Summerlin, Nevada is a master-planned community just west of Las Vegas that promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle for its residents. With over 150 miles of trails and abundant recreation activities, Summerlin attracts cyclists who enjoy riding for fitness, commuting, and fun. Its temperate climate encourages year-round recreation, and the community hosts many runs, walks, cycling events, and fitness classes. With abundant recreation amenities and natural beauty surrounding it, Summerlin is an ideal choice for those seeking a health-conscious, on-the-go lifestyle.
Scenic Bike Trails in Summerlin
The climate in Summerlin makes the area popular with cyclists, who come to the area to explore the local trails. There are bike trails to suit all levels, as well as paved roads for bicycle commuters. Some of the most popular trails are:
- The Pueblo Park Trail Loop circles a pond and playground, providing a short family-friendly ride.
- The bike loop from The Ridges starts in The Arbors village and winds past parks and desert scenery.
- The Blue Diamond Loop outside the community traverses the scrub landscape and climbs over 3,000 feet, and is more suited to advanced cyclists.
- The Red Rock Canyon Overlook Loop has some spectacular views just west of Summerlin. This trail ranges from technical singletrack to dirt road as it winds past the Calico Hills before reaching the overlook for a stunning panorama.
With flat neighborhood paths to backcountry routes, Summerlin provides trails for every type of cycling enthusiast to enjoy. Cycling may be a popular recreational pursuit in Summerlin, but it’s not completely risk-free. Aside from having to cope with sharp desert breezes and intense sun, the prevalence of bicycling in Summerlin also leads to accidents and injuries that may require legal help.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Summerlin
While bicycling has many health and environmental benefits, it does carry inherent risks. Some common causes of bicycle accidents in Summerlin include:
- Driver error – Drivers may fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or may pass too closely. Many bicycle-vehicle collisions are caused by drivers not seeing or noticing cyclists on the road.
- Speeding – Excessive vehicle speeds increase the severity of bicycle crashes. Summerlin’s wide arterial streets may encourage speeding.
- Distracted driving – Drivers distracted by mobile devices are a major threat to Summerlin cyclists. Nevada law prohibits handheld phone use while driving.
- Impaired driving – Intoxicated drivers pose a danger to all road users, including cyclists. Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable in crashes with impaired drivers.
- Poor cycling practices – Some cyclists may disregard traffic laws or ride dangerously. Still, the motorist is usually considered at fault in a bicycle-vehicle collision.
- Road hazards – Drainage grates, potholes, debris and other road hazards may cause cyclists to crash, especially if riding improperly at night without lights.
Liability in Bicycle vs. Vehicle Accidents
In a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, liability depends on which party was negligent. Cyclists must ride as far to the right side of the road as practicable except when making a left turn, avoiding a hazard, or on a street too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to share.
Cyclists have the same duties and responsibilities as drivers. However, drivers have a greater responsibility to share the road safely with vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. A driver may be held liable for a bicycle crash if they:
- Failed to yield the right of way to a cyclist
- Passed a cyclist too closely
- Operated a vehicle aggressively or recklessly around a cyclist
- Opened a door into an oncoming cyclist
- Hit a cyclist due to inattentive or distracted driving
Cases where the cyclist may share fault include riding against traffic, running a stop sign or red light, or turning unexpectedly into a driver’s path. Comparative negligence laws determine damages based on each party’s percentage of fault.
Seeking Compensation for Bicycle Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries like head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or road rash. Injured cyclists may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
If a bicycle crash was caused by a negligent driver, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover damages like:
- Medical costs from injury treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income from missed work time
- Repair or replacement of damaged equipment
- Pain and suffering
Cyclists should promptly retain an experienced personal injury attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys to investigate fault and negotiate a fair settlement. An attorney can also file a lawsuit if needed to recover full compensation.
Some cases may warrant additional compensation if the at-fault driver exhibited gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Cyclists may also have an auto insurance claim if they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Safety Tips for Cycling in Summerlin
While riders cannot eliminate all risks, following safe cycling practices can help prevent accidents on Summerlin’s trails and roads:
- Obey all traffic laws and signals
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping
- Equip bikes with front/rear lights and reflectors if riding at night
- Wear a properly-fitted helmet
- Scan ahead for road hazards and use caution
- Make eye contact with drivers and watch for turning vehicles
- Maintain control of your bike and avoid distractions
- Stay visible by riding where drivers can see you
- Use designated bike lanes or paths when available
Seeking Legal Help After a Bicycle Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys as soon as possible. An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can protect your rights and work to recover full compensation so you can focus on healing. They will handle insurance negotiations so you obtain a fair settlement.
For cyclists injured around Summerlin or anywhere in Nevada, secure dedicated legal representation by visiting our Summerlin office at 1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135 or call us at (702) 208-2556 for advice on what to do if you have been injured in a cycling accident on one of the scenic mountain bike trails or local roads in the area.
