Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Reno Bicycle Accident Claims

Riding a bike through Reno should feel freeing, not frightening. When a careless driver turns a routine ride into a life-altering injury, the Reno bicycle accident lawyers at Leverty & Associates Law are ready to help you take the next step.

We have spent more than four decades standing up for injured Nevadans, and we understand how a single crash can disrupt your work, your health, and your family. Whether you were riding along the Truckee River Path, commuting near the University of Nevada, Reno, or pedaling through Midtown, we are here to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Call us today at (775) 322-6636 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose Us for Your Reno Bicycle Accident Case

Choosing the right law firm after a bicycle crash matters. At Leverty & Associates Law, we bring a rare combination of insurance knowledge, courtroom readiness, and personal attention to every case we handle.

Patrick Leverty, one of our lead attorneys, holds an LLM (master’s degree) in insurance law, which means we understand how insurance companies think, calculate, and try to limit payouts. That insight often makes the difference between a low offer and a fair recovery.

Here is what sets us apart when you trust us with your bicycle accident case:

• More than 42 years serving Nevada. Our family firm has represented injured riders and drivers since 1979.
• Proven record of success. We have recovered more than $150 million in claims and compensation for our clients. Because of our attorneys’ advocacy and our legal team’s hard work in preparing for litigation, we have more than 1000 satisfied clients.
• Board-certified personal injury attorney. Patrick Leverty is board-certified in personal injury law by the Nevada Justice Association.
• Insurance coverage analysis at the core. Our background in insurance law helps us find every available source of compensation for your injuries.
• Trial-ready representation. We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, attending seminars and conducting focus groups to stay sharp.
• Client-centered approach. We keep you involved in your case so we can represent your interests fully and honestly.
• Free consultations and contingency fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

When you are healing from a bicycle accident, the last thing you need is to feel like just another file on a desk. Reach out to our Reno team at (775) 322-6636 to talk through your situation with people who genuinely care.

Bicycle Accidents Happen Too Often on Reno Roads

Reno is a city built for cyclists in many ways. From the scenic stretches along the Truckee River to the bike lanes near downtown, riders share the road with cars, trucks, and rideshare vehicles every day. Unfortunately, drivers do not always pay attention to the people on two wheels next to them.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists account for roughly 2.9 percent of all traffic deaths in Nevada, even though cycling makes up a much smaller portion of total trips.

Common locations where bicycle crashes occur in our area include:

• Busy intersections in Midtown and along Virginia Street
• Roads near the University of Nevada, Reno during class hours
• Routes leading to and from popular spots like Idlewild Park and Rancho San Rafael
• Highway crossings and on-ramps where drivers are focused on traffic flow rather than cyclists
• Residential streets where drivers back out of driveways without checking for riders

No matter where your crash happened, our Reno bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and what to do next.

Nevada Bicycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Knowing the rules of the road helps you protect yourself and strengthens your case if a crash occurs. Nevada treats bicycles much like other vehicles, which means cyclists have rights and responsibilities on the road.

Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484B, bicyclists are generally entitled to use the full lane when conditions require it and must obey traffic signals and signs.

Key Nevada laws that affect bicycle accident cases include:

• Drivers must move into an adjacent lane when passing a cyclist if possible, or give at least three feet of space when they cannot.
• Cyclists riding at night must have a front lamp visible from at least 500 feet and a rear reflector or light.
• Bicyclists generally must ride as close to the right side of the road as is safe, with several exceptions for hazards, turns, and narrow lanes.
• Sidewalk riding rules vary by city, and Reno has specific ordinances about where cyclists may ride on foot paths.
• Helmet use is not required by state law for adults, but wearing one can reduce the severity of head injuries.

These rules matter because they often shape how fault is assigned. If a driver violated a state law that contributed to your crash, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your personal injury case.

Injuries Cyclists Often Suffer in Reno Crashes

Even at low speeds, a collision between a car and a bicycle puts the rider at a serious disadvantage. Cyclists have very little protection against the weight and force of a motor vehicle. The injuries that result can be life-changing and require months or years of medical care.

The injuries we frequently see in bicycle accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and more severe head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries that may lead to partial or complete paralysis
• Broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, collarbone, ribs, and legs
• Road rash and deep skin abrasions that may require skin grafts
• Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Facial injuries, dental damage, and eye injuries
• Soft tissue injuries that can cause long-term pain and limited mobility
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety about returning to the road

Recovering from these injuries takes more than physical healing. It often takes financial resources, emotional support, and a legal team that understands how serious the long-term effects can be. We are here to help you pursue the full value of what you have lost.

