Many Nevadans in Las Vegas, Reno, and other communities enjoy riding bicycles to enjoy themselves, exercise, and get where they need to go. However, cyclists are at a higher risk of injury than motor vehicle drivers and passengers. Before getting on your bike, it’s essential to understand the state’s bicycle laws to stay safe.
Below, learn about Nevada’s bicycle laws and related accident information. Then, talk to a bicycle accident attorney in your area if a driver injured you recently. You may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.
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Table of Contents
Rules Of The Road For Nevada Motorists
There are far too many bicycle accidents in Nevada, and many could be avoided.
For example, Las Vegas has about 490 bike accidents annually, causing approximately 438 injuries and eight deaths. In 2021, Las Vegas police reports stated that car drivers were to blame for 95 percent of bicycle accidents. Common problem areas for bicycle accidents in Las Vegas are:
- Sahara Avenue
- Maryland Parkway
- Boulder Highway and Nellis Boulevard
Unfortunately, most accidents involving bicyclists are caused by driver error, especially failing to yield at intersections and improper turning. Drivers need to remember that bicyclists have the same right to the road as they do. Car drivers can be liable in a personal injury claim or lawsuit if they hit a bicyclist on Nevada roads. Important rules for drivers to follow around bicyclists are:
- When passing a biker, you should move to the left lane when possible. Otherwise, you should allow at least three feet of clearance between your vehicle and the bike. You can be cited for causing an accident if you pass too close to the bicyclist. Also, a bicycle accident attorney and the injured party may file a lawsuit against you for damages.
- Yield to bikers when going through an intersection, just as you would for pedestrians and motor vehicles.
- Don’t park or drive in bicycle lanes unless there is an emergency.
Nevada Bicycle Laws Overview
Nevada’s bicycle laws are in Nevada Revised States 484B 760-783. These laws define a bicycle and state that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers must treat bicyclists the same as any other vehicle on the road. Drivers can be found liable if they injure a bicyclist and may be liable for damages.
The most crucial bicycle laws in Nevada are:
Nevada Bike Accident Laws
Most importantly, all drivers and bicyclists in Nevada should understand that they have a duty of care to be cautious on the road and obey all traffic laws. This means motor vehicle drivers must watch for bikers and ensure they do not injure them.
Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents in Nevada happen when a driver violates their duty of care and causes an accident. For example, a car driver may be distracted by their cell phone and hit a bicyclist while passing them. Or, the driver may hit them from behind at a stop sign. In either case, the driver is at fault and can be liable for damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Proving liability in a bike accident means finding out how it happened and proving it to the insurance company or jury. A bicycle accident attorney is experienced in determining how Nevada bicycle accidents happen and then holding the liable party to account. Substantial evidence that may prove liability in your bike accident are:
- Eyewitness testimony about how the accident happened.
- Traffic camera footage that shows how the crash occurred.
- Photos and videos taken at the crash scene by you or passersby.
- Physical evidence, including vehicle damage and positions after the accident.
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony.
- Police reports that cite the driver for the accident.
Nevada Helmet Law
In this state, you don’t need a bicycle helmet, but the Nevada Department of Transportation recommends that bicyclists wear helmets. You still can file a personal injury lawsuit if you weren’t wearing a helmet and a driver injures you in an accident.
Bicyclists Rights In Nevada
Every person on a bike on a public road in Nevada has the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Bicyclists must usually ride on the right side of the road, obey traffic signs and signals, and signal a turn with their arms. Additional rules for the road for bicyclists are:
- Stay as close to the right side of the road as possible, other than when turning or passing.
- Each person on a bike must be on a seat.
- Bicyclists may not attach a coaster, sled, toy car, or other vehicle.
- You should travel on a bicycle at a speed similar to traffic.
- When carrying anything, one hand must always be able to contact the bicycle.
Bike Riding Rules At Night
There are specific rules for riding a bike at night in this state. The bicycle should have the following on it:
- A white light must be attached to the front and visible from at least 500 feet away.
- A red reflector must be attached to the back and visible from 50-300 feet behind the bike.
- The bike must have reflectors on both sides and be visible at least 600 feet away with headlights.
- The bicycle must have brakes.
Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents with cars happen at night. The driver may not see the bicyclist and cause a severe or fatal accident. If a driver hits you at night, you should review your case with a bike accident attorney. It still may be possible to file a lawsuit against the driver even if they couldn’t see you in the dark.
Bike Interference Law In Nevada
Under Nevada law, throwing rocks, bottles, water, or anything else at bicyclists is illegal. Some drivers get frustrated by having to slow down for bikers and may throw objects at them, but this unlawful behavior can cause a severe accident.
