Bicycle accidents

In recent years, biking has become one of the most popular sports worldwide. Regardless of whether people ride bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, for exercise, or just for leisure, it is important to take safety precautions whenever riding. Bicycle accidents are common and quite serious, as riders have to share the roads with motor vehicles. Bicycle accidents can often be more devastating when they involve motor vehicles because the size and weight of the bicycle is significantly smaller than that of motor vehicles on the road.  When accidents occur, cyclists are often subject to heavier impacts than any motorist involved. If you have been injured in a Las Vegas bicycle accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact Lawrence C. Hill & Associates to discuss your case with our legal team today.

In the state of Nevada, bicycles hold the same rights as other vehicles on the road. Motorists must share the far-right lane and yield to cyclists as they would to any other vehicle or pedestrian. When the driver of a motor vehicle is negligent, they can cause serious accidents, including bicycle accidents. Driver negligence is one of the major causes of accidents but it spans a lot of different issues, including reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigue, texting behind the wheel, and more. There are many other reasons that a bicycle accident may occur. Some of the possible reasons may include the following:

  • Motorists who fail to pay proper attention to cyclists
  • Motorists who do not provide enough space for cyclists
  • Motorists who are unable to estimate the speed of bicycles
  • Illegal U-Turns
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Uneven pavement
  • Poor visibility
  • Lack of cycling lane
  • Cyclists are not riding safely with traffic

When an individual is injured in a bicycle accident in Las Vegas, chances are they are suffering from serious injuries as well. Some injuries that are commonly attributed to bicycle accidents include broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, among others. Of course, these injuries have a lasting impact on the victim, not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, an accident victim may be able to recover significant damages, which is a form of compensation for one’s injuries. There are two categories of damages, economic and noneconomic. Economic damages compensate an individual for the financial burdens that the accident caused them, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the need to hire outside help. Noneconomic damages compensate an individual for the other burdens they face, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident
Of course, if a person chooses to do so, they may purchase additional coverage. Nevada offers an option to purchase MedPay, which acts as a no-fault policy that covers injuries to drivers and their passengers. In addition, it pays the medical expenses for pedestrian accidents.