Electric bikes have completely transformed how people commute and recreate in Reno. From students zipping across the UNR campus to professionals commuting through Midtown, and weekend riders exploring the Truckee Riverwalk, e-bikes are everywhere.
Unfortunately, local drivers have not yet adapted to sharing the road with them.
Because electric bikes can travel at sustained speeds of 20 to 28 MPH, drivers frequently misjudge their approach. The result is often a devastating collision, particularly at the most dangerous intersections in Reno, where a car turns directly into the cyclist’s path. To make matters worse, when an injured rider files a claim, auto insurance companies rely on a built-in bias against e-bikes to deny responsibility. If you have been hit by a careless driver, you need an experienced electric bike accident lawyer to cut through the blame-shifting and secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Why Insurance Adjusters Automatically Blame E-Bike Riders
As a former insurance defense attorney, Cody Oldham knows exactly how corporate adjusters view e-bike claims. They operate on the assumption that electric bikes are inherently dangerous, and they will use that bias against you.
When a crash occurs, adjusters frequently lean on Nevada’s “modified comparative negligence” rule. Their goal is to prove you were at least partially responsible for the accident. If they can convince a jury or a claims evaluator that you were 25% or 30% at fault, they get to keep a massive portion of your settlement money.
They will typically try to argue that:
- You were “speeding” on a bicycle: Because e-bikes move faster than traditional pedal bikes, drivers often claim the cyclist “came out of nowhere.” Adjusters use this to argue that you were riding at an unsafe speed for the conditions.
- You were in the wrong lane: They will heavily scrutinize whether you were in a designated bike lane, on the sidewalk, or taking the lane, looking for any minor traffic infraction to pin the blame on you.
- You couldn’t be seen: They will check police reports to see if you were wearing reflective gear or using a headlight, trying to argue that the driver couldn’t possibly have avoided you.
“Insurance companies love it when drivers say, ‘I just didn’t see them.’ Instead of admitting their driver failed to yield, the adjuster will try to argue that you were riding your e-bike recklessly. We don’t let them get away with that.”
— Cody Oldham, Partner at Jensen Oldham
Nevada E-Bike Laws: Knowing Your Rights
One of the best ways to protect yourself from predatory insurance tactics is by hiring an electric bike accident lawyer and by understanding your legal standing. Nevada law categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on whether they have a throttle and their top assisted speed.
Generally speaking, Nevada treats e-bikes very similarly to traditional bicycles. This means you have a legal right to use the roadways, and drivers owe you a duty of care. If a driver executes a “right hook” (turning right directly in front of you) or a “left cross” (turning left into your oncoming path) because they misjudged your speed, they are legally negligent. You have every right to pursue a formal bicycle accident lawsuit to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
The Devastating Nature of E-Bike Injuries
The unique danger of an e-bike crash comes down to physics. A rider on a heavy electric bike traveling at 22 MPH who strikes the side of an SUV is going to suffer far more severe trauma than someone pedaling a beach cruiser at 10 MPH.
We frequently help e-bike accident victims recover compensation for:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions (even when wearing a helmet)
- Complex bone fractures in the wrists, arms, and collarbones from bracing for impact
- Severe road rash and permanent scarring
- Spinal cord damage and herniated discs
Because these injuries often require surgeries, physical therapy, and extended time off work, the financial stakes are incredibly high. The at-fault driver’s insurance company knows this, which is why they fight these claims so aggressively.
How We Protect You as Electric Bike Accident Lawyers
You should never have to fight a billion-dollar insurance company while trying to recover from a broken bone or a concussion. When you hire our firm, we immediately take over all communication with the adjusters to ensure you do not accidentally say something they can twist out of context.
To build a bulletproof case, our team will:
- Secure the Evidence: We move fast to secure nearby doorbell cameras, dashcam footage, and business security video that proves the driver was at fault.
- Consult the Experts: If the insurance company claims you were speeding, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove the driver failed to yield the right-of-way.
- Find the Coverage: We dig deep to find every available insurance policy, including the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, to ensure there is enough money to pay for your recovery.
If you are currently communicating with an adjuster, it is critical to know the common mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim. The most important rule? Never give a recorded statement without your attorney present.
Speak With a Local E-Bike Injury Team Today
At Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law, we understand the specific nuances of electric bike crashes in Washoe County. We know the local roads, we know the local courts, and we know exactly how to beat the insurance companies at their own game.
If you or a loved one were injured while riding, contact a trusted electric bike accident lawyer today. We offer completely free, no-obligation case evaluations, and we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.