Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Getting hit while riding your bicycle can change your life in an instant. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Reno, Nevada, you may be entitled to compensation, and Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our legal team has decades of experience standing up for injured Nevadans and fighting back against negligent drivers and insurance companies.

Reno’s growing bike-friendly infrastructure is a great step forward, but accidents still happen, often due to driver inattention or failure to follow traffic laws. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 130,000 bicyclists are injured each year across the U.S., and Nevada continues to see a rise in these incidents, especially in urban areas like Reno.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, our Reno bicycle accident attorneys can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. We offer personalized, aggressive representation and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Reno

Identifying what caused your bicycle accident is a crucial step in proving liability and pursuing fair compensation. Many bicycle collisions in Reno are preventable and stem from driver negligence or road design flaws.

Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, or using in-car navigation systems are common distractions that take a driver’s attention off the road. In a city like Reno where cyclists often share the road with vehicles, even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a devastating crash.

Failure to Yield

Intersections are particularly dangerous for cyclists when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. This is especially true at crosswalks, roundabouts, and during left turns. Many bicycle accidents in Reno happen when motorists disregard traffic signals or overlook cyclists while turning.

Speeding

Drivers who exceed posted speed limits reduce their reaction time and increase the severity of impact in the event of a crash. In areas near the University of Nevada, Midtown, or Downtown Reno, speeding remains a major contributor to serious bike-related injuries.

Dooring Incidents

“Dooring” occurs when a parked car’s door is opened directly into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. Despite Nevada laws that require drivers to check for cyclists before opening doors, these accidents still happen frequently in busy urban corridors like Virginia Street.

Driving Under the Influence

Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose an extreme risk to everyone on the road, particularly vulnerable road users like bicyclists. According to the CDC, impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the U.S., and it remains a persistent issue in Nevada.

Serious Injuries From Reno Bicycle Accidents

When a bicycle accident occurs, the physical trauma can be devastating and the long-term effects can follow victims for years. In addition to physical suffering, many riders face financial strain from medical bills, missed work, and ongoing treatment. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in Reno cycling crashes, with real health risks backed by national safety data.

Head and Brain Trauma in Cyclists

According to the National Library of Medicine, head injuries are the leading cause of fatal bike crashes, accounting for the majority of cyclist deaths nationwide. Unlike motorists, bicyclists lack protective barriers like airbags or reinforced frames, making them especially vulnerable to skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when struck by a vehicle. Even with a properly fitted helmet, the sheer force of impact in a collision can lead to long-term neurological complications. These injuries often require emergency medical attention, advanced imaging like CT scans, and prolonged rehabilitative care. In severe cases, victims may suffer irreversible cognitive or motor function loss, making brain trauma one of the most life-altering outcomes of a bike crash.

Concussions and Mild TBIs

A sudden impact can cause a concussion even with helmet use. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and cognitive impairment. Without prompt treatment, these injuries can worsen over time.

Severe Brain Injuries and Long-Term Damage

More serious brain trauma can cause hemorrhaging, memory loss, mood disorders, or permanent disability. Many victims require long-term neurological care and may lose their ability to work or live independently.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation reports that spinal cord injuries often result in permanent paralysis or significant loss of motor function, especially when the spinal column is fractured or the spinal cord is severed. These types of injuries are unfortunately common in high-speed bicycle collisions, particularly when cyclists are ejected from their bikes and land on their back or neck. The severity of paralysis depends on the location and completeness of the injury, damage to the cervical spine may lead to quadriplegia, while lower spinal trauma can cause paraplegia. Victims often face a lifetime of medical care, including physical therapy, assistive technology like wheelchairs or exoskeletons, and modifications to their homes and vehicles. Beyond the physical limitations, spinal cord injuries can have profound emotional and financial consequences, making it critical to pursue full compensation through an experienced Reno bicycle accident lawyer.

Partial and Full Paralysis

Cyclists who are thrown from their bikes risk damaging vertebrae or the spinal cord. In severe cases, this leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia. Recovery typically involves months of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and adaptive technology.

Herniated Discs and Nerve Compression

Not all spinal injuries cause paralysis, but even “minor” spinal trauma can result in debilitating chronic pain. These injuries often go unnoticed initially but can worsen without early diagnosis and intervention.

Bone Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) notes that broken bones are among the most common injuries in high-impact cycling crashes.

Common Fracture Sites in Bicycle Accidents

• Collarbones and shoulders Fractures often occur when cyclists fall sideways onto pavement.
  
  
• Wrists and arms Victims instinctively brace themselves during a fall, leading to fractures in the radius or ulna.
  
