A bicycle accident can be a devastating situation to find yourself in. Even if you are wearing a helmet, your accident could result in serious injury. If you survive a bicycle accident and are looking to take legal action for damages, you may want to know what the average bicycle accident settlement in Nevada is.
What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in Nevada?
There is no reliable, official average bicycle accident settlement in Nevada. Every bicycle accident settlement is different, as every case has its own specific set of circumstances that are unique to that case. Many different factors have to be considered when negotiating a settlement for a bicycle accident, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The evidence that proves negligent behavior
- The negotiation skills of your bicycle accident attorney
- Both parties’ willingness to reach an effective compromise
- Whether or not you were obeying Nevada bicycle laws
Bicycle Safety Tips
Your number one priority when riding a bicycle should be safety. There is very little separating your vital organs from the pavement in the event of a crash, so you may want to practice safety at all times to err on the side of caution. Here are some tips on bicycle safety to keep in mind whenever you are riding your bike:
- Helmets Save Lives: While you are not legally required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, it is strongly recommended that you do so anyway, as helmets have proven to be instrumental in saving lives in the event of a bicycle accident.Wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by around 85% if the helmet is worn correctly. If not fatal, traumatic brain injuries could have permanent effects, including paralysis, neurological problems, and psychological issues. If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury, you should pursue compensation to cover costs like those of rehabilitation, surgery, and medication, as well as lost earning capacity and pain and suffering.Choosing not to wear a helmet is your right as a citizen of Nevada, but it increases the risk of injury and death if you should suffer an accident.
- Night Riding: Some people enjoy a bike ride at night, which can be more dangerous. When you decide to go night riding, you should wear the brightest clothing you possibly can. The brighter your clothing, the easier you will be seen by motorists who might miss you if you are wearing darker clothing. Nevada requires night riders to have:
- A white lamp in the front of your bike that should be visible from 500 feet.
- A red tail light that can be seen from 300 feet away.
- Reflective material on the sides of the bike.
- Drive Defensively: Riding a bike among cars and trucks can be daunting and intimidating. It is important that you practice basic road safety as well as defensive driving to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident:
- Drive with the flow of traffic.
- Obey street signs and traffic lights as if you were driving a car.
- Always assume that drivers are unable to see you and ride proactively, avoiding road hazards. Nevada roads can be dangerous, especially during heavy traffic times.
- Avoid distractions like music or podcasts. Focus on the road ahead of you at all times.
Common injuries that result from a bike accident include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and soft tissue injuries.
FAQs
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Bicycle Accident?
A: There is no telling how much compensation you could receive from a bicycle accident in Nevada, as every settlement amount is different. Each bicycle accident case has different circumstances, which makes each case unique.
Certain factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding on an appropriate settlement amount, such as the seriousness of your injuries, your lawyer’s negotiating skills, the evidence that proves negligent behavior, and how much you may have spent and will spend on your medical bills.
Q: What Is the Average Pain and Suffering Settlement for a Bicycle Accident in Nevada?
A: A pain and suffering settlement in Nevada can vary. Nevada state law does not restrict the amount one can pursue in pain and suffering in a personal injury case outside of medical malpractice cases. Those who suffer from more serious injuries will likely achieve larger settlements, as their injuries have caused them more pain and suffering.
Q: How Much Should I Ask for in a Bicycle Accident Settlement?
A: When negotiating a bicycle accident settlement offer, you should feel comfortable asking for an appropriate monetary value to assign to your total injuries, both physical and psychological. If any settlement amount does not cover your damages, your lawyer may advise you to refuse it and ask for more. While you may not be equipped to estimate the value of your damages, your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Q: What Is the Usual Result of a Bicycle Accident Settlement?
A: If you and your lawyer have reached a settlement with the opposing party, that means they have agreed to pay you a settlement amount that you deem appropriate, and the case is not going to trial. The usual result of a settlement varies from case to case, as every case is different from the rest. Some settlements are quite favorable to the plaintiff, while others may be smaller. It depends on many factors, including the negotiating skills of your attorney.
Reach Out to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Being in a bicycle accident can be a terrifying ordeal. On top of potentially severe injuries, you may be feeling emotional pain as well. Thankfully, you do not have to deal with this fallout on your own. The legal team at Easton & Easton can help you fight for the compensation you rightly deserve. We can help you build your case, negotiate with the other party, and fight for you in trial if a settlement is not reached. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.
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