Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Fault is determined by establishing that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. This could mean a driver violated a traffic law, was distracted, or failed to yield the right of way.  

Nevada follows a rule called modified comparative negligence (NRS 41.141). This means:  

• If you are found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 
• If you are found more than 50% at fault (51% or higher), you are legally barred from recovering any compensation at all. 

This rule shows why having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is essential. We work to minimize any blame unfairly placed on you and focus on the driver’s actions to maximize your financial recovery. 

Yes. Even if there was no collision, a negligent driver can be held liable. If a driver swerves, cuts you off, or performs a reckless action that forces you to crash to avoid a collision, they are responsible for creating the hazardous condition that directly caused your injuries. We have the experience to build a case around these complex “no contact” scenarios.

In Nevada, cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers. A key law protecting riders is the 3-foot passing rule (NRS 484B.270). 

This law requires a driver to give a cyclist a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing them on a road with only one lane for traffic in each direction. When drivers violate this law, it is clear evidence of negligence that can be used to hold them accountable in your case. 

If the bicycle accident made a pre-existing condition worse, you can still recover compensation. In personal injury law, there is a long-standing principle that states the at-fault party must be responsible for the full extent of the harm they cause, even if the victim had a prior condition that made them more susceptible to injury. 

This means that if the crash aggravated your condition or caused a more severe injury than it would have in a perfectly healthy person, the driver may still be liable. Our firm will work closely with your medical providers to document exactly how the crash directly exacerbated your condition, ensuring your claim covers the full extent of the harm caused. 

Yes, you can absolutely file a claim.  

Nevada law does not currently require adult cyclists to wear a helmet, so not wearing one does not automatically eliminate your right to pursue compensation. 

However, the opposing side may try to argue that your head injuries would have been less severe if you had worn a helmet. Our legal team is prepared to counter this argument by focusing on the negligent driver’s actions that caused the crash in the first place, helping you focus on your recovery.