Bicycles and electric scooters are gaining popularity for recreation and transportation in cities across the U.S. However, accidents involving bikes and scooters have also been rising. In fact, over 800 bicyclists are killed and there are approximately 50,000 bicycle injuries reported each year nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you are injured while riding a bike or scooter in an accident that is someone else’s fault, it’s important to understand your legal rights and take steps to protect yourself. Accidents with motor vehicles can result in severe injuries that lead to expensive medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Damaged bikes or scooters also need to be repaired or replaced.
This guide covers what to do after a bike or scooter accident in Nevada to receive fair compensation for your injuries, damaged property and other losses. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make the difference in getting fully compensated.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing you should do after any bike or scooter accident is get medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until hours or days later. Getting promptly checked over by a doctor will document your injuries for your insurance claim and ensure you get the right treatment.
Many personal injury attorneys recommend seeing your primary care physician first, who can refer you to any specialists if needed. Make sure to follow all their treatment instructions carefully. Keep records of doctor’s visits, diagnoses, expenses, and your recovery process.
Report the Accident
You’ll need to report the bike or scooter accident to the proper authorities. Call the police right away so they can come to the scene, investigate how the crash happened, and file an official report. Get a copy of this report for your records.
If you were hit by a motor vehicle, you must also report it to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Your motorcycle accident lawyer Henderson can help you handle accident reporting properly. Failing to report an accident can negatively impact your claim.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is crucial for proving how the accident happened and who was at fault. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles or bikes/scooters, and any visible injuries. Get contact details for any witnesses who saw the crash.
Save other documentation too like medical records, repair estimates, and police reports. If the other party admits fault, write down what they said in as much detail as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can obtain surveillance footage, cell phone records, and other evidence.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your own auto, health, and any other insurance providers about the accident as soon as possible. Cooperate with them fully but be careful what you say and avoid speculating about who was at fault. Your attorney can handle communications with insurers for you and ensure your claims are handled properly.
If you were hit by a vehicle, the driver’s insurance adjuster may reach out to take your recorded statement. Politely decline to give one until you have spoken to your attorney, who can prepare you beforehand. Insurers look for inconsistencies to deny or minimize claims.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
It’s highly recommended to consult a personal injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement offers from an insurance company. An experienced Henderson motorcycle accident lawyer understands Nevada accident laws and procedures. They can conduct a thorough investigation, deal with the insurer so you can focus on recovery, determine all available compensation and negotiate the maximum settlement or court award you deserve.
Personal injury lawyers generally provide free consultations and only get paid if they win your case. Your attorney will handle complex issues like proving liability, calculating damages and lost income, negotiating with the insurer and filing a lawsuit if necessary. Having proper legal representation significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
Types of Compensation Available
There are various damages you may be entitled to after a Nevada bike or scooter accident caused by another party, such as:
- Medical expenses: Current and future costs of hospital/doctor bills, medications, devices, rehabilitation, and at-home care.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to missing work during recovery.
- Loss of future earning capacity: If you can’t work in the same capacity after the accident due to permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: For physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident and injuries.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your damaged bike, scooter, clothing, helmet, etc.
- Punitive damages: Extra money awarded in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior.
Your lawyer will fight to recover full and fair compensation for all your damages.
Filing an Injury Lawsuit
Hopefully your bike or scooter accident claim can be settled out of court with an insurance payout. However, if the insurer denies liability or refuses to offer adequate compensation, your attorney may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Lawsuits are complex legal processes best handled by a skilled personal injury lawyer, who can correctly file documents, argue your case in court, and aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation. Most injury cases settle before going to trial, but your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if needed to get you justice.
Recovering After an Accident
Focus on getting proper medical treatment and allow your lawyer to handle the legal process while you recover. Follow all your doctor’s rehabilitation and therapy recommendations. Keep records of treatment sessions, medications, assistive devices and any progress or setbacks. Take things slow and don’t try to rush your recovery.
Seeking the help of a mental health professional can also be beneficial if you are dealing with anxiety, depression or PTSD after an accident. A psychologist can provide counseling and coping techniques.
Getting justice after a bike or scooter accident takes time and effort, but an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the complex legal process. Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in Nevada. Our dedicated legal team will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
