Motorcycle Accident FAQs - Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience for motorcycle riders. These accidents often lead to severe injuries, extensive medical bills, and complicated insurance claims. That’s why understanding Nevada law is a must. Learn how to protect your rights, gather necessary evidence, and secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas. We’re here to help you through every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim, ensuring you can focus on your recovery.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping injured riders in Las Vegas with their motorcycle accident cases. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
In this guide, we will answer common questions about motorcycle accidents to help you understand what steps to take if you’re involved in one. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the road, Knowing what to do after a crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What Are Nevada’s Motorcycle Laws?
Nevada law requires motorcyclists to follow specific rules to protect every road user. Essential Nevada motorcycle laws include:
- Helmet requirements – All riders and passengers must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets federal safety standards (NRS 486.231).
- Eye protection requirements – Riders must wear goggles, glasses, or a face shield unless their motorcycle has a windshield (NRS 486.231).
- License and endorsement laws – Motorcyclists must have a valid Class M license or endorsement (NRS 486.061).
- Lane splitting laws – Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Nevada (NRS 486.351).
- Footrest and handlebar laws – Motorcycles must have footrests for passengers, and handlebars cannot be more than six inches above the rider’s shoulders (NRS 486.201 and 486.181).
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Your health comes first after a motorcycle accident. Always check for injuries. Next, you should take these steps to protect your rights and build a solid personal injury claim.
- Call 911 – Motorcycle accidents can result in horrific injuries, so summon police and EMS to the scene right away.
- Gather information – Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved. Document the scene with photographs and get contact details from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention – If you need emergency treatment, get to the hospital immediately. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should still visit a healthcare professional for a thorough examination to rule out internal injuries.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, but stick to the facts and don’t speculate about fault or injuries.
- Consult a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney – A lawyer will handle all parts of your injury case. They will collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for you at trial if settlement talks break down. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we start to work on your case as soon as you hire us.
How Does Insurance Play a Role in Motorcycle Accidents?
After a motorcycle accident, you’ll typically deal with your own insurance company and possibly the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters will assess the damage and injuries to determine compensation. It’s important to understand that these adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. This is why having a motorcycle accident attorney on your side can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.
What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to injuries when an accident occurs. Common types of motorcycle crashes include:
- Left-turn accidents – These wrecks happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle or vice versa, often resulting in a harmful T-bone or sideswipe collision.
- Rear-end accidents – These crashes happen when a driver hits a motorcycle from behind or stops too suddenly in front of a motorcyclist, often due to inattention or aggression.
- Lane change accidents – Motorcycles are more difficult to see in traffic. If drivers fail to check their surroundings, mirrors, or blind spots, they could strike an unsuspecting rider.
- Intersection accidents – Motorcycle accidents at intersections usually occur when other drivers fail to yield or run red lights.
What Factors Affect the Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
Several factors influence the compensation you could get from a motorcycle accident claim, including:
- Severity of injuries
- Costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation
- How your injuries affect your ability to return to work
- Whether your injuries impact your future earning ability
- How your injuries affect your overall quality of life
- Who is at fault for the accident (and their degree of fault)
- Types and amounts of insurance coverage available
- The other side’s willingness to negotiate in good faith
- Whether your claim settles or needs to go to trial
A knowledgeable motorcycle lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the accident, investigate the facts thoroughly, and collect the evidence needed to build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf.
What Kind of Financial Losses Can You Recover in a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
A motorcycle accident settlement could provide you with financial compensation for losses like:
- Medical expenses – This includes the costs of emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost income – You can claim compensation for wages you lost while you were out of work due to your injuries. If the crash left you with a disability or inability to work, you can also request money for lost future earnings.
- Pain and suffering – You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress from the motorcycle accident.
- Lost enjoyment of life – A jury might award you compensation for the adverse effects the accident has on your quality of life, such as the ability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
- Wrongful death – If a loved one lost their life in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, or lost inheritance.
- Property damage – You could be eligible for reimbursement for the costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other property damaged in the crash.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault?
Proving fault in a motorcycle crash involves showing that the other driver violated traffic laws or was otherwise negligent. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, vehicle maintenance records, and traffic camera footage can be pivotal. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help collect and present this evidence effectively.
How Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?
Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Nevada usually involves the following steps:
- Consulting an attorney – It’s good to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and learn your legal options.
- Gathering evidence – Your lawyer will collect documentation to support your claim, such as medical records, accident scene photos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Filing a complaint – Your attorney will draft and file a formal complaint in the appropriate Nevada court, outlining the allegations against the other party and the damages you seek.
- Negotiating – Next, your attorney will negotiate with the other side’s insurance company or lawyer in hopes of reaching a fair settlement and avoiding the time and expense of a trial.
- Discovery phase – Sometimes settlement talks fail, and you may decide to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and gather additional information to prepare for trial.
- Trial – If the other side refuses to agree to a fair settlement, your motorcycle accident case could proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will render a legally binding verdict.
When Should I Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
You should always consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a motorcycle accident. Your lawyer can:
- Advise you on your legal options
- Preserve evidence and gather documentation
- Communicate with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court
Call THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Today
If you have suffered motorcycle accident injuries in Las Vegas, reach out to THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will meet wherever is comfortable for you and provide the advice you need and representation you can trust. Contact us now for your free case review.