Last December, five cyclists were tragically killed and three others were injured when a truck hit their group on Highway 95 just outside of Boulder, Nevada. The accident raised issues about the safety of cycling on Nevada’s roads. The crash was investigated by local authorities. It is no surprise that when cyclists share the road with passenger cars and larger vehicles, the riders are put at risk of suffering serious injuries and death in an accident.
Accident Statistics
These crashes can result in serious injuries with life-long consequences and even death. Before the accident in December, there had been three cyclist deaths on Nevada’s roads. The recent crash more than doubled the number of cyclist deaths for 2020. According to the Nevada Office of Public Safety (NPS):
- Seven bicyclists died in traffic accidents in 2019;
- Eight bicyclists died in traffic accidents in 2018; and
- Nine bicyclists died in traffic accidents in 2017.
In the last three years alone, there have been nearly 600 accidents that involved bicyclists. And, 2.2% of all motor vehicle accident deaths in the United States involved bicyclists.
What to Do
If you or someone you know is involved in a Nevada bicycle accident, there are many things that can be done to protect your health and rights. Getting to a safe area is critical, as is seeking medical help right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor in nature, it is important to get treatment because some symptoms and injuries may not show up right away. If you are in a bicycle crash, follow the steps below:
- Get medical attention for injuries right away;
- Call the authorities to the accident scene;
- Get a police report from the responding officer;
- Do not disturb the crash site, including leaving your bike where it is;
- Get the contact information of the driver;
- Get the names and contact information of any witness;
- Take pictures and video footage of the accident scene;
- Do not contact the car insurance company yourself;
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), Nevada is the 26th most deadly state in the nation for cyclists. According to data, approximately 80% of all Nevada bicycle-related accidents happen in Clark County — specifically Las Vegas and Henderson. Traffic patterns in both areas are not designed for cyclists to share the road with vehicles. Indeed, in 2017 Forbes Magazine listed Las Vegas as number three in the nation when it comes to most dangerous cities for cyclists. Unfortunately, children are especially vulnerable to tragic bicycle-related accidents, with more than 135 dying annually in the United States.
For information about bicycle safety and Nevada’s laws governing cycling on its roads, look to the Nevada Department of Transportation’s (“NDOT”) guide on bicycles and vehicles.
Contact Our Attorneys
If you have experienced injuries from a Las Vegas or Henderson bicycle accident, contact our personal injury attorneys at H&P Law right away. Our experienced lawyers can help you file an insurance claim and handle all communication. We can also help connect you with our network of medical professionals so you can focus on getting proper treatment. Our consistent documenting of your claim will help you get the compensation you deserve.
