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Cycling isn’t just a sport for Reno residents; it’s a way of life. Many Reno residents enjoy cycling to and from work and rely on our bike paths and roadways to commute. Unfortunately, cyclists are a vulnerable part of the population. Due to negligent drivers, improperly maintained roadways, or inclement weather, cyclists can easily find themselves victims of accidents.

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we enjoy the Reno weather and outdoor living like our neighbors. If you are searching for a Reno bicycle accident lawyer, we are here to help. We are experienced in fighting for the rights of cyclists who have been injured in an accident, and we can help you file a claim and recover damages for your injuries.

Who is Liable in a Reno Bicycle Accident?

Many bicycle accidents in Reno happen through no fault of the cyclist. In some cases, a negligent motorist is responsible, whether because they fail to yield, drift into a bike lane, or are simply not paying attention. When a driver causes the crash, the injured cyclist may be able to pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance policy.

But motorists aren’t the only ones who can be at fault. Other potentially liable parties include:

• Government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions, such as repairing potholes, clearing debris, or ensuring proper signage and lighting
• Business or property owners who obstruct sidewalks or bike paths with signs, displays, or other hazards
• Manufacturers of defective bikes, tires, or safety gear, in rare cases where a product failure leads to injury

But you might be wondering, what if I was partly at fault? Maybe you didn’t have a light on your bike, or you were riding just outside the bike lane. In Nevada, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less at fault, but your recovery will also be reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney early. Insurers often try to shift blame onto the cyclist, even when another party is clearly at fault.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Reno Can Help

We understand that as a bicycle accident injury victim, you may be hesitant to hire an attorney. It can feel like a huge step when you just want to collect a settlement and move on with your life. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely play fair. They may pressure you to settle for far less than the amount you’re entitled to, or they may try to avoid a payout altogether.

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we make the process stress-free, handling the tough steps while fighting for maximum compensation. Here’s how we support you:

• Gathering evidence from your accident. We will meticulously review your case and collect police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs, CCTV footage, and any other piece of evidence needed to help you build a case.
• Filing your claim and corresponding with opposing parties and their insurers. When you are injured, the last thing you want to focus on is paperwork. Our lawyers handle all the claims and correspondence for you and make sure that no deadlines are missed so you never have to worry about a claim being denied due to a clerical error.
• Helping you value your damages. It can be virtually impossible for someone with no legal experience to place a value on a non-economic claim, but an attorney who handles these types of cases can easily determine how much your claim is worth. Our attorneys work to maximize your claim and protect you from settlement offers that are far too low.
• Negotiating a settlement. Our cycling accident attorneys will negotiate on your behalf until a settlement offer that is fair and acceptable is reached.
• Representing you in a lawsuit. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

When you hire us, we take the burden of the legal process off your back so you can focus on recovery and reclaiming your life.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Reno Bike Accident?

A cycling accident in Reno can leave you with more than just physical injuries. If someone else was responsible for the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments
• Future medical expenses, if your injuries require ongoing treatment or long-term care
• Lost income, if you had to miss work during your recovery
• Reduced earning capacity, if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries prevent you from doing the things you used to love
• Damage to your bike or other personal property

Every case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the details of your injury and how it affects your life. Our bike accident attorneys will help you understand what your case may be worth so you can avoid a low-ball offer.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries We See in Reno

If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common injuries we see, along with the types of accidents that often cause them.

• Fractures and broken bones: Often caused by collisions with cars or sudden impacts like dooring incidents, where a cyclist slams into a suddenly opened car door.
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Common in crashes where the cyclist is thrown from their bike, such as after hitting a pothole or being sideswiped by a vehicle.
• Spinal injuries: May result from high-speed collisions with vehicles or from being ejected from the bike due to road hazards like raised pavement or loose gravel.
• Road rash and deep abrasions: Typically caused by sliding across asphalt after being knocked off the bike in a crash or hitting a sharp turn on poorly maintained roads.
• Facial injuries: Often happen in over-the-handlebar accidents or when a cyclist hits a car door or the side of a vehicle head-on.
• Soft tissue injuries: Can occur in nearly any accident, especially when a cyclist attempts to brace during a fall or twists awkwardly during impact.
• Internal injuries and organ damage: Usually linked to high-impact collisions with vehicles, particularly when the cyclist is struck directly in the torso.
• Scarring and disfigurement: May follow serious lacerations, burns from skidding, or surgeries required to treat severe trauma.

No matter what kind of injury you’re facing, recovery can be long and frustrating. Our attorneys understand what you’re going through and will help however we can.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Reno

If you’ve been involved in an accident, follow these important steps to protect yourself and your potential claim:

• Move yourself and your bike (if possible) to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further injury.
• Call 911 immediately if you are injured or if there are any injuries at the scene, and request medical assistance.
• Contact the police and make sure a police report is filed, as this official documentation can be critical for your case.
• Obtain information from the other party involved, including their full name, contact details, and insurance carrier information.
• Gather evidence while at the scene. Take clear photos of your bike, the road conditions, any damage to vehicles, your injuries, and the weather at the time. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
• Call an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand what to say and what not to say when communicating with other parties, help preserve crucial evidence, and explain your options for pursuing a claim.

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to take your call anytime, whether you’re still at the scene, in the hospital, or at home, so you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone.

Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How long do I have to make a bicycle accident compensation claim in Reno?

Generally, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a claim for damages. The sooner you file your claim, the better because the details of your accident will still be fresh. Hiring an attorney can help ensure you don’t miss the filing deadline.

Can I file a claim for a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Reno?

Yes, it is possible to file a claim for damages even if the other party that was involved in your accident is unidentified. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) you may file a claim with your own insurance carrier. Additionally, you may be able to file a MedPay claim.

Do you have a bicycle accident attorney near me?

Yes. Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers has an office at 5470 Kietzke Lane, #130 in Reno. We are located just off Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway and Neil Road, near the Homewood Suites.