Las Vegas Bike Accident Injury Attorney

Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Attorney: Get the Legal Support You Need

Were you or a loved one involved in a bicycle accident in Las Vegas? If so, connecting with a seasoned bicycle accident attorney can be essential to securing the compensation you deserve. At Heidari Law, our dedicated team offers free consultations to help you understand your options and next steps. During this consultation, we review all aspects of your case, including the accident’s location, the parties involved, and the unique circumstances surrounding the incident. With this information, we can provide a clearer estimate of potential compensation and guide you on the legal process.

Why Bicycle Accidents Are Particularly Dangerous

Bicycle accidents in Las Vegas can result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of cyclists on the road. When a cyclist is hit by a vehicle, the impact can be catastrophic, often leading to serious physical and emotional consequences. This makes it all the more crucial to have an experienced legal professional advocating for you. By partnering with a skilled Las Vegas attorney, you increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Q: What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Las Vegas?

A: Following a bicycle accident, prioritize seeking medical help, report the accident to local authorities, and document the scene if possible. Contacting a qualified bicycle accident attorney early on can also help you protect your rights and gather essential evidence for your case.

For more on accident prevention efforts in Las Vegas, see recent updates by NBC Los Angeles and ABC7 News.

Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to recent data from the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, approximately 100 bicycle accidents are reported each year, with around 80 of these resulting in serious injuries. Most of these accidents tend to occur between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., a period when visibility is reduced due to dusk and increased traffic congestion. Cyclists are especially vulnerable during these hours, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and using proper safety equipment.

Over the past few years, the Nevada Department of Transportation has responded to the rise in bicycle accidents with enhanced safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing accident rates. Despite these efforts, Las Vegas continues to see an increase in bicycle-related incidents annually. For the latest on these safety measures, check out coverage from FOX11 Los Angeles.

Q: Why are evening hours so dangerous for cyclists in Las Vegas?

A: Evening rush hours increase traffic congestion, and low-light conditions make it difficult for drivers to spot cyclists. Cyclists should take extra precautions, such as wearing reflective gear and using lights to increase visibility.

Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

When seeking legal representation for a bicycle accident, experience matters. At Heidari Law, our attorneys have a proven track record of handling bicycle accident cases in Las Vegas and are committed to ensuring our clients receive the support they need. From understanding Nevada’s specific traffic laws to building a solid case, our attorneys stand by you every step of the way.

Can I file suit for a bicycle accident in Las Vegas?

According to Nevada law, if you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a bicycle accident in Las Vegas, you retain the right to hold the negligent party accountable for any resulting damages. However, it’s important to note that securing a favorable outcome requires the expertise of a highly qualified attorney who can demonstrate that the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries.

One common cause of bicycle accidents is failure by bicyclists to obey standard crossing signals. This typically involves cyclists disregarding traffic signals at intersections or riding in lanes designated for vehicles. It’s imperative for all bicyclists to adhere to traffic laws and remain within designated bike lanes. Failure to do so can create confusion for drivers, increasing the risk of collisions. Riding against traffic flow or on sidewalks also heightens the likelihood of accidents, particularly collisions with pedestrians.

What causes bicycle accidents in Las Vegas?

• Speeding
• Failing to yield to oncoming vehicles
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Making an improper left or right turn
• Improper passing
• Inexperienced riders 
• Poor road conditions 
• Objects in the road 
• Nighttime riding
• Tailgating
• Blind spots

After an accident, you may not exactly remember how the accident occurred, and who or what contributed to it. Our Las Vegas attorneys will work for you to gather evidence, and determine the liable parties. While you focus on your injuries, we will take care of the rest. 

Give us a call today to discuss the next steps. We have accident investigators that will look into all the circumstances involving the accident to help us build a case in your favor, and to determine the causes of the accident.

Nevada Bicycle Laws

Nevada’s bicycle laws encompass various regulations that may pertain to your bicycle accident case. For instance, cyclists retain the right to share the road with other vehicles and are not strictly confined to using sidewalks.

