Pedaling Safely in Nevada: Your Bicycle Rights and Recourse

With an uptick in bicycle traffic, Nevada’s streets are becoming a playground for enthusiasts who see cycling as a form of exercise and an eco-friendly commute option. Yet, the increased bicycle footprint also brings an uptick in potential risks. Collisions involving bicycles can result in significant injuries and financial challenges.

Post-Accident Protocol: Your First Steps

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Documenting injuries not only aids recovery but also serves as crucial evidence.
2. Preserve evidence. Snap pictures of the accident location, gather witness contacts, and note vehicle details.
3. Report to the local police. An incident report is often pivotal, especially if there’s notable injury or property damage.
4. When ready, consider pursuing a personal injury claim to address the financial implications resulting from the mishap.

What Shapes Your Compensation Potential?

To substantiate your claim and increase your chances of compensation, consider the following factors:

• Demonstrating Negligence To support your claim, you must show that the driver’s recklessness disregarded their duty towards you as a cyclist.
• Act Timely Nevada’s two-year window for personal injury claims is non-negotiable. Delaying your claim might diminish your chances of receiving compensation.
• Shared Fault: If you share some responsibility for the mishap, Nevada’s “modified comparative negligence” rule will adjust your compensation accordingly.

Riding Right: The Laws of the Land

Nevada’s NRS 484B.270 is the cyclist’s guidebook detailing your rights and responsibilities as a bicycle rider. Some key highlights include:

• The Three-Foot Rule: Motorists must maintain a three-foot distance when overtaking a cyclist.
• Helmet Requirements: though mandatory only for those under 18, wearing a helmet can influence your claim’s dynamics.

Nevada allows victims to approach the at-fault driver for damages rather than limiting them to their own insurance providers.

Your Settlement: Breaking it Down

The size of your potential settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the driver’s degree of fault. In Nevada, your claim can cover:

1. Economic Damages Tangible costs like healthcare bills, property repair, and lost wages.
2. Non-Economic Damages Intangible impacts like emotional distress, pain, and suffering.
3. Punitive Damages These are rare but impactful and can be levied when the offender’s behavior is exceptionally reckless, serving as a deterrent for future misconduct.

The Role of a Skilled Attorney

A seasoned personal injury lawyer can be your lighthouse, guiding you through the tumultuous waters of legal proceedings. Their expertise can be invaluable in various aspects of your case:

• Accident Analysis – comprehensive evidence collection, witness interviews, and accident recreation to solidify your case.
• Quantifying Damages – a full damage assessment ensures your claim accurately reflects your losses.
• Insurance Negotiations – battling insurance companies can be tough; let your lawyer be the buffer to ensure a fair deal.
• Courtroom Advocacy -if negotiations stall, your attorney will be ready to make your case in court, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

If you’ve encountered a rocky road after a cycling accident in Nevada, remember that you have rights and recourse to seek compensation for your losses. Safety should always be your priority, but knowing the legal aspects and having a skilled attorney by your side can help you navigate the path to recovery and justice. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Shook & Stone at 702-570-0000 for a complimentary case consultation.