A no-contact bicycle accident is a unique type of crash that can come with special considerations and legal complications. Since there is no physical contact between the motor vehicle and the bicycle in this type of accident, the driver’s car insurance company is more likely to deny the claim. You may need assistance from a Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney to prove your case.
What Is a No-Contact Bicycle Accident?
A no-contact bicycle accident happens when a bicycle rider is forced to steer away, change lanes, overcorrect or run off the road to avoid a collision with a motor vehicle. Oftentimes, these accidents take place because a motor vehicle driver violates a traffic law and enters the path of a cyclist. A bicyclist may notice a vehicle coming dangerously close and be forced to take sudden evasive action to try to avoid a collision. This can cause the bicyclist to crash by riding off the road, laying the bicycle down, colliding with a second vehicle or crashing into a fixed object.
What Can Cause a No-Contact Bicycle Accident in Las Vegas?
No-contact bicycle accidents in Las Vegas are often caused by careless and reckless drivers. A motor vehicle driver who is texting and driving, for example, may not notice a cyclist until it is too late. The bicyclist may crash due to the close proximity even if the vehicle never actually touches the bike. Common causes of no-contact bike accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes by motorists
- A driver failing to see a bicyclist when turning or changing lanes
- A driver making a dangerous left-hand turn in front of a cyclist
- A driver attempting to pass a bicycle too closely (within three feet)
- A driver slamming on the brakes in front of a cyclist
- A motor vehicle veering into a bicycle lane
- A motorist opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist
Cyclists in Nevada can reduce the risk of no-contact accidents by riding defensively, meaning operating under the assumption that surrounding drivers will make dangerous mistakes. Cyclists should remain vigilant and be proactive. This can allow the bicyclist to avoid an accident without crashing.
Who Is at Fault for a No-Contact Bicycle Accident?
Under Nevada’s at-fault car insurance laws, the individual who must pay for a bicycle accident is the one at fault for causing the collision. In a no-contact bicycle accident, this could be a negligent motor vehicle driver even if the driver’s car never actually touched the bicycle. If the driver is guilty of a traffic violation that forced the cyclist to react to avoid a collision, the driver’s automobile insurance policy can be used to pay for the injured biker’s losses whether or not the two vehicles physically collided.
How an Attorney Can Help After a No-Contact Bicycle Accident in Nevada
In a no-contact bicycle accident case in Nevada, the injured cyclist will have the responsibility of proving fault to recover financial compensation from the motor vehicle driver’s car insurance provider. This can be difficult if the two vehicles never touched due to a lack of physical evidence. Expect pushback from a driver’s insurance company if you need to file a claim after a no-contact bicycle accident in Las Vegas.
You may need to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you and help prove that the driver is at fault despite a lack of vehicle contact. A lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident to gather evidence of fault, such as video footage, witness testimony, police reports and accident reconstruction. Then, your lawyer can negotiate for maximum compensation for the full extent of your losses. To discuss a recent no-contact bicycle accident in Las Vegas with a knowledgeable attorney, contact Koch & Brim, LLP 24/7.