Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas
If you walk or bike the streets in Las Vegas, you share the roads and streets with other motor vehicles. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die, and more than 130,000 people are injured in crashes that occur on the roads in the United States every year, according to cdc.gov.
As a pedestrian or cyclist, you are more vulnerable to car accidents and collisions, especially in Las Vegas. Nevada has a higher than the national average of bike accidents in the Las Vegas area.
- Nearly 75 percent of fatal bike accidents occur in large cities, and Las Vegas is no exception.
- 80 percent of accidents occur during the day, while most fatal accidents occur at night
- 73 percent of severe bike accidents happen as a result of an error by the driver or bicycle rider
Las Vegas bike accident injuries can result in significant damage to the body and face, including lost or broken teeth, eye or vision damage, broken limbs, and severe road rashes that can cause permanent scarring.
Suffering from these injuries long-term and managing the aftermath can result in extensive medical treatment and expenses, loss of quality of life, loss of short- and long-term wages, bodily trauma, and more. After a collision with a motor vehicle, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas to discuss your potential bicycle accident claim and possible compensation for your bicycle crash. Call: (702) 935-4144.
If I Cause a Bike Accident, What is the Protocol in Las Vegas?
When sharing the road, it is essential for both drivers and bicyclists to be acutely aware of their surroundings. This awareness is critical not only for protecting others but also for avoiding personal danger and potential bodily harm while driving or biking. In Nevada, specific laws govern how drivers must respond if they collide with a bicyclist, underscoring the importance of road safety and legal compliance. If a driver finds themselves involved in such a collision, they are required to uphold five key legal duties:
- Stop and Exchange Insurance Information: The first and foremost duty is to stop immediately at the scene of the accident. This involves exchanging relevant insurance details with the bicyclist or any other parties involved. This information is vital for processing claims and ensuring that all parties have the necessary data to manage the aftermath of the accident.
- Move to Safety: After ensuring it is safe to do so, drivers should move their vehicle out of oncoming traffic and onto the side of the road. This action helps prevent further accidents and protects everyone involved from additional danger.
- Call 9-1-1 for Assistance: If anyone at the scene is injured or requires medical attention, it is crucial to contact emergency services by calling 9-1-1. Prompt medical assistance can make a significant difference in the outcome for injured parties.
- Notify the Police: If any injuries occur as a result of the accident, the driver must notify the police immediately. Law enforcement will respond to the scene, provide assistance, and file an official police report. This report is an important document for both legal proceedings and insurance claims, as it details the circumstances of the accident.
- Report to the DMV: In the case of serious accidents, drivers are also required to report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), unless the police report already fulfills this requirement. This step ensures that all legal obligations are met and that the accident is officially recorded.
These legal obligations apply not only to bicycle accidents but also extend to all motor vehicle incidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and pedestrians. Failure to adhere to these rules can have serious consequences, including being interpreted as fleeing the scene of an accident. If serious injuries are involved, this could result in additional legal penalties and complications.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have caused a bicycle accident, it is essential to understand your rights and the potential consequences you may face. Navigating the aftermath of such an incident can be complex, and having knowledgeable legal representation can make a significant difference. For guidance and support, consider booking an initial consultation with Fuller Law Practice. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are ready to review your case and provide the legal assistance you need: (702) 935-4144.
What are Common Bike Accidents and Injuries?
Most bicyclist deaths and injuries occur in urban areas like Las Vegas. It’s no surprise that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 75 percent of bicycle accidents occur in busy cities.
There are many reasons collisions happen, considering why car accidents occur in the first place. They are one of the number one causes of personal injury claims. Common bicycle accident injuries in Las Vegas include speeding, drunk and distracted driving, reckless driving, failure to yield, fatigue or drowsy driving, and inexperienced teen drivers.
Both cyclists and drivers must follow the rules of the road, as both can be at fault for causing an accident. Bicyclists can experience minor or severe injuries depending on the collision or impact of the vehicle, especially if higher speeds were involved.
A bicycle accident can change a person’s quality of life in an instant, and injuries can range from minor scrapes, bruises, cuts, and road rash to more extreme bodily harm such as facial and tooth fractures, rib fractures, ruptured spleen, pancreatic trauma, hernia, bowel, and renal contusions.
Discussing your bicycle accident with Las Vegas bike accident attorneys is essential if you sustained serious injuries, even if you believe you are partially at fault. The driver could face potential penalties for hitting you and owe you compensation for the damages. If you have suffered injuries and are seeking compensation, contact the bicycle accident lawyers of Fuller Law Practice.
What Laws Must Bikers and Drivers Follow?
Bicycles are not considered vehicles, nor are they in the same category as motorcycles in Las Vegas. However, cyclists are required to follow most of the same traffic rules of the road as drivers for safety reasons. Also, bicyclists can get traffic tickets for violating laws the same way drivers can.
The rules for bicyclists are as follows:
- Ride with the traffic flow as far right on the road as possible
- Use hand signals before turning
- Keep one hand on the handlebar at all times
Helmets are not required by law, though wearing the appropriate safety gear is an essential step in protecting your body from trauma. Getting hit by a car on a bike is much different from getting hit by another car while you’re inside a vehicle. Bicycle accident victims, unfortunately, suffer the most severe injuries in collisions.
As a driver, you must be careful when driving next to a bicyclist, especially at intersections. Turning vehicles must yield to bicyclists; on single-lane roads, they must keep at least a three-foot distance while passing bicyclists.
Direct any questions regarding traffic safety laws to an Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney with Fuller Law Practice. Book a consultation by calling: (702) 935-4144.
How Can a Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
After a bicycle accident, you might wonder who is at fault – you, the driver, or both. These are natural questions, though action can be taken in various circumstances. There are several potential bicycle accident claims we, as attorneys at Fuller Law Practice, can pursue on your behalf, depending on the circumstances of your bicycle accident injuries.
Our approach could include building a case around:
- Negligence and careless driving
- Negligence per se
- Wrongful death (if applicable)
- Defective product
Victims of a bicycle accident may be able to recover money for doctor’s bills and hospital stays, rehabilitation, and treatment, loss of future earnings, and reimbursement for any property damage, pain, and suffering.
Family members of a deceased victim can also pursue a wrongful death claim and likely get compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support, among others. Whatever the bicycle accident case, we will help you recover what you’ve lost.
Don’t be left wondering what could be had you picked up the phone and consulted with a experienced bicycle accident attorney in Las Vegas.
When you book a consultation—there’s a lot you can learn about your potential bicycle accident lawsuit in an hour. Contact Fuller Law Practice and speak with our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Las Vegas to find out what your bike accident claim might be worth. Call: (702) 935-4144.