  
• Pelvis and legs High-speed crashes can crush lower extremities, requiring surgical fixation.

Recovery and Surgical Intervention

Fractures that displace or affect joints often require screws, pins, or plates. Recovery may involve prolonged immobilization, physical therapy, and future surgeries if healing is incomplete.

Internal Injuries and Organ Rupture

Blunt force trauma from a vehicle strike can harm internal organs, sometimes without external signs of injury.

Internal Bleeding

Liver, spleen, and kidney damage may cause internal bleeding that’s not immediately detectable. Victims must be monitored closely in trauma centers.

Lung Damage and Punctured Organs

Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is a common result of rib fractures or chest trauma. This condition requires emergency intervention and can lead to lasting respiratory issues.

Road Rash, Lacerations, and Facial Scarring

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the risk of infection and permanent damage from deep skin injuries.

Road Rash and Infection Risk

Friction burns and abrasions can remove multiple layers of skin, especially if a cyclist is dragged along the asphalt. These wounds must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection and permanent scarring.

Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma

Cyclists thrown face-first onto pavement often suffer broken jaws, knocked-out teeth, or disfigurement. In many cases, reconstructive surgery or prosthodontics are required to restore function and appearance.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Reno

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike in Reno, your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can directly impact your health, recovery, and ability to file a successful legal claim. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself.

Call 911 and Report the Crash Immediately

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right away, it’s critical to call the police and request emergency medical services. A formal police report will serve as vital evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. In Reno, the Reno Police Department will typically respond to crashes involving injuries or property damage.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Some injuries like internal bleeding, brain trauma, or spinal damage may not present symptoms until hours later. Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical documentation will also create an official record that ties your injuries directly to the accident.

Pro Tip Always follow up with a primary care doctor or specialist for additional testing, referrals, and long-term treatment planning.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the driver’s contact and insurance info, witness names and phone numbers, and photos of your bike, the vehicle, road conditions, and injuries.

Preserve Physical Evidence

Keep your damaged bike, helmet, and clothing in their post-accident state. Do not attempt to repair or discard anything, these items may later serve as important evidence of impact and fault.

Avoid Speaking With the Driver’s Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters may contact you within days of the accident. They may ask you to provide a statement or accept a quick settlement. Politely decline and direct all communication to your attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to reduce payouts, not ensure your full recovery.

For more on how insurance companies operate, check out this helpful guide from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Contact a Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. At Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience helping injured cyclists in Nevada navigate the legal system.

Nevada Bicycle Laws and Your Legal Rights as a Cyclist

Knowing your rights as a bicyclist under Nevada law can strengthen your injury claim and help determine whether a driver acted negligently. The state has specific rules in place to protect cyclists on public roadways, and when motorists violate those rules, they can be held liable for your injuries.

Nevada’s Three-Foot Passing Rule

Under NRS 484B.270, drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist on the road. Failure to do so is not only illegal, it’s dangerous. Many Reno bike accidents occur when drivers pass too closely, clipping handlebars or forcing riders off the shoulder.

Legal Impact

If a driver violated the three-foot rule, that breach of duty can serve as clear evidence of negligence in your personal injury case.

Right to Use the Road

Cyclists in Nevada have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers under NRS 484B.777. This means you’re legally allowed to ride in the street, use designated lanes, and occupy a full travel lane when necessary for safety.

When Drivers Are at Fault

When drivers refuse to share the road, cut off cyclists, or yell at them to ride on the sidewalk, they are often violating your legal rights and may be liable for resulting crashes.

Helmet Laws in Nevada

Nevada does not currently have a statewide helmet law for adult bicyclists. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reports that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 60%.

How Helmet Use Affects Your Claim

Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still be entitled to compensation. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced, but not eliminated, if you were partially at fault.

Bicycle Equipment and Visibility Requirements

According to Nevada DOT, cyclists must have front white lights, rear red reflectors, and side reflectors for night riding. Failure to use this equipment could reduce your ability to recover damages if you were riding in unsafe conditions, though it does not automatically eliminate liability on the part of the driver.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Reno Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accidents are not always straightforward. While negligent drivers are often to blame, there may be multiple parties responsible for the crash. Identifying all liable parties is essential to recovering full compensation for your injuries.

Negligent Motor Vehicle Drivers

Most bicycle accidents involve a driver who was careless or reckless. This includes speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, failing to yield, or violating Nevada’s three-foot passing law.

