How these crashes happen
- Grooved or milled pavement makes the bike track and wobble.
- Loose gravel or sand is left in a lane or through a curve.
- A steel plate or edge drop-off catches the front wheel.
- A driver merges into a rider at a lane closure.
- Warning signs for riders, such as grooved pavement or uneven lanes, are missing.
Who may be responsible
The contractor
Surface hazards created by the work, and missing warnings about them, are generally the responsibility of the company running the zone.
Another driver
Drivers who merge late or fail to see a rider in a narrowed lane are a frequent cause.
A government agency
The road owner may share responsibility in some cases. Claims against public entities have their own rules.
Evidence that matters
- Photos of the road surface where you went down
- Your helmet, gear, and the bike itself, kept in their post-crash condition
- Helmet or dashcam video
- Witness names and the police crash report
- Medical records from the day of the crash forward
Work zones change from day to day. If you can do so safely, capture the scene before it changes, and follow these steps.
Common questions
The insurer says I was going too fast for conditions. What now?
That is a common position with riders. Nevada's comparative negligence rule means partial fault reduces a recovery but does not bar it unless your share is greater than the other side's. The condition of the road and the warnings given matter a great deal.
Should I repair my bike?
Not yet, if you can avoid it. The bike and your gear are evidence. Photograph everything and talk to an attorney first.