Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada

Data shows that motorcycle accidents accounted for about 19 percent of all fatal traffic crashes in Nevada over a recent four-year period. Sadly, 306 people lost their lives in those collisions. Hundreds of family members and friends never get to spend time with their loved ones again.

Nationwide, the statistics are also grim. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA), 5014 motorcyclists died in crashes in just one year. Another 84,000 suffered injuries.

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada can help motorcyclists identify danger zones and take precautions to stay safe. But even the most cautious bikers can’t always avoid a wreck, especially when the others around them drive carelessly.

If you or someone you love was harmed in a motorcycle crash, an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help. Reach out to THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today. We can review your case for free and determine your rights to financial compensation. Call or contact us today to speak to a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The most recent Nevada Highway Safety Plan identified reducing motorcycle accidents as a “critical area of emphasis” to reduce overall traffic deaths. State data over four years shows:

• More than 75 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in urban areas.
• Clark County reported the highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Most fatal motorbike wrecks happened between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m., with 61 percent of collisions reported during daytime hours.
• 37 percent of deadly crashes occurred on the weekends.
• Males between the ages of 21 and 25 were the largest age group linked to fatal motorcycle accidents.
• 56 percent of riders were driving straight at the time of the crash.
• 30 percent of operators were negotiating a curve.
• Five percent of motorcycle accidents happened while riders were passing or overtaking another vehicle.
• 30 percent of motorcycle accidents in Nevada were “angle crashes,” such as a side-impact accident or T-bone crash.
• 25 percent of accidents occurred when a biker struck a fixed object, such as a tree.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road for several reasons. Unlike modern cars equipped with safety features like airbags and seat belts, motorcycles simply can’t offer riders and passengers the same level of protection. Motorcycles are also smaller and narrower than motor vehicles, making them more difficult to spot in traffic.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Head-on collisions

Head-on collisions accounted for five percent of Nevada motorcycle accidents over four years, according to the state Highway Safety Plan. While that number sounds low, front-end crashes often are frequently fatal or result in the most catastrophic injuries.

Head-on crashes are often the result of distracted driving, drunk driving, wrong-way driving, drowsy driving, and unsafe passing maneuvers.

Speeding

Driving too fast for road conditions is a nationwide problem. But for motorcyclists, getting hit by a speeding car is a recipe for disaster. Speed increases the force of impact in any collision. But when a car or 18-wheeler strikes a motorcyclist at high speeds, the chances of a severe or fatal injury increase exponentially. Survivors of speed-related motorcycle accidents often sustain life-changing traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and road rash that leave them with permanent scarring and disabilities.

Left-turn accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen when another driver is trying to turn left, usually at an intersection. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Nevada occurred when the biker was driving straight.

The common defense in left-turn accidents is “I never saw them coming!” But drivers must look for obstacles in their path before negotiating a left turn. Motorcycles are harder to see, but the driver’s job is to avoid hitting the rider. Drivers can be held liable if they fail in this obligation.

Driving under the influence

In Las Vegas, drunk driving is a serious concern for residents and tourists alike. Alcohol dulls reflexes, impairs judgment, and affects the motor coordination needed to balance a bike and operate it safely.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are overrepresented in alcohol-involved crashes. Nearly 30 percent of motorcyclists killed in U.S. motorcycle accidents in a recent year had blood-alcohol concentrations above the legal limit of 0.08 or higher.

In Nevada, motorcyclists could pursue compensation from the driver responsible for causing a crash and resulting injuries. Under Nevada law, the injured party may also be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation if a “social host” at a business or residence knowingly served alcohol to an underage individual who later caused a motorcycle accident.

Blind-spot accidents

Every vehicle has blind spots, and every motorist is responsible for checking those areas before merging into traffic, changing lanes, or backing up. Failing to check blind spots thoroughly can easily cause a driver to miss seeing a motorcyclist in their path. According to the state Highway Report, around four percent of Nevada motorcycle accidents were sideswipe crashes or occurred while the biker was trying to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction.

Dangerous road conditions

State and municipal governments are responsible for keeping roads clear of debris, clearly marked, and free from an excessive number of potholes. If the failure to maintain roads contributes to a motorcycle accident, victims could have a valid legal claim.

Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we know victims worry about how to afford the costs of a serious motorcycle accident. If someone else is at fault for your injuries, financial relief could be possible. You could have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

A successful motorcycle accident claim can provide money for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other losses. It can also provide a measure of accountability and justice for the harm you’ve endured.

Worried about how to afford a lawyer? Don’t be. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we take all cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win.

Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers can get started on your case today. Call or contact us now for a free consultation.