Retain a personal injury attorney in Nevada if a car occupant throws an object at you and injures you.
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Filing A Bicycle Accident Lawsuit In Nevada
Drivers must follow the law to avoid injuring bicyclists on Nevada roads. When a car hits a biker, there can be severe and fatal injuries. You have the right to compensation in Nevada if you’re hit on your bike by a driver. Your injury attorney can help file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the liable party. These are the steps your attorney will typically follow:
File A Bicycle Accident Claim Or Lawsuit
If a driver injures you in a bicycle accident, your attorney will probably try to settle the claim with the liable driver’s insurance company. Nevada is a fault state for accidents, meaning the liable driver is usually responsible for paying the accident victim’s damages. Evidence that a bike accident attorney may present to the insurance company to prove liability are:
- Video surveillance footage
- Your medical records and expert testimony about your injuries
- Accident eyewitness statements
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Police reports
- Weather reports
- Video and photo evidence from the scene
Your bicycle accident lawyer may continue settlement negotiations as long as necessary to reach a fair settlement for your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. If the insurance company doesn’t offer enough compensation, your attorney may file a lawsuit against the driver or other party who injured you.
Who Can Be Sued?
The driver is usually sued in a Nevada bike accident case when a settlement can’t be reached. However, there are other potentially liable parties, depending on the case:
- The bicycle manufacturer, if a defective product or part caused the accident.
- The driver’s employer, if they were working when the crash happened. A typical example is a delivery driver on their route hitting a bicyclist. The employer can be vicariously liable for your injuries if you can prove the driver was working.
- The local government, if improper road design or maintenance, contributed to the crash.
It’s critical to promptly retain a seasoned bicycle accident attorney so they can find the liable person or party and hold them accountable. Your bicycle accident injuries can be severe, even permanent, so you should maximize your compensation in your claim.
There are several potential claims you can make after a bicycle accident in Nevada:
- Negligence: This is the most common type, in which the accident victim is hurt because the defendant violates their duty of care.
- Negligence per se: This is when you are hurt in a crash because the defendant violated a traffic rule intended to protect you.
- Strict liability applies if you are hurt because of a bicycle defect, such as a flaw in the wheel that causes you to be thrown over the handlebars.
- Wrongful death: This would be if you died in the accident and your family had to file a claim on your behalf.
Nevada Bicycle Accident Statute Of Limitations
You have a limited time in Nevada to file a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident. Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. Ensure you retain a bicycle accident attorney quickly after the accident so you aren’t too late to sue for damages.
What Is A Nevada Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Worth?
Imagine that a car hit you on The Strip in Las Vegas, and you broke several bones in your leg and foot. You will want to know who will pay for your damages and how much. There’s no way to say what a ‘typical’ bicycle accident claim is worth because there are many variables. However, we can say that the following factors usually affect the case value:
The Severity Of Injuries
Someone with severe bicycle accident injuries will usually have a higher settlement than someone with minor injuries. Suppose you shattered your leg when a car ran a red light and hit you. It may take months or even years to reach maximum medical improvement or MMI. The case value would be higher than if you had cuts and bruises only from the accident.
Amount Of Medical Bills
What if you are severely injured in the crash and need several surgeries to stabilize three broken vertebrae? You will expect your case value to be higher because there will be at least $50,000 or more in medical bills. You may need months of medical care beyond your initial surgeries, too.
Evidence Of Fault
The case value increases if the defendant caused the bike accident and there is overwhelming evidence. For example, suppose the driver ran a red light and hit you. Several witnesses saw the accident, and there is surveillance camera footage. The case value would be higher than if there were no witnesses, and it’s your word against the driver.
Amount Of Insurance
Nevada requires all drivers to have auto insurance, but the minimum liability coverage is only $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. A severe bicycle accident injury can have hundreds of thousands in medical bills. It may be challenging to recover maximum compensation if the driver has minimal coverage.
On the other hand, if the driver was working during the crash, more insurance coverage may be available. Talk to your personal injury lawyer about the details of your accident. They know how to uncover all potentially liable parties and applicable insurance policies.
Willingness To Compromise
The size of your settlement also may be affected by both parties’ willingness to compromise. You may get a faster resolution to the case if you are willing to settle for less than the maximum you seek. You may need to take the case to trial if you want the most compensation. But there is no guarantee you will win, so talk to your injury lawyer attorney about the best-case compensation.
Contact A Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
Were you recently injured in an auto accident on your bike? You may be overwhelmed with painful, severe injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma. Bicycle accident victims in Nevada might be entitled to compensation if a driver injured them in an accident. Speak to a Nevada personal injury attorney in your city today for a complimentary legal consultation.