Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Fighting For Bicycle Accident Victims in Nevada
Over recent years, urban areas nationwide have seen a surge in bicycling’s popularity. In Las Vegas, this trend brings health and environmental benefits, but also increases the risk of serious bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. The Nevada Department of Transportation reported more than 580 bicycle-motor vehicle accidents statewide in 2010.
Because bicycles are less conspicuous on the road and often do not travel with the flow of motorized traffic, drivers may not always exercise proper caution nearby. When negligence leads to a crash, you or your loved ones deserve strong legal representation. Contact Burris & Thomas, LLC today. Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys have over four decades of experience successfully holding negligent parties accountable for our clients’ pain and losses.
Get the representation you need to pursue rightful compensation. Call our bicycle accident attorney in Las Vegas at (702) 529-3101 for a free case evaluation.
Common Causes for Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are most common in urban area where streets are busy and traffic can be heavy. Roadways dense with traffic signage, like intersections, are also frequent sites of collisions involving bicyclists.
Common causes for road collisions involving bicyclists include:
- Motorist failure to properly signal
- Motorist drift into bicycle proximity
- Motorist making turn or lane change without looking
- Motorist exiting vehicle without looking (door accidents)
- Lack of motorist vigilance in low visibility conditions (rain, weather, etc.)
Any of these causes constitute negligence on the driver's part and, if someone was hurt, makes them vulnerable to civil action. You do not have to suffer through your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses following your injury without fighting for the restitution you deserve. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Burris & Thomas, LLC are ready to stand by your side and assist you exhaust every available legal avenue in pursuit of the relief you need.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can significantly influence both your physical recovery and your ability to secure compensation. Your health comes first—move to safety if possible, check for injuries, and immediately call 911 to request emergency assistance if needed. Even if your injuries seem minor, consult a medical provider, as many cycling-related injuries are not apparent at first. Next, document the scene: take detailed photos of the accident location, vehicles involved, your bicycle, and any visible injuries. Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details for both the driver and any witnesses. This on-the-ground information is essential for your Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney to build a compelling claim.
As soon as possible, report the accident to local authorities. In Las Vegas, you are required to report accidents involving injury or significant property damage to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or the Nevada Highway Patrol. Secure a copy of the police report for your records, as insurance companies and attorneys will also rely on this documentation. Before communicating with any insurance company—especially the at-fault driver’s insurer—consult with a trusted bicycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas, such as Burris & Thomas, LLC. Our legal team will ensure your statements protect your rights and prevent insurers from minimizing your compensation. We provide step-by-step support, utilizing our knowledge of local Clark County processes to help clients navigate all case details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury and bicycle accident claims is two years from the date the incident occurred. This applies to accidents that result in injuries, property damage, or fatalities involving cyclists. Taking action early is essential: investigating the crash, obtaining police reports, and dealing with insurance companies all require time. Depending on the facts of your case, shorter or slightly longer deadlines may apply—for example, if your claim is against a government entity or involves a minor. Failing to file before the limitation period expires will almost always result in losing your right to seek legal remedies. Burris & Thomas, LLC initiates claims immediately, ensuring the timely filing of documents and evidence preservation. Early legal action allows us to obtain witness statements and accident details while they are still fresh, supporting your position as efficiently and effectively as possible.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accident victims in Las Vegas may be eligible to recover compensation for a broad array of losses, depending on the nature and extent of their injuries. Typical recoverable damages include medical costs, ongoing or future care, lost earnings, reduced future earning capacity, damage to property or vehicles, and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving severe negligence, punitive damages may be available. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we meticulously account for both your immediate and future needs when building your claim, drawing on our extensive experience with insurance negotiations and local court proceedings. We are committed to providing comprehensive advocacy for every client, ensuring claims reflect the full impact of the accident on your life and finances. By collaborating closely with you throughout the process, we help maximize the compensation you receive for your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
How Is Fault Determined After a Bicycle Accident?
Fault in Las Vegas bicycle accidents is established by evaluating the full spectrum of available evidence, including crash scene photographs, witness statements, police reports, and compliance with Nevada traffic laws. Nevada uses a comparative negligence standard—if both the cyclist and the driver contributed to the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your share of fault. For example, a cyclist who did not use lights at night or who disobeyed a traffic signal could be assigned partial responsibility. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we conduct comprehensive investigations by consulting professional accident reconstructionists, analyzing available video footage, and gathering eyewitness accounts. Our priority is to limit unwarranted fault attribution to our clients, presenting a strong, fact-based narrative to judges, juries, and insurance adjusters. By capitalizing on our knowledge of Clark County’s legal landscape and local courtroom practices, we give you the best chance at a fair and just recovery.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the legal support you deserve. Our Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help you understand your legal rights and fight for full compensation for your injuries, lost earnings, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us guide you through every step of the recovery process. We’re committed to protecting cyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable.
Contact us today to get started with our Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyer.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
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Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
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What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