Proving Driver Negligence

To hold a driver liable, your attorney will collect evidence such as dash cam footage, police reports, eyewitness statements, and cell phone records. These can help show the driver violated their legal duty of care.

Commercial Vehicle Operators

If you were hit by a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or company-owned car, the driver’s employer could also be held liable under the legal theory of vicarious liability.

Employer Responsibility

Companies like Uber, Amazon, or local courier services may be responsible if the driver was on duty at the time of the crash. These businesses often carry higher insurance coverage, which could increase your compensation.

Government Agencies and Road Maintenance Crews

Poor road design, faded bike lane markings, or lack of signage can create unsafe conditions for cyclists. If a city or state agency failed to maintain the roads properly, they could be liable.

Filing a Claim Against the Government

Claims involving public entities follow a different legal process with strict deadlines under Nevada’s tort claims act. Your attorney will need to act quickly to preserve your right to sue.

Bicycle Manufacturers or Retailers

If a defective bike component, such as faulty brakes or a cracked frame, contributed to your crash, the manufacturer or seller may be held accountable under product liability law.

Proving a Defective Product

Your lawyer may work with expert engineers or accident reconstructionists to prove the product’s defect and demonstrate that it was a direct cause of your injuries.

Other Cyclists or Pedestrians

In rare cases, another bicyclist or pedestrian may cause a collision. For example, if someone swerves into your lane or crosses into traffic against the signal, they may be partially liable.

Comparative Negligence in Nevada

Nevada follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced proportionally.

How a Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with a serious injury after a bicycle accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re up against insurance companies that are more concerned with minimizing payouts than helping you heal. An experienced personal injury attorney can level the playing field and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Investigating the Crash and Preserving Evidence

Your lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into your accident. This includes obtaining the police report, securing surveillance footage, analyzing skid marks or debris patterns, and interviewing witnesses. In cases involving severe injuries, they may also hire accident reconstruction experts to recreate the scene and support your claim.

Helpful Resource Learn more about what goes into crash analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim

Many victims underestimate the true cost of their injuries. A Reno bicycle accident attorney can help calculate not only your current medical bills but also future expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional trauma.

Understanding Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

When filing a bicycle accident claim in Nevada, it’s important to distinguish between the types of compensation you’re eligible to recover. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, like hospital bills, ambulance fees, and lost wages, while non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to how the injury has affected your quality of life. These may include chronic pain, emotional distress, PTSD, or the inability to enjoy everyday activities. An experienced Reno bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure both categories are properly calculated and presented in your claim, so you don’t leave money on the table.

• Economic damages include hospital bills, prescription costs, physical therapy, and time off work.
  
  
• Non-economic damages cover the physical pain, mental distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. Your attorney will handle all communications, protect you from unfair tactics, and work to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.

Tip – The Insurance Information Institute (III) advises against accepting a settlement without legal counsel, especially if you suffered serious injuries.

Representing You in Court, If Needed

While many bicycle accident claims settle out of court, some require litigation. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury to help secure a favorable outcome.

Reno Bicycle Accident FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from injured cyclists in Reno. If you don’t see your question here, the team at Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers is happy to speak with you directly.

What Should I Do if I Was Hit by a Car While Biking in Reno?

First, call 911 and report the accident. Request medical help immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor, as some conditions may worsen over time. If possible, gather contact information from the driver and witnesses, take photos, and preserve your damaged bike and gear. Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted a lawyer.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes. While helmets are strongly recommended, Nevada law does not require adults to wear one. Not wearing a helmet may impact your claim under Nevada’s comparative negligence laws, but it does not bar you from pursuing compensation. An attorney can help minimize any fault attributed to you and still seek damages for your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Nevada?

Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover any compensation. In cases involving government agencies or hazardous road conditions, the deadline may be even shorter, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Bike Accident?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for

• Medical expenses (past and future)
  
  
• Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
  
  
• Property damage (such as your bike or gear)
  
  
• Pain and suffering
  
  
• Emotional distress
  
  
• Disability or disfigurement

Your total compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and who was at fault.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Reno Bicycle Accident Attorney?

At Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. The initial consultation is free, and we’ll help you understand your legal options with no pressure to commit.

Get Help From a Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath of a bicycle accident alone, especially when you’re injured, overwhelmed, and facing mounting medical bills. At Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Whether your accident was caused by a distracted driver, unsafe road conditions, or a defective bike part, our team will investigate your case, protect your rights, and help you move forward. With decades of experience representing injured victims across Nevada, we know how to take on tough insurance companies, and win.

Schedule a free consultation with a Reno bicycle accident attorney today. You don’t pay unless we win.