Nevada & Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Safety
For motorcycle enthusiasts, there is no better way to travel than being out on the open road with only two wheels and an engine. The feeling of freedom and having the wind in your hair is an appealing lure for many people, as is the sense of camaraderie shared with other bikers. While riding a motorcycle can give a greater sense of being at one with your environment, it can also mean an increase in the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash or collision, you are likely facing lengthy recuperation times and heavy medical expenses. If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll need an experienced Nevada motorcycle accident lawyers like the ones at Ladah Law Firm to show you how they can help you get the compensation you need to pay for the damages caused by your accident while recovering from your injuries.
Nevada Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Causes
According to the latest motorcycle safety statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 5,000 motorcyclists are killed as the result of accidents each year in the United States, while close to 90,000 suffer serious injuries. Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be severe, and riders are as much as 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident than other motorists. The NHTSA reports that in Nevada alone, as many as 50 or more motorcyclists are killed each year in accidents, and while rider skill and error play a factor, nearly half of these accidents are caused by collisions with motor vehicles.
RideApart, which provides information for the motorsports industry, states there are several common causes why motorcycle accidents occur. Reckless automobile driving behavior, such as driving under the influence, aggressive driving, speeding, and distracted driving are often contributing factors that lead to the following accidents:
- Collisions caused by vehicles making left turns at intersections;
- Crashes that occur when a car suddenly changes lanes;
- Rear end collisions with stopped motorcyclists;
- Drivers or passengers opening a car door suddenly.
In addition to the above, road conditions and rider error can also lead to motorcycle accidents. Wet, slippery, or gravelly roads can lead to an increase in accidents, as can bikers who approach sharp turns without slowing down their speed.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles offer little protection to bikers in the event of an accident, and what is considered a minor fender bender to a car can leave a motorcyclist suffering severe injuries. Motorcycle accident injury studies from the NHTSA indicates the most serious types of motorcycle injuries include:
- Injuries to the lower extremities, such as broken legs and pelvic injuries;
- Injuries to the chest and abdominal region, including puncture wounds, broken ribs, and damage to internal organs;
- Injuries to the head, neck, and brain, including concussions, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury. For this reason, wearing a helmet should be top priority as a preventative measure. Not only for obvious safety reasons, but also because wearing a helmet is Nevada law.
Oftentimes, less severe injuries, such as road burns, cuts, and abrasions, can be avoided by wearing the appropriate gear. Long pants, long sleeved shirts, riding boots and gloves all offer protection in the event of an accident. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, all motorcyclists and their passengers are required by law to wear helmets, which the NHTSA claims can reduce the risks of serious injury and death by as much as 50 percent.
Staying Safe While Riding Your Motorcycle in Las Vegas & Nevada
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the a knowledgable motorcycle accident lawyer lawyer immediately. An experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer will provide aggressive legal representation to injured victims, and can assist you in getting compensation for your injuries, either through an insurance company claim or through a personal injury lawsuit. Get the help you need to recover from your injuries if you find yourself in a motorcycle accident in the Las Vegas area.
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