What are the Risks Faced by Cyclists in Las Vegas?
In 2015, Las Vegas was rated the nation's third most dangerous city for bicyclists, with 6.4 cyclist fatalities per million people, behind only Albuquerque, N.M., and Tucson, Ariz., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2019, more than one-quarter of Nevada’s traffic fatalities involved pedestrians and bicyclists. Last year, the number of biking fatalities statewide rose by more than 50 percent, to 11 from seven, including the five killed in December, according to the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety.
The growing metropolitan area often pits cars and construction against cyclists, with tragic consequences and calls for better regulation. Cyclists in Las Vegas face a unique set of risks and challenges when riding in the city and its surrounding areas. Some of the specific risks include:
High Traffic Volume: Las Vegas is a bustling city with significant traffic congestion, especially on the Las Vegas Strip and major roads. The sheer number of vehicles on the road can make cycling challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and road rage, can put cyclists at risk. Drivers in Las Vegas are sometimes known for aggressive behavior, which can make road sharing more dangerous.
Lack of Cycling Infrastructure: While the city has been working on improving cycling infrastructure, there may still be areas with inadequate bike lanes and paths, forcing cyclists to share the road with motor vehicles.
Tourist Traffic: Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, and many visitors may not be familiar with local traffic patterns. This can lead to unpredictable behavior on the roads, which can be a hazard for cyclists.
Distracted Drivers: Distracted driving, such as texting or using mobile devices while driving, is a concern in Las Vegas, as it is in many urban areas. Drivers not paying attention to the road can pose a significant risk to cyclists.
Impaired Drivers: Due to the city's entertainment and nightlife scene, there is a risk of encountering drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other substances, which can lead to accidents involving cyclists.
Intersection Safety: Intersections can be particularly hazardous for cyclists, as they are sites where many accidents occur. Cyclists need to be vigilant and ensure they follow traffic rules and make themselves visible.
If you are injured, and your case goes to court, the experienced Las Vegas bicycle attorneys at Cohan PLLC are well-versed in courtroom procedures and strategies. This means we know how to present your case effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling legal arguments on your behalf. This leads to Cohan PLLC receiving the maximum settlements for its clients.
What Injuries Do Bicycle Accidents Cause?
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the nature of the accident, the use of safety gear, and the speed at which the cyclist and any involved vehicles were traveling. Common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include:
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant concern in bicycle accidents. Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer head injuries, ranging from concussions to more severe brain injuries, which can have long-lasting consequences.
Facial Injuries: Facial injuries, including cuts, bruises, fractures, and dental damage, can occur when a cyclist's face makes contact with the ground, a vehicle, or other objects during a fall or collision.
Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures and dislocations of bones are common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists often experience injuries to the arms, legs, hands, wrists, and collarbones.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function. These injuries can be life-altering.
Internal Injuries: In some cases, cyclists may sustain internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, due to the impact of the accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are common and can cause pain and limited mobility. These injuries may affect muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Psychological Trauma: It's essential to consider the psychological impact of a bicycle accident. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following a traumatic accident.
Death: Tragically, some bicycle accidents result in fatalities, particularly when cyclists are involved in collisions with motor vehicles.
As Las Vegas injury attorneys, we know how damaging these injuries can be. They can have a profound physical, emotional, and financial impact. That is why we are so committed to helping injured riders.
How a Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
There are a few things you should do if you've been involved in a bicycle accident. The first is to seek medical attention, but once you've seen a doctor, what's next? Who will pay your medical bills? What will you tell the insurance company, and what can you do if you're suddenly blamed for the accident? The attorneys at Cohan PLLC can help.
When we take on a bicycle accident case in Las Vegas, our attorneys:
Handle all communication with the insurance company and other key parties.
Work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine what caused the incident.
Use the findings of this investigation to determine who is to blame.
Gather evidence that helps us build a strong case against the at-fault party or parties.
Determine the full and fair value of your claim based on current and future expenses and injuries.
Negotiate or litigate to seek maximum compensation so you can rebuild your life.
Our initial consultation is always 100% free. You will not owe us any money unless we win. Our construction accident attorneys are always waiting to help.
We’ve committed ourselves to represent the victims of every kind of accident—so they can get everything they need to recover. Whatever it takes.
Our firm will do whatever it takes to help you recover.
Call (702) 623-3579 or fill out our contact form!
Chasen Cohan, Esq. is the founder of Cohan PLLC. Mr. Cohan is a licensed attorney who also possesses FINRA Series 7 (Registered Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform State Representative) licenses, state insurance licenses, and State Securities Registrations in Nevada, Missouri, and North Carolina. Mr. Cohan is admitted to practice law before the Nevada Bar, all Nevada State and Federal Courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Mr. Cohan’s representative clients have included: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Sam’s West, Inc., MGM Grand Resorts International, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Corp., The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Mirage Casino-Hotel, South Point Hotel & Casino, American Express, Barclays, US Bank, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and various life insurance companies and service providers.
Mr. Cohan is a Las Vegas native who graduated with honors from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Mr. Cohan received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, Mr. Cohan served as a clerk for the Office of the Texas Attorney General and a Judicial Extern for United States District Court Judge James R. Nowlin.
Clients from global brands and middle-market companies to innovative startups and individuals trust Cohan PLLC to resolve their trickiest legal disputes. Whether that’s litigation in state or federal trial and appellate courts in Nevada; investigations and enforcement actions before government agencies; or mediation, arbitration, and regulatory agency proceedings. Cohan PLLC has litigated hundreds of millions in dollars of claims on behalf of corporate litigants. As a result of this experience, Cohan PLLC has been afforded the opportunity to selectively act as Plaintiff’s counsel on complex, personal injury matters.