Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What You Need to Know If You Have Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating and cost-effective way to travel through most of Nevada. Operating a motorcycle on the busy streets of Las Vegas, however, can prove treacherous. There are many drunk and distracted drivers on the streets of Las Vegas and many of them fail to look for motorcycles before entering traffic or making a turn. Because motorcyclists often have little to no protection, these types of driver errors can have devastating consequences.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas are speeding, driving or riding a motorcycle under the influence, head-on and left turn collisions, and roadway hazards.

When a car or a truck hits a motorcycle, it is the motorcyclist who often suffers devastating injuries. Injured motorcycle accident victims and their families endure tremendous emotional and financial burdens. Families must deal with medical expenses, lost wages, and potential loss of livelihood in cases where catastrophic injuries are involved. If you have been injured in a Las Vegas traffic accident, please call (702) 380-8000 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

The Husband & Wife Law Team strongly believes the motorcycle community gets unfair criticism. The entire community is filled with fantastic people that deserve respect. After representing so many seriously injured riders over the years, we are tired of negligent drivers blaming the bikers they hit. We have heard far too many irresponsible drivers claim our client "came out of nowhere", as if people who ride are somehow invisible. Negligent drivers and the insurance companies who represent them need to be held accountable.

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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas include:

Speed:

Excessive speed either on the part of motorcyclists or the drivers can be deadly. Motorists and motorcyclists should stay within the posted speed limit and drive at a speed that is safe, given roadway, traffic, and weather conditions.

Alcohol:

Driving or riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs puts riders in a dangerous situation. Drunk drivers have little control over the vehicles and could potentially swerve out of their lane and strike a motorcycle.

Head-on collisions:

Crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for more than half of all motorcycle fatalities. In a majority of these accidents – about 75 percent of the time – the car strikes the motorcycle from the front. Such collisions, due to the sheer velocity, can prove fatal for motorcyclists.

Left turn collisions:

When cars make left-hand turns or U-turns, it can be a dangerous situation for motorcyclists because a large number of motorists fail to see oncoming motorcyclists. These left-turn collisions account for about 42 percent of all accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.

Roadway hazards:

Motorcyclists face a greater danger in the form of roadway debris and dangerous roadway conditions such as potholes, slick or uneven pavement.

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Protect Yourself

Despite numerous bills to repeal the law, riders in Nevada have been required to wear a helmet since 1972. Under Nevada Statute 486.231, all riders must wear protective Department of Transportation-approved. Furthermore, their helmets must have a face shield unless they are wearing protective glasses or their motorcycle is equipped with a transparent windscreen that meets federal standards.

Obeying Nevada's helmet law will greatly reduce your chances of suffering head injuries. In addition to a helmet, motorcyclists would also be well-served to protect their bodies by wearing leather jackets, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and protective boots. These accessories and clothing help prevent painful and serious road rash injuries, which are extremely common in motorcycle accidents.

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Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are not afforded the many safety features found in cars. There is no heavy metal frame, airbags or seatbelts to protect riders. Therefore, motorcyclists in Las Vegas are vulnerable to:

• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe skin lacerations and road rash
• Nerve damage
• Neck injuries
• Disfigurement
• Amputation
• Sprains and strains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash

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Getting the Support You Need from a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Victims of Las Vegas motorcycle accidents have the right to pursue financial compensation for their injuries. A successful injury claim against a careless driver can result in financial support for losses such as medical bills, lost revenue, lost future wages, pain, suffering, the cost of rehabilitation services, and other related damages. The experienced Las Vegas accident lawyers are here to help protect your rights and fight for fair and full compensation for injured victims and their families. Please contact us for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

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Additional Information

• Lane Splitting in Las Vegas - How to Ride Safely Down the Strip
• Nevada Motorcycle Operator Manual
• Nevada Laws and Regulations on Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Bicycles
• Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program