Motorcycle Accidents

High volume of traffic and the unpredictable nature of other drivers on the road can make riding motorcycles dangerous. Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and can cause serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcycle Accident Claims

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are a few important things you should know about the claims process. Nevada is an at-fault state, which means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages that result from the accident. This includes any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you experience as a result of the accident.

In addition, Nevada has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim within this time period, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your injuries.

When filing a motorcycle accident claim, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who understands the laws and regulations that apply to your case. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a variety of damages related to your injuries and losses. Some of the most common types of damages that may be recoverable in a motorcycle accident claim include:

Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to medical treatment for your injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and therapy.
Loss of Income: If you were unable to work as a result of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages, as well as for any future loss of earning capacity.
Property Damage: If your motorcycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress that you have experienced as a result of your injuries.

The amount of compensation that you may be able to recover will depend on the specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, and the overall impact that the accident has had on your life.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including both rider and driver behavior. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

1. Driver Inattention: Drivers who are distracted or not paying attention to the road are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. This can include drivers who are talking or texting on their cell phone, eating, or otherwise not focused on driving.
2. Left-Turn Accidents: Left-turn accidents are a common type of motorcycle accident. These occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often because the driver did not see the motorcycle or misjudged its speed.
3. Lane Changes: Motorcycle accidents can also occur when a driver changes lanes without checking for other vehicles, including motorcycles, in the adjacent lane.
4. Speeding: Speeding is a common factor in motorcycle accidents. When a motorcycle is traveling at a high rate of speed, it can be more difficult for other drivers to see and avoid the motorcycle.
5. Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause motorcycle accidents.
6. Road Hazards: Hazards in the road, such as potholes or debris, can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles, which have less stability than other vehicles.
7. Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, can be dangerous if not done with caution and at a safe speed.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries that can have life-changing consequences. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: These are some of the most serious and life-changing injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. Even with a helmet, the force of impact in a crash can cause a traumatic brain injury, which can result in cognitive, emotional, and physical changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can also cause damage to the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis or other serious medical conditions.
Broken Bones: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause broken bones throughout the body, including the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from a motorcycle, they may slide across the pavement, resulting in abrasions known as road rash. These can be painful and require extensive medical treatment to heal properly.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can also result in soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Some injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident, and delaying medical treatment can make your injuries worse and make it more difficult to recover compensation in a lawsuit.

Nevada State Motorcycle Laws

In addition to the general rules of the road that apply to all drivers in Nevada, there are also specific laws that apply to motorcycle riders. These laws are designed to help keep riders safe on the road and to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. Some of the most important motorcycle laws in Nevada include:

Helmet Law: In Nevada, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets that meet certain safety standards.
Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Nevada.
Eye Protection: Motorcycle riders are required to wear eye protection, unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen that provides adequate eye protection.
Handlebar Height: The handlebars of a motorcycle cannot be more than six inches higher than the rider’s shoulder level when seated on the motorcycle.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Nevada, it is important to work with an attorney who understands these laws and how they apply to your case. An attorney can help you determine whether any of these laws were violated in your accident and whether they played a role in causing the accident.

Comparative Negligence

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule when it comes to determining fault in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. Under this rule, a plaintiff can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident, as long as their degree of fault does not exceed 50%. However, the amount of damages that they are able to recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault that is attributed to them.

For example, if a rider was deemed to be 30% at fault for a motorcycle accident, and the damages in the case were calculated to be $100,000, the rider would be able to recover $70,000 in damages, representing the 70% of the damages that were attributed to the other party’s fault.

It’s important to note that Nevada’s comparative negligence law can be complex, and it can be difficult to determine the percentage of fault that is attributable to each party involved in a motorcycle accident. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you build a strong case and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the care and compensation you need. Here are some steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident:

Seek Medical Attention: The first priority after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper evaluation. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
Call the Police: Contact the police and have them come to the scene of the accident. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can help you prove that the other side is liable.
Collect Information: Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your motorcycle or other property.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: It is important to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, obtaining this compensation can be difficult, especially if you are dealing with insurance companies and their attorneys on your own. That’s where a lawyer comes in. Our experienced team can help you:

Investigate the Accident: We can review the police report, interview witnesses, and analyze the scene to determine who was at fault for the accident.
Gather Evidence: We can obtain medical records, accident reports, and other documentation to support your case.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We can handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Represent You in Court: We can represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.