How Our Bike Accident Lawyers in Reno Help Injured Cyclists

Our work for bicycle crash clients goes well beyond filing paperwork. From the moment you call us, we begin building a case designed to protect your rights and hold the responsible driver accountable. We understand that you are healing, so we take the weight of the legal process onto our shoulders whenever possible.

Here is how we typically support our bicycle accident clients:

• Free initial consultation. We sit down with you, listen to what happened, and explain your options.
• Investigation. We gather police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available video footage.
• Medical record review. We work with your providers to fully document your injuries and treatment plan.
• Insurance coverage analysis. We identify every policy that may apply, including the at-fault driver’s auto insurance, your own underinsured motorist coverage, and any umbrella policies.
• Negotiation. We communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
• Trial preparation. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we prepare your case for court with the same care from day one.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed. You should never feel left in the dark about your own case, and we make sure you have the information you need to make confident decisions.

Compensation Available After a Reno Bicycle Accident

Every case is different, and the value of any personal injury case depends on the specific facts involved. That said, Nevada law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation for a wide range of losses tied to the crash and the recovery process. Our job is to identify those losses, document them thoroughly, and present them clearly.

Compensation in a bicycle accident case may include:

• Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity if you cannot return to the same work
• Pain and suffering, including the physical pain of your injuries
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
• Property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace your bicycle and gear
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from activities you once loved
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your treatment and recovery

The right amount of compensation depends on how the injuries affect your daily life, your career, and your future. We take time to understand the full picture so nothing important is left out of your demand.

What to Expect When You Work with Our Reno Team

We know that hiring a lawyer for the first time can feel intimidating. Our goal is to make the experience as straightforward and supportive as possible. From your first phone call, you will speak with people who treat you like a neighbor, not a case number. That is part of what comes with being a multi-generation family firm rooted in Northern Nevada.

When you reach out to us, here is what you can expect:

• A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your bicycle accident
• Clear explanations of legal terms and the steps in your case
• A contingency fee arrangement, meaning no fees unless we recover for you
• Direct access to your attorney when you have questions
• Honest assessments of the strengths and challenges of your case
• A team approach, so you have multiple advocates working on your behalf

After reading the list above, it may help to know that we encourage clients to ask anything that is on their mind. There are no silly questions when it comes to your health and your future.

Insurance Companies and Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses, and they often try to pay as little as possible after a serious crash. Adjusters may seem friendly on the phone, but their job is to protect their employer’s bottom line.

They may suggest that you were partially at fault, that your injuries are not as bad as you say, or that a quick low offer is the best you will get. None of those tactics should pressure you into accepting less than your case is worth.

A few things to keep in mind when dealing with insurers after a bicycle crash:

• You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
• An early settlement offer is often far below what your case may actually be worth.
• Signing a medical release can give insurers access to records they should not have.
• Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your recovery later.

The best step is to talk to a lawyer before you talk to an adjuster. A short phone call with our team can save you from costly mistakes that affect the rest of your case.

FAQs Answered by Our Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Below are some of the questions we hear most often from injured cyclists and their families in the Reno area. If you do not see your question listed, please reach out to our team for personalized guidance.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Nevada?

In most personal injury cases, Nevada gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so it is wise to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

What if I was not wearing a helmet when the crash happened?

Nevada law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. However, an insurance company may try to argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your head injuries. We help push back against unfair attempts to shift blame onto you.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the crash?

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is not automatically eliminated.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

It is generally best to speak with a lawyer before giving any statement to the other driver’s insurer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that may hurt your case. We can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so your words are not used against you later.

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer at your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is also free. This setup allows injured riders to access strong legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

Contact Our Reno Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

You do not have to face this difficult time alone. The Reno bicycle accident lawyers at Leverty & Associates Law are ready to listen, answer your questions, and stand beside you every step of the way. With more than 42 years of experience helping Nevada families recover after serious crashes, we bring the legal knowledge, insurance insight, and personal care your case deserves.

Call us today at (775) 322-6636 for a free consultation, or reach out through our website to share your story. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you, so there is nothing to lose by getting the answers you need.

Client Testimonial

”Patrick is a great lawyer, he help me with my case and solved a great problem ,thanks to him and his quick response time we won the case thanks, could not have done it with out him.” – Lloyd Fellon (Google Review)