Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in not only the United States, but also the state of Nevada. Because the majority of bicycle accidents occur between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist, the injuries are often severe. While some believe that the number of bicycle accidents is due to an increase of residents relying on their bicycles as their main source of transportation, others believe that road conditions are unsafe for cyclists. Most, however, would agree that plans should be put in place to protect Nevada’s bicyclists.
Do you worry about your safety when bicycling Las Vegas’ roads? Have you been involved in a bicycle accident that left you with painful injuries and a fear of bicycling? Our bicycle accident lawyers at Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC are here to help. Get in touch with us today at (702) 878-2889.
How Common Are Las Vegas Bicycle Accidents?
While bicycle accidents do occur in the city of Las Vegas, statistics show that the city is below the nations’ average. The number of fatal accidents increased sharply over the last decade. More recently, those numbers have begun to decline in the city of Las Vegas. This does not negate the severity of injuries of those who are involved in a bicycle accident. When bicycle accidents lead to any number of fatalities, there is room for improvement.
The number of bicycle fatalities in Las Vegas in 2017 was nine, eight in 2018, and seven in 2019. These numbers, however, do not include statistics for non-fatal bicycle accidents. Additionally, the rate of both fatal and non-fatal accidents tends to be higher in cities outside of Las Vegas.
Ways to Reduce Las Vegas Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle safety requires the careful attention of the bicyclist, motor vehicle drivers, other pedestrians on the road, and proper planning from the city and state.
State and city officials can improve bicycle safety by making it easier to identify bicyclists on the road. This includes:
- Brighter colored bicycle lanes
- Larger bicycle lane signs
- Crosswalks with flashing lights
- Greater awareness and targeting of impaired drivers
Bicyclists can also take certain safety precautions, including:
- Know the local bike laws
- Take recreational biking to parks and trails
- Bike in larger groups
- Wear bright clothing or reflective patches
- Ride with traffic, rather than against it
- Avoid drinking and bicycling
- Always wear a helmet
<
The state of Nevada requires both bicyclists and vehicle drivers to follow the local laws. Also, both always need to be aware of their surroundings.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents tend to be more severe than vehicle accidents because of the nature of the impact and the lack of protective features. A bicycle accident can leave you with injuries like , back problems, broken bones, ruptured discs, torn ligaments, pulled muscles, deep wounds and lacerations, and internal injuries. Bicycle injuries can also be life-threatening, so it is important to receive medical care as soon as possible.
What to Do If You are Involved in a Bicycle Accident
A lot might be going through your mind immediately following a bicycle accident but taking the necessary steps can protect you and your ability to seek compensation later. One of the first things that you should do following a bicycle accident is to seek medical help. Even if you feel fine, it is possible that you have serious injuries that are masked. Waiting to seek medical care for these injuries can make them worse and make it difficult, if not impossible, to connect them to the bicycle accident.
Once you have received the medical care that you need, preserve any evidence that may help your case. Things like photographs or videos from the scene of the accident or the contact information of witnesses may be important in building your case later on. It is also important to file a police report with the local Las Vegas (or appropriate city) police department. They will document the events of the accident and may be able to identify any driver wrongdoing, like driving under the influence.
It can also be helpful to reach out to a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible, even if you are not yet sure if you are eligible for a case. Not only are personal injury lawsuits time-sensitive in the state of Nevada, but your lawyer can also take a lot of the stress off your case. They will handle all communications with the other party or your insurance company. They can also begin collecting evidence, while you focus on your recovery.
Reach Out to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Were you injured in a bicycle accident in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area? Ease some of the stress that comes with a personal injury by choosing an experienced Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC attorney that you trust to represent you. You can reach us at (702) 878-2889 or you can fill out our convenient online form.