Las Vegas, NV (October 14th, 2025) – A school bus driver in Las Vegas was determined to be at fault in a fatal bicycle accident that took the life of a 12-year-old cyclist riding home from school. According to investigative findings, the driver failed to allow sufficient clearance while overtaking the student, who was properly using a designated bike lane.
This case demonstrates the life-threatening risks cyclists face from sideswipe collisions. Even riders who obey all traffic regulations and stay within protected lanes remain vulnerable to driver negligence.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe bicycle accident, contact our Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices. Call 702-388-2005 for a free consultation.
What Happens When a Vehicle Sideswipes a Cyclist in the Bike Lane?
A sideswipe bicycle accident occurs when a motor vehicle traveling in the same direction as a bicyclist makes contact with the bike, typically striking the handlebars, pedals, or the rider themselves. Even minimal contact can have serious or catastrophic consequences for cyclists who lack the protection of a vehicle and safety features.
The recent fatal accident in Las Vegas exemplifies how dangerous car vs bicycle accidents can be. The young student was riding westbound in a proper bike lane when the school bus attempted to pass. A parked vehicle on the right side forced the student to navigate carefully while the bus traveled closely on the left side.
Investigation records reveal that the bus operator provided inadequate clearance during the passing maneuver. When the bus made contact with the student’s left handlebar, it forced the opposite handlebar into the stationary vehicle, ejecting the rider. The student suffered critical injuries, including severe trauma to the pelvic region and lower body. The 75-year-old driver was cited as responsible, though formal charges were pending as the investigation continued.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
Sideswipe bicycle accidents typically occur due to several preventable factors. These include:
Insufficient Passing Distance
Many drivers, including the bus driver in the recent fatal bus-bicycle accident, fail to provide the legally required space when passing cyclists. Most states mandate at least three feet of clearance, though some require more depending on speed limits and road conditions.
Driver Distraction
Texting, adjusting controls, or other distractions can cause drivers to drive into bike lanes or fail to notice cyclists entirely.
Large Vehicle Blind Spots
Buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles have significant blind spots that can obscure cyclists from the driver’s view, making sideswipe collisions more likely.
Inadequate Mirror Checks
Drivers who fail to check their mirrors before changing lanes or turning may not see bicyclists traveling alongside them.
Narrow Roadways
On roads without dedicated bike lanes or with insufficient width, cyclists and vehicles are forced into dangerously close proximity.
Parked Vehicles
As demonstrated in the Las Vegas incident, parked cars in or near bike lanes force cyclists to move closer to traffic, increasing the risk of them getting sideswiped.
Injuries Common in Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
Due to the vulnerability of bicyclists, even seemingly minor sideswipe accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered in sideswipe bike crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe abrasions
- Internal organ damage
The severity of injuries often depends on whether the rider is thrown from the bike, whether they fall into traffic, and whether they are struck or run over by the vehicle’s tires.
Who Is Liable When a Bus or Large Vehicle Causes a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident?
Determining liability in a bicycle accident requires examining the circumstances of the collision and identifying all potentially responsible parties. In crashes involving buses and commercial vehicles, liability can extend beyond the individual driver.
Driver Liability
The vehicle operator bears primary responsibility when they fail to exercise reasonable care around bicyclists. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a safe distance when passing, check blind spots, and ensure the roadway is clear before maneuvering. When a driver sideswiped a cyclist due to negligence, distraction, or failure to follow traffic losses, they may be held liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Employer and Entity Liability
When the at-fault driver operates a commercial vehicle, bus, or company car, their employer may share liability. Nevada law allows they may be responsible for negligent acts their employees commit within the scope of employment.
In incidents involving school buses or public transit vehicles, the operating agency or school district potentially bears responsibility, since drivers operate these vehicles during their employment duties. Government entities and transit authorities can be held accountable, though special procedural requirements often apply when pursuing claims against governmental bodies.
Vehicle Owner Liability
In some jurisdictions, vehicle owners can be held liable for accidents involving their vehicles, even if they weren’t driving. This is particularly relevant when a vehicle owner negligently entrusts their vehicle to an incompetent or unqualified driver.
Third-Party Liability
Additional parties may share fault depending on the circumstances, including:
- Municipalities may be liable if poor road design, inadequate bike lane markings, or failure to remove hazards contributed to the accident
- Vehicle manufacturers could bear responsibility if mechanical defects caused the collision
- Other drivers who created dangerous conditions that led to the sideswipe accident
A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer experienced in handling bike accident cases can help victims and their families identify any and all potential liable parties.
Understanding Your Legal Options
Sideswipe bicycle accidents cause serious injuries and can fundamentally alter victims’ lives. Whether you were struck by a passenger vehicle, commercial truck, or bus, or you lost a loved one in such an accident, you have legal rights and options for recovery.
Most sideswipe bicycle crash claims are based on negligence, requiring proof the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries or the death of your loved one as a result. Don’t face the aftermath of a sideswipe bicycle accident alone. Contact an experienced bike accident lawyer at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call 702-388-2005 to discuss your rights, and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
