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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Additional Statistics & Information About Motorcycle Accidents & Safety
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Las Vegas & Nevada Motorcycle Accidents & Safety
Motorcycle accidents have many different causes. As such, motorcycle safety requires attention to many different issues on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada and throughout the country:
- Driver negligence, including aggressive driving, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving;
- Motorcyclist negligence;
- Inclement weather, such as fog, ice, and wind;
- Poor road conditions, including potholes, gravel, and oil;
- Unexpected obstacles, such as a dog or another animal, debris, and even pedestrians;
- Poor motor vehicle or motorcycle maintenance; and/or
- Defective motorcycle or automobile part.
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While motorcyclists cannot always avoid injuries in an accident when a negligent motorist is at fault, there are ways that motorcyclists can prevent a collision. The following are motorcycle safety tips from Consumer Reports:
- Always buy and ride a motorcycle that fits your size, which means one where your feet can rest flat on the ground when you are seated and the handlebars are in easy reach;
- Purchase a motorcycle with an anti-lock brake system (ABS);
- Take a motorcycle safety course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF);
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet to reduce your risk of a head injury by about 40 percent;
- Always wear protective gear, including long pants and goggles;
- Avoid riding in inclement weather if possible;
- Be aware of road hazards and drive slowly when the roads are in poor condition;
- Ensure that your motorcycle is properly maintained, which includes regularly checking the brakes and replacing tires; and
- Learn to be a defensive driver, giving yourself ample stopping room behind a car and avoiding any dangerous behaviors like drinking and driving or texting while driving.
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When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s negligence or error, it is important to seek compensation for your losses. You may be able to obtain compensation first by filing an insurance claim—either through your own insurance company (a first-party claim) or through the responsible party’s insurance company (a third-party claim).
If you are unable to obtain adequate compensation through an insurance claim, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury law allows injured persons, including those harmed in motorcycle and other motor vehicle crashes, to file civil lawsuits in order to seek financial compensation. There are many steps involved in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, and you should speak with a Nevada motorcycle accident attorney about your case.
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There are a number of different parties who may be at fault for the crash. In some cases, you may be able to file a claim against more than one party. Possible defendants in a motorcycle accident claim include but are not limited to:
- Driver of an automobile;
- Driver of a truck;
- Mechanic who was negligent in performing maintenance on one of the vehicles involved in the crash;
- Designer of a defective motor vehicle or motorcycle part;
- Manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle or motorcycle part; and
- Property owner where the accident occurred.
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Every personal injury lawsuit has a statute of limitations, which is the amount of time that an injured plaintiff has to file a claim for compensation. Under Nevada law (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e)), the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. For most motorcycle accident lawsuits, this means that you have two years from the date of the crash to file your claim for compensation.
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The answer to this question varies greatly depending upon the facts of your case. In some situations, it is possible to negotiate a reasonable settlement with an insurance company and for the injury victim to receive a payout from the insurance company within a month or two. In other cases, however, the process can take much longer. If you need to file a lawsuit in order to seek fair compensation for your losses, the process typically takes many months and could take longer.
An experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer at the Ladah Law Firm can speak with you about your claim.