Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, our skilled Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help if you are injured in a crash. Let us investigate what happened so we can secure the compensation you deserve. Call our motorcycle accident lawyers in the Las Vegas area today.

Nevada is home to plenty of motorcycle riders. However, these riders face more risks on the roadway than regular vehicle passengers and often suffer from severe injuries due to other people’s negligence.

Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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Why You Need Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers

After a motorcycle crash, you need a motorcycle accident attorney who you can trust. At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, we have dedicated ourselves to helping those in the Law Vegas area recover from devastating injuries.

  • Our personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas do not hesitate to take your motorcycle accident case to trial if that is what is necessary to secure compensation.
  • We have a success rate of 99% and have secured millions of dollars for our clients involved in motorcycle collisions.
  • Motorcycle accident victims will never pay any out-of-pocket cost and will only owe legal fees if our law firm is successful in your case.

How Can a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help my Case?

Many insurance companies have a bias against motorcyclists. While they may not say so, they will often look for ways to blame the motorcyclist for a crash. Your experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer will work to gather all evidence necessary to prove the other driver’s fault. This includes:

  • Police and accident reports
  • Video surveillance from businesses and traffic cams
  • Photographic evidence from the scene
  • Road conditions
  • Medical records
  • Eyewitness accounts of the crash

Your accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance companies to receive maximum compensation and will prepare your case for trial if necessary.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s actions, you may need a motorcycle crash attorney. At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, we will get to the bottom of what happened in order to secure the compensation you need. This could include:

  • Coverage of medical expenses related to the motorcycle crash
  • Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Diminished earning capacity damages
  • Coverage of property damage
  • Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the negligent party

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover additional damages. Speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney to learn more about your rights after a fatal motorcycle accident.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Claim?

In Nevada, motorcycle accident victims have two years to file a claim. This law is known as the statute of limitations. This means that if you wish to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries, you must do so within two years from the date the crash occurred. Failure to file a lawsuit within that timeframe will result in your case being dismissed by the court, and you will be barred from recovering compensation. Two years can sound like a long time, but it is typically in your best interests to begin the claims process relatively soon after a motorcycle accident. Once too much time passes, evidence can start to disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and accident details can be too challenging to trace.

However, building your claim and beginning the process soon after an accident does not mean you should resolve your case quickly. It is often best to wait on settling a case until you either fully recover from your injuries or reach “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). That way, you understand the full extent of your injuries and their physical and financial implications. That way, you can accurately estimate the total value of your case and the minimum amount of compensation to settle for.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Nevada is an at-fault state when it comes to motorcycle accident claims, which means the party responsible for causing a motorcycle accident is liable. As a result, who can be held responsible for reimbursing your losses will depend on who caused it. In most cases, it is:

Another Motorist

If another driver fails in their duty to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicle safely, resulting in your motorcycle accident, they might be liable for your injuries and other losses.

A Company/Employer

If a driver crashes into you while on the job (e.g., commercial truck driver, rideshare driver