Engaging with experienced Las Vegas bicycle accident attorneys early in the process ensures legal rights are protected, and the claim is effectively managed.
