Table of Contents
Experienced Boulder City, Nevada Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You
Like many other areas, on the roads of Boulder City, bicycle riders are exposed to countless dangers while sharing the road with motor vehicles.
Some of these dangers may have caused you or a loved one to be involved in a bicycle crash in Boulder City, causing severe injuries and damage.
While these damages and injuries may seem devesting you may be entitled to finaincal compensation to cover the expenses and pain caused by the bike accident, however obtaining an fair finaincal settlement can be complex, which is way it's highly recommcded you work with the Boulder bicycle accident lawyers at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm who have over 20 years of legal experience.
Schedule a free consultation and learn your potential legal options with an attorney today by calling our law offices.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
Contact Attorney Rodney OkanoClient Reviews
See why clients choose us to represent them in their legal matters.
Good people ,excellent service ,really on point and guide you from A -Z, im really happy with them ,highly recommend to families and friend and thank you so so much to helping us
Thank you for helping me on my car accident case.
Bicycle Laws in Boulder City
Bicyclists in Boulder City have rights equal to motorists, such as using full lanes for safety and passing only when safe. Drivers must yield at intersections and provide three feet of space when overtaking cyclists.
Adhering to these laws ensures safer sharing of roads between vehicles and bicycles.
Key Traffic Regulations Related to Boulder City Bicyclists
In Boulder City, Nevada, cyclists have legal rights to road use similar to motor vehicles. Key rules include riding in the right lane unless overtaking or turning left and yielding at intersections.
Drivers must maintain a three-foot clearance when passing bikes and cannot drive on bike-specific paths. Both motorists and cyclists are expected to adhere to all traffic laws outlined under Nevada law.
Rights of Cyclists on Public Roads
Cyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles to use public roads. They must adhere to traffic laws, including riding in the right lane and following traffic signals and signs.
Drivers are required to yield to cyclists at intersections, maintain a safe distance when passing, and avoid biking paths and sidewalks designated for bicycles.
Both motorists and cyclists share responsibility for road safety and owe a duty of care to each other.
Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident in Boulder City
After a bicycle accident, you have the right to file personal injury claims for your injuries against those at fault. Key steps in bringing a claim against a negligent driver include:
- Finishing medical treatment for your bicycle accident injuries
- Gathering evidence
- Filing a claim with the responsible driver's insurance company
- Working with an experienced Boulder City bicycle accident lawyer
Rights to File a Personal Injury Claim
Victims of bicycle accidents, like others injured by another's negligence, can pursue a personal injury case to seek financial compensation. Eligibility to file a claim requires proving the other party's fault and showing injuries or losses.
Claims are pursued against at-fault parties' insurance companies or directly in court if necessary, often requiring the help of a Boulder City bicycle accident attorney to navigate the complex legal process behind filing a claim.
Common damages sought in personal injury cases stemming from bike accidents include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering, depending on injury severity and impact on quality of life.
How to Identify Negligent Parties
Negligence can be determined by examining whether a duty of care was owed and breached, and led directly to an injury. Common forms of negligence include failing to follow traffic laws or failing to practice safe driving practices, such as checking for cyclists.
Additionally, assessing witness statements and gathering evidence like photos from the accident scene can support claims of negligence. If problems arise, the Boulder bicycle accident attorneys from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm can help determine liability in your personal injury case and secure compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Boulder City
Bicycle accidents in Boulder City are often caused by motorists failing to see cyclists, especially at intersections or due to distracted driving. Additional factors include:
- Drivers not yielding the right-of-way
- Low visibility conditions
- Unsafe lane changes without sufficient buffer space
- Distracted driving behaviors, such as using a cell phone
- Speeding and running traffic signals
These negligent acts can lead to severe injuries for cyclists, which could potentially be fatal.
Dangerous Intersections and Failure to Signal
Failing to signal when preparing to turn at intersections greatly increases risks and often leads to bicycle crashes.
Such failures can result in confusion among drivers and riders alike, increasing the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident, especially on Boulder City Parkway, where busy roads and a lack of proper signal guidance mix.
Our Boulder City bicycle accident lawyers can help in proving fault in an accident caused by negligent turns.
Poor Road Conditions and Potholes
Neglected road surfaces in Boulder City, including potholes and shoulder drop-offs near Industrial Road, increase the risk of a bike crash for cyclists.
Boulder City's older roads, notably around Veterans Memorial Drive, suffer from inadequate maintenance, creating dangers to bicyclists.
Increased Risk from Tourist Traffic and Delivery Vehicles
The influx of tourists and people passing by in areas like Boulder City increases vehicle traffic, heightening the dangers for bike riders. Also, delivery vehicles and large trucks further add danger to bicyclists due to their large size and blind spots.
Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often result in various serious injuries due to the vulnerability of cyclists. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), head traumas, and permanent scarring, which are prevalent because helmets cannot fully prevent severe impacts from a motor vehicle.
Additionally, facial injuries like broken noses and fractured jaws can occur even with helmet protection. Cyclists may also suffer broken bones in areas such as the collarbones or wrists from collisions with vehicles or road rash, which is characterized by abrasions caused by sliding on pavement.
Tragically, some accidents are fatal, showing the severe risks associated with cyclists being involved with motor vehicles.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries in bicycle accidents can range from minor bumps to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs occur when the brain strikes the skull, potentially causing delayed symptoms that worsen without immediate medical treatment.
While helmets reduce injury risk, they do not fully prevent serious head trauma or facial injuries, which require immediate medical attention.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Spinal cord and back injuries from bicycle accidents in Boulder City can be severe, leading to paralysis or chronic pain. Prompt medical attention is crucial to identify symptoms and reach recovery.
Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to restore function and mobility.
Fractures and Soft Tissue Damage
Bicycle accidents often result in soft tissue injuries that connect muscles, nerves, and tendons. These tissues can suffer significant trauma, causing lasting pain, and sometimes require surgical intervention to repair torn ligaments or tendons.
Additionally, fractured bones in areas such as the collarbones, arms, wrists, hips, and legs are common due to the impact forces a bicycle accident caused to the rider.
Types of Compensation Injured Cyclists Can Seek in Boulder City
Injured cyclists can seek compensation from the at-fault party's insurance. This financial compensation may cover medical bills, lost income, property damage costs, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Hiring a Boulder City bicycle accident lawyer increases the chances of obtaining a fair settlement or jury award by ensuring a thorough case evaluation and negotiation with the insurance company.
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs
Medical costs from a bike accident may include emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation often involves physical therapy to restore mobility and strength, which can be crucial for recovery after injuries like concussions or fractures.
These costs vary based on the injury's severity but are essential for ensuring optimal healing and minimizing long-term impacts.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Lost wages are the income missed due to injury, which can affect current finances and lead to potential lifelong financial losses. In such cases, a Boulder bicycle accident attorney can provide necessary help to prove fault and secure maximum compensation for lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Bicycle accident victims can suffer significant emotional and physical pain because of the accident and the injuries it caused. This includes non-visible injuries like anxiety, stress, PTSD, and emotional distress.
Compensation from a personal injury or wrongful death claim often considers both tangible and intangible losses to address the impact on a victim's life.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Boulder City, Nevada
When involved in a bicycle accident as a bike rider, take the following steps:
- Ensure Safety: Move away from traffic if possible, and turn on hazard lights or use reflective gear.
- Call Emergency Services: Contact 911 to report the accident and obtain medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
- Document Evidence: Photograph your injuries, the bicycle, the scene surroundings, and damage to any involved vehicles.
- Collect Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party involved in the accident.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a Boulder City bicycle accident lawyer before speaking to insurers to understand related personal injury laws and your rights.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
After a Boulder City bicycle accident, call 911 immediately to report the accident and gather police information. Seek medical help right away, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
Document the scene with photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and surroundings. Exchange contact and insurance details with other involved parties, keeping discussions brief.
If possible, obtain witness statements for additional evidence and avoid discussing fault or injury specifics before consulting a legal professional.
Reporting the Accident to the Police
Immediately report any bicycle accident to Boulder City law enforcement. A police officer will document the scene and gather crucial information, such as witness statements and driver details.
The police report that the officer files is vital evidence in your case, as it helps establish the liable party and secure fair compensation. Additionally, promptly seek medical attention, even if injuries aren't immediately apparent, to ensure your injuries are addressed and documented.
Preserving Evidence for Potential Legal Claims
After a bicycle accident, if you seek to recover compensation, ensure to extensively document evidence. Take photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident site.
Exchange contact details with the other driver without discussing fault, and collect witness information if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boulder City Bicycle Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Due to this two-year time limit, it's crucial to speak with a Las Vegas attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Can I Still File a Bicycle Accident Claim Even Without a Police Report?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident and did not obtain a police report, you can still file a claim and recover a financial settlement; however, it may be more difficult due to the lack of evidence.
|
00:58
Learn How Attorney Rodney Okano Can Help
See how Attorney Rodney Okano helps clients get the compensation they're entitled to regardless of the odds.