Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Las Vegas may be known for its bright lights and nightlife, but when summer arrives, the city transforms into a hotbed of outdoor activity. Tourists and locals alike take to the streets on bicycles and electric scooters, enjoying convenience, speed, and a break from traffic. However, the seasonal spike in micromobility usage also brings a troubling trend: a surge in bike and e-scooter accidents.
Whether it’s a tourist unfamiliar with local laws, a distracted driver striking a cyclist, or a rider injured by a roadway hazard, the legal consequences can be serious. If you’ve been hurt while riding a bike or scooter in Las Vegas, here’s what you need to know about your rights, responsibilities, and options for legal recovery under Nevada law.
Why Bike and Scooter Accidents Spike in the Summer
Summer brings more people outside—and onto Las Vegas roads and sidewalks. Key factors contributing to rising accident rates include:
- Tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns
- Inexperienced riders on rented scooters
- Poorly maintained roads or bike lanes
- Increased car traffic near attractions and resorts
- Distracted or impaired motorists
- Lack of protective gear, especially helmets
According to local data, e-scooter usage spikes during weekends, holidays, and summer months—and so do injuries requiring emergency medical care.
Common Injuries in Bike and Scooter Accidents
While some riders walk away with minor bruises, others suffer life-altering injuries. These include:
- Head and brain injuries (especially without helmets)
- Broken wrists, arms, or collarbones
- Facial lacerations or dental injuries
- Road rash and abrasions
- Spinal injuries
- Pelvic or hip fractures
Even low-speed collisions can cause severe trauma, particularly in crashes with motor vehicles.
Nevada Laws Governing Bikes and E-Scooters
In Nevada, bicycles and e-scooters are subject to a mix of state statutes and local ordinances. Here are a few key rules:
For Bicyclists:
- Riders must obey all traffic laws.
- Helmets are strongly recommended but not legally required.
- Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Sidewalk riding is prohibited in some areas (especially on the Strip).
- Motorists must provide at least 3 feet of space when passing.
For E-Scooter Riders:
- Riders must be 16 years or older.
- Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in certain zones.
- They are restricted to roads with speed limits under 45 mph.
- Some areas require reflectors or lights at night.
- Like cyclists, scooter riders are encouraged to wear helmets, though it’s not mandatory for adults.
Failure to follow these rules could reduce a rider’s ability to recover damages—but does not automatically eliminate liability if another party was at fault.
Who Is Liable in a Bike or Scooter Accident?
Nevada follows a comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties can share fault in a crash. Potentially liable parties include:
1. Motorists
If a driver hit you due to speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or other traffic violations, they can be held financially responsible.
2. Property Owners
If your crash was caused by a dangerous sidewalk, pothole, or poorly maintained curb owned by a business or property owner, you may have a premises liability claim.
3. The City or County
Hazards like unmarked construction zones or missing signage may be the responsibility of local municipalities, though claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and strict procedures.
4. Scooter Companies
If you were injured because a rented scooter malfunctioned—due to brake failure, software glitches, or worn-down tires—you may have a product liability claim against the scooter company or maintenance contractor.
Can Tourists File Injury Claims in Las Vegas?
Yes. If you’re visiting Las Vegas and suffer an accident while using a scooter or bike, you have every right to file a personal injury claim in Nevada, even after returning home. A local personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the accident locally
- Communicate with local insurers and city officials
- Handle your claim while you’re out of state
What to Do After a Bike or Scooter Accident
- Call 911 and seek medical attention, even for “minor” injuries.
- Take photos or video of the scene, vehicle, road conditions, and injuries.
- Get contact information from witnesses and all involved parties.
- Report the crash to scooter companies or local authorities if applicable.
- Avoid admitting fault or signing documents without legal advice.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If someone else was at fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or income from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Property damage (bike or personal electronics)
- Travel and lodging costs if you’re an out-of-state victim
Why These Cases Require a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer
Bike and e-scooter injury claims can be complicated by multiple factors, including:
- Unclear liability
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Denials by scooter companies
- Disputes over city maintenance responsibilities
- Short deadlines for government claims
At The Firm, we know how to investigate these incidents thoroughly, fight back against blame-shifting, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under Nevada law.
Don’t Let a Summer Ride Turn Into a Legal Nightmare
Riding through Las Vegas on a bike or scooter should be fun—not dangerous. If you’ve been hurt due to a careless driver, dangerous roadway, or faulty rental equipment, let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact The Firm, led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., today for a free case review.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
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