1. Bicyclists are generally required to ride within designated bike lanes when available, or if absent, to remain on the right side of the road.
2. While Nevada does not mandate helmet use for cyclists, a defendant might argue that the absence of a helmet constitutes negligence contributing to the victim’s injuries.
3. Cyclists are expected to maintain a speed consistent with surrounding traffic.
4. Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible. They may veer left when making a turn or overtaking another vehicle, provided it is safe to do so.
5. Additionally, cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and near sidewalks.
6. They are also obliged to equip their bicycles with front and rear lights for visibility.

What Are the Most Common Types of Bicycle Injuries?

As a cyclist, you face complete exposure to vehicles, the road surface, and the ground below you. In the event of a bicycle accident, the injuries sustained can often be more severe compared to those involving other vehicles or pedestrians. The significant force exerted by vehicles can result in lasting and potentially life-altering injuries.

Head Injuries

In the event of a bicycle accident, a rider falling from their bike can sustain severe brain or head injuries. These may include concussions, contusions, brain hemorrhages, or skull fractures. While wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries, it does not offer complete protection against such injuries.

The injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can lead to temporary or permanent symptoms for the cyclist. Depending on the extent of the injuries, cyclists may experience side effects that have long-term effects on their cognitive abilities.

Chest Injuries

In the event of a cyclist falling from their bicycle during an accident, they may land on a hard surface, potentially resulting in injuries such as broken shoulder blades, collarbones, or ribs. In severe cases, the impact of the fall may cause these broken bones to puncture internal organs, leading to internal bleeding. Broken bones are a frequent occurrence in bicycle accidents.

Spinal Injuries

Another injury that a cyclist may sustain is a spinal injury. If a spinal injury occurs as a result of a bicycle accident, the cyclist may experience permanent back pain or even paralysis.

Internal injuries

A punctured lung is very common after being involved in a bicycle accident.

What If I Was Also at Fault for the Accident?

In Nevada, laws regarding comparative fault govern the compensation you could receive based on your level of liability, also known as fault. For instance, even if you were deemed 20% at fault, you could still be eligible for compensation. As long as your liability does not exceed 51%, you can recover damages. Determining liability and fault involves an investigation into the accident.

Presently, the Nevada Department of Transportation is making concerted efforts to decrease the number of bicycle accident fatalities in the state. A significant measure towards achieving this goal is the creation of more bike lanes, particularly in areas like the Las Vegas Strip. These dedicated bike lanes enable both vehicle drivers and bicyclists to share the road safely within their respective lanes.

What Should I Do After a Bike Accident in Las Vegas?

If you are a bicyclist involved in a bicycle accident in the state of Nevada, we advise that you take these steps to make sure that you get the medical and legal help you deserve.

• Call 911: A bicycle accident may cause very severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. If this is the case, you need to be treated right away. Many people are not aware that traumatic brain injuries may not become apparent until several days, or even weeks, after the accident. Whether you have pain or not, our attorneys recommend that you speak to a medical provider and get imaging done immediately. You may be suffering from symptoms of a severe injury and not know it.
• Call the police: When the Las Vegas Police Department arrives, they will write up an accident report. This report may be beneficial especially if the lawsuit is filed later on. This report will come in handy since it may provide all information of the other parties, including driver’s license, license plate, and contact information.
• Get the other driver’s information: If it is safe to do so, getting as much information from any other drivers involved can be a great help if a lawsuit results from your accident. Helpful information includes driver’s license, their home address, and phone number.
• Take photos of the property damage: Take pictures of both your bicycle and the other vehicle’s damage to aid in determining who was at fault for the accident.
• Get witness information: If there were any witnesses that saw or heard the accident occur, get any of their information if you can. Witnesses are likely to be interviewed by insurance companies or by attorneys depending on the lawsuit or claims filed.
• Contact our skilled Las Vegas attorneys: It is important to keep in mind that in Nevada, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. If you don’t file after the two years have run, you will lose your right to collect compensation, like medical bills, lost wages, and bicycle repairs/replacement. That is why we recommend speaking to our attorneys as soon as you can.

Heidari Law Group’s team of bicycle accident attorneys will investigate all possible causes of your accident so that you can maximize your claim.