Bicycle accidents injure unsuspecting victims every day. Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones and concussions. In the worst cases, they can be fatal. According to Zero Fatalities Nevada, there were 41 bicyclist fatalities in Nevada from 2015 to 2019. If you have recently been involved in a bicycle-vehicle collision in Henderson, Nevada, contact Koch & Brim, LLP for a free consultation to find out how we can help.
Why Choose Us?
- Our attorneys have collected millions of dollars for our personal injury clients in out-of-court settlements and in-court jury verdicts. We have over 40 years of experience.
- We provide one-on-one care and attention to every case and client. You will meet with an attorney, not a secretary or paralegal, and benefit from a personalized legal strategy.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay your attorney anything unless your bicycle accident case results in financial compensation.
How a Henderson Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
As an injured bicycle accident victim, you may assume that the driver’s car insurance company will treat you fairly and handle your claim in good faith. Unfortunately, insurance companies often take advantage of claimants to save money on claims. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to represent you. A lawyer will know exactly how to deal with an insurance company and can fight for fair financial compensation on your behalf.
Your attorney can revisit the scene of your bicycle accident to search for evidence of fault or negligence. A law firm will have the resources to hire professional investigators and experts, as needed, to support your claim. Then, an attorney can file an injury claim on your behalf by sending a demand letter to the insurer. You can rest and focus on healing while your lawyer aggressively negotiates for the best possible settlement. In the event that a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial in Clark County.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
When a motor vehicle strikes a bicyclist, the biker can suffer severe injuries. Bicyclists are not protected by metal shells, seat belts or airbags like passenger vehicle occupants. They can sustain injuries that affect their skin, bones, muscles and joints. For example, even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, he or she may not be fully protected against catastrophic head and brain injuries. Examples of common bicycle accident injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Lower extremity injuries
- Pelvic fractures
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations or abrasions
- Road rash
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Joint dislocations
- Neck and back injuries
- Spine injuries and paralysis
- Head and skull trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
At Koch & Brim, LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help if you have been diagnosed with any type of injury after a bicycle accident. If you are dealing with emotional distress and psychological trauma, we can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, as well. Finally, if you tragically lost a loved one in a fatal Henderson bicycle accident, our attorneys can help you file a wrongful death claim.
Henderson and Nevada Bicycle Laws
The number one cause of traffic accidents is driver error. When a driver behaves negligently or makes a mistake behind the wheel, he or she can strike a bicyclist. Motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to respect bicyclists’ rights to the road. They must obey all state and local traffic laws, including laws that specifically pertain to bicycles. These include:
- The right to ride on the road. While bicycles are not considered vehicles in Nevada, they are still permitted to ride on public roads. When doing so, bicyclists must obey all standard traffic laws, including road signs and lights. They must travel in the same direction as traffic.
- The right-of-way. Drivers must yield to bicyclists when applicable, such as at a four-way stop or intersection when the cyclist has the right-of-way. Failing to yield to a biker could lead to a serious intersection accident.
- The right not to wear a helmet. Nevada law does not require bicyclists to wear helmets. This means if a bicyclist suffers a head or brain injury in an accident, the failure to wear a helmet cannot be used against the victim to avoid liability.
If a motor vehicle driver breaks one of Nevada’s bicycle laws or violates a biker’s legal rights, he or she could be found financially responsible (liable) for a related accident. Your Henderson personal injury attorney can search for evidence to prove that the defendant breached his or her duty of care to you and caused your bicycle accident.
What to Do After a Cycling Accident
If you get involved in a bicycle accident in Henderson, try to remain calm. There are certain steps you should take early on, such as at the scene of the accident, to protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Remain at the scene and call 911 to report the accident.
- Do not admit fault for the accident or apologize to the driver.
- While waiting for police to arrive, exchange information with the driver.
- If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
- Document the accident by taking photos and videos.
- Tell the police what happened and write down your police report number.
- Seek professional medical care from the nearest hospital without delay.
- Preserve evidence, such as copies of your accident report and medical records.
- Contact the driver’s car insurance company to file a claim.
- Consult with an attorney about your case before accepting an insurance settlement.
You can reach out to a personal injury attorney at Koch & Brim, LLP at any time after a bicycle accident for assistance. We can step in to take over your case at any stage of the legal process to pursue the best possible results.
Contact a Henderson Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have recently been injured in a bicycle accident in Henderson, Nevada or the surrounding area, contact the attorneys at Koch & Brim, LLP for help. We can give you information and advice during this difficult time to help you move forward. As your attorneys, we will protect your rights in and out of the courtroom during a bicycle accident claim. We care about our clients and are here to listen to your story. Contact us today at (702) 410-6034 to start with a free case consultation.