Nevada law, like that of many other states across the country, mandates that bicyclists obey the same traffic laws as drivers of passenger cars. They are also subject to the same penalties as those drivers for violating traffic laws. The same is true in Nevada for those driving motorcycles.
Below is some basic information about bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists and how they relate to personal injury accidents.
Nevada Bicyclists
Research has shown that men are at greater risk for being involved in a bicycle crash (81%) than women (19%). In fact, adult men over the age of 20 represent approximately 84% of all bicycle-accident related deaths.
There are several factors that contribute to a bicycle collision. These include:
- Loss of control by the bicyclist, where no other passenger vehicles are involved in the crash;
- A bicycle hits a passenger car, most commonly this happens because the driver or bicyclist failed to look before turning;
- The driver or bicyclist was reckless, in a hurry, or careless and caused the crash;
- The bicyclist entered the roadway suddenly from the side of the road;
- The accident was caused by driver or bicyclist error.
Nevada Pedestrians
When traffic control devices are either not in place or not functioning properly, the driver of a passenger vehicle must yield to the right-of-way of a pedestrian crossing the street within a crosswalk. That being said, a pedestrian cannot suddenly step off of a curb or other safe space and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close to him or her that the driver is unable to yield to the pedestrian.
Serious injuries or even fatalities may result from a bicycle accident. Injuries may include damage to the chest or abdomen, one or both legs, one or both arms, and the skull or brain.
Nevada Motorcyclists
A Nevada motorcycle accident can occur due to many factors. Often the accident is not the fault of the rider. Generally, these types of accidents occur when there is a defective design in the product, or if the machine performs in a way that is inconsistent with the manufacturing of the motorcycle. When an accident occurs due to the fault of the product there are many defendants who may be sued for damages resulting from injuries—the designer, manufacturer, or the retailer. Some examples of defective issues in a motorcycle includes loose nuts, bald welds, low maintenance, or faulty handlebars.
Personal Injury Help
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle, pedestrian, or bicycle accident due to the fault of another, contact the Nevada attorneys at H & P With years of experience representing injured clients across Nevada, we can guide you every step of the way and help preserve your rights under Nevada law.
