Hit-and-Runs Take a Rising Toll on Cyclists

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise. A Las Vegas accident lawyer sees many hit-and-run accidents between cars and cyclists that result in serious injuries and fatalities.

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Bicycle Accidents

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration accident reports show a significant increase in the number of motor vehicles involved in bicycle accidents over the last decade. The percentage of pedal-cyclist fatalities in such accidents is also on the rise. In 2012, there were more than 725 cyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and an additional 49,000 cyclists seriously injured. A large percentage of those traffic accidents involved hit-and-run crashes where motor vehicle drivers fled the scene, leaving injured cyclists without help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicyclists struck by motor vehicles face a high risk of death. Statistics show that 800 U.S. bicyclists were killed in 2010, and approximately 515,000 emergency room visits were due to bike-related injuries. Reports show that adolescents and adults over the age of 45 suffer the highest bicycle fatality rates, and most fatalities occur in urban areas and at non-intersection locations. A Las Vegas accident lawyer commonly sees bicycle accidents that occur is busy urban areas and along the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas Hit-and-Runs

Las Vegas has a significant number of hit-and-run accidents involving motor vehicles and cyclists that result in serious personal injuries, as well as fatalities.

• In 2014, a hit-and-run accident occurred between a two door silver Honda and a bicyclist. The Honda purportedly hit the bicyclist in the South Valley View Boulevard and Alta Drive area, and then fled the scene.

• In 2015, a 22 year old driver was arrested by the Nevada Highway Patrol about 10 minutes after fleeing the scene where a 67 year old cyclist was struck and killed. The cyclist was wearing a reflective vest and was hit from behind.

• In 2016, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported one hit-and-run crash between a bicycle and a pickup truck where the cyclist suffered fatal injuries, and another crash between a bicycle and an SUV where the cyclist suffered serious head trauma.

According to the CDC, cyclists should wear properly fitting bicycle helmets and reflective clothing for better visibility, and use a headlight when riding after dark. To promote traffic safety, cyclists are urged to use bike lanes when available or ride in the same direction of traffic, and avoid riding on sidewalks.