A Guide to Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
Riding a motorcycle gives you an unmatched sense of freedom as you cruise down open Nevada roads and the wide open spaces of this desert state are popular with motorcyclists. However, motorcycles also leave riders more vulnerable in crashes, which happen more than people think. Without the protection of a car or truck, motorcycle accidents often lead to severe or fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Nevada motorcycle crash, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. This guide covers key aspects of Nevada motorcycle accidents to equip you with helpful information during this difficult time.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
Determining the cause of the accident is crucial for deciding who holds liability. Common causes of Nevada motorcycle crashes include:
- Other vehicles turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Vehicles rear-ending a stopped or slowed motorcycle
- Cars changing lanes into the motorcyclist’s path
- Road hazards like potholes or debris hitting the motorcycle
Nevada is also home to many winding, hilly rural roads that prove challenging for inexperienced motorcyclists. Loss of control is a major single-vehicle crash factor.
Factors that Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
While the other vehicle is often responsible in multi-vehicle accidents, several factors may be considered contributing factors:
Excessive Speeding
Speeding reduces a rider’s ability to react and stop safely. Nevada has a large rural expanse with plenty of temptation to open up the throttle. However, posted limits are for safety.
Impaired Riding
In Nevada, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 is legally intoxicated. Impaired riding impacts coordination and response times. Fatigue can also impair abilities much like alcohol.
Lack of Rider Training
Going straight to a large, powerful motorcycle without formal training makes crashes more likely. Rider education teaches critical skills for hazard avoidance and safe handling of a motorcycle in traffic.
No Helmet or Protective Gear
Nevada has no statewide helmet law for adult riders. But helmets radically improve outcomes in motorcycle crashes. Full protective gear also prevents or reduces injury severity.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, unsafe bridges or railroad crossings, unmarked construction zones, and other road hazards are particularly dangerous for motorcycles, especially when combined with other factors like speeding.
Liability for the Accident
In multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, liability often falls on the driver of the other vehicle. Common factors that point to driver liability include:
- Failure to yield right of way
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dangerous opening of vehicle door in traffic
- Following a motorcycle too closely
But rider error can also contribute. Factors like excessive speed for road conditions or impaired riding may indicate shared liability. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you on Nevada laws regarding negligence and liability.
Seeking Compensation
Successfully obtaining compensation following a motorcycle accident in Nevada involves several steps:
Documenting Details from the Scene
If possible, gather information like photos of damage, witness contact details, medical records from initial treatment, and police reports. This evidence helps prove your case.
Evaluating Liability
Speak to a motor vehicle accident attorney, who will conduct a liability investigation by interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence like video footage, examining records, visiting the scene, consulting traffic engineers, recreating the crash, and engaging in negotiations with insurers.
Reporting to Your Insurance Provider
Once you have spoken to an attorney, review your policy thoroughly, as there may be time-sensitive reporting requirements. Give a statement on what happened and follow all additional processes outlined in the policy.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit
Depending on liability results, the best motorcycle accident attorney may first send a demand letter requesting compensation for damages. If reasonable settlement offers are not made, a personal injury lawsuit is filed.
Going to Court if Necessary
Should a settlement not be reached, your case proceeds to trial. Your vehicle accident lawyer presents evidence before a judge or jury who decides if the other party is liable. Recovery amounts are also determined here.
Compensation for Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic simply due to a lack of protection around the rider. These injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Severe road rash and skin trauma
- Amputated or crushed limbs
- Internal organ damage
The level of compensation you may recover depends on the severity of injuries, length of hospitalization and rehabilitation, and extent of permanent impairment or loss of income. A road accident attorney can seek damages, which may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Medical experts often provide testimony quantifying treatment costs and the impact of long-term health effects. Accident reconstructionists analyze the crash to explain the severity of forces involved. Economists calculate total current and future financial losses.
Why Hire a Road Accident Lawyer?
The legal and claims process is complex, requiring experience and skills that the average non-lawyer does not possess.
An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys levels the playing field against large insurance companies seeking minimal payouts, aggressively negotiating for maximum compensation. They also reduce stress during recovery by managing the case and legal complexities.
Ultimately, statistics show accident victims represented by experienced accident injury lawyers recover significantly higher value settlements. So, securing legal counsel from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys protects your best interests.
Speak with a Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash leaves accident victims and families devastated, overwhelmed, and unsure of the next steps. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys understands this emotional and financial hardship. We handle all aspects of investigating the accident, establishing liability, dealing with insurers, and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
For a free case review, contact our office today and get personalized legal guidance. With an aggressive lawyer by your side, you can make the best decisions during this difficult period to work toward the strongest possible resolution for your situation. We are here to help you and your family pursue the justice you deserve.
