Bicycle accidents cause thousands of injuries each year in Nevada. On July 4, a cyclist was struck by an SUV in Las Vegas. The victim suffered serious injuries and may have to miss work for several weeks while she recovers from her broken ribs, cuts, bumps, and bruises. Although Las Vegas desires to be a safe city for cyclists, it has a long way to go to achieve that goal.
If you have been hurt in a bike crash anywhere in Nevada, a Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyer could help you recover compensation from the person who caused your injuries. Contact the seasoned auto accident attorneys at Shook & Stone today for a free consultation and to learn about your legal rights.
Dangerous Roads in the Area
The City of Las Vegas is a popular destination for bicyclists due to its mild climate, scenic views, and endless entertainment options. Unfortunately, the city also has a high rate of bicycle accidents. According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, there were over 400 reported bicycle accidents in Las Vegas in 2017, resulting in nearly 200 reported injuries and five fatalities. [1]
In 2018, the number of bicycle accidents in Las Vegas decreased slightly, but the number of reported injuries and fatalities increased. This is why it’s important to take all necessary safety precautions when riding a bike in Las Vegas and to always wear a helmet.
Las Vegas is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States, but it also happens to be one of the most dangerous places for bicycles. This is because Las Vegas has many wide roads with high-speed limits, and there is little to no shoulder on which to ride.
The city’s numerous bike paths wind around casinos and other destinations, which may be convenient, but they also force bicyclists to share the road with motor vehicles. Many roads do not have adequate bike lane striping or signage, and motor vehicle drivers are often distracted because of all of the casinos and tourist attractions in Las Vegas.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. In Las Vegas, some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Bad Weather
Inclement weather, such as rain and snow, can make it difficult for cyclists to see or maintain control of their bikes, leading to cycling accidents.
Driver Negligence
Negligent drivers on the city streets who are distracted, impaired, or recklessly speeding can cause serious harm to cyclists. Distracted drivers often fail to yield the right of way and turn without checking for cyclists.
Mechanical Issues
If a bike has a mechanical issue, such as loose brakes or gears, the cyclist may be unable to stop the bike or control it, resulting in an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, and cracked pavement can be dangerous to cyclists. Even minor defects in the roads can cause a cyclist to lose balance or fall off their bike.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights.
Immediately following an accident, it is essential that you seek medical attention for any bike accident injuries that you may have sustained.
Ask someone to document the scene of the accident by taking pictures of the vehicles involved and writing down contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
Common Types of Injuries After Being Hit by An Automobile
After being struck by an automobile, bicycle riders can experience a variety of injuries. The most common injuries suffered after a bicycle accident include:
Brain Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Bicyclists can suffer from a traumatic brain injury when they are hit by a car. The force of the impact will cause the brain to bounce around inside your skull, and it can be thrown against the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or other damage. This type of injury may result in permanent impairments.
Broken ribs and internal organ damage
The force of an impact can cause a person to be thrust forward inside the car. This can result in broken bones and internal bleeding.
Damage to internal organs
This can happen when the force of an accident causes internal organs to rupture or tear, causing blood to leak into the body’s tissues, which can be life-threatening.
Damage to ligaments in the knees, elbows, and ankles
When a person is involved in a bicycle accident, the ligaments in the knees, elbows, and ankles can be damaged due to the sudden and forceful impact of the accident. Ligaments are tough connective tissues that connect bones to each other, providing stability and movement to the joints.
Facial injuries
Broken noses, missing teeth, and permanent scarring are all serious side effects of being hit by a car while riding your bike.
Neck and Spine Injuries
The head is thrown back during an accident, causing the neck to be strained or broken. Some bike accident victims have a permanent disability from a neck injury such as a result of spinal cord injuries, including paralysis, numbness, or loss of sensation.
When you flip over your bike (or get pushed off), your body can twist, and the spine can be severely damaged, causing paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
If you have been hit by a motor vehicle in Las Vegas, you may suffer mandatory medical costs, loss of income, and pain.
In the hospital, you will most likely receive an x-ray to ensure that your physical injuries are not life-threatening. Depending on the severity of the injuries, doctors may remove small glass particles with tweezers or apply pressure to internal bleeding with a bandage.
To ensure that you do not suffer additional injury, medical experts may apply ice and pressure to your wounds or even immobilize fractured limbs in a cast or sling.
Medical costs for treatment in Nevada will depend on the extent of injuries suffered as well as your health insurance coverage.
If you do not have medical insurance, you will have to pay deductibles and co-payments out of your own pocket. Depending on the type and severity of injuries, treatment can take several weeks or even months.
Nevada Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accident Injuries
Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for personal injury is two years. You may not be able to receive compensation for your injuries if you miss the deadline.
Common Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident victims in Las Vegas may be entitled to receive compensation for their damages. In a successful lawsuit, the court will award monetary damages to the victim, which they can use to cover:
- Lost wages – Victims of bicycle accidents in Las Vegas can receive financial compensation for lost income due to time off from work or a reduction in hours. This amount is based on the amount of income lost due to the injury.
- Medical bills – Victims are entitled to receive compensation for medical bills incurred due to the injury, including hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication costs.
- Pain and suffering – The court may award damages for emotional pain and suffering that a victim endured as a result of their devastating injuries. This includes any physical, mental, or emotional distress caused by the accident.
It is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible after a bicycle accident in order to file a bicycle crash claim. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, your lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced Las Vegas bike crash attorneys at Shook & Stone will be able to negotiate with the insurance company or other responsible parties and ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your damages.
In addition to negotiating with the insurance company, our bike accident lawyers can also file a lawsuit if necessary in order to get the compensation that you deserve.
Our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas are familiar with the state’s bicycle accident laws and can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Attorneys
At Shook & Stone, we provide compassionate legal representation for bicycle accident victims in Las Vegas and throughout the state of Nevada.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another party, our experienced bicycle injury attorneys can help you receive full and fair compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
We understand how complicated navigating the legal system can be, and our personal injury lawyers are here to walk you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation to talk with an experienced Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyer.
Source:
[1] Movement, P. P. (2022, November 8). Las Vegas Bicycle Safety Overview – People Powered Movement. People Powered Movement. https://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/las-vegas-bicycle-safety-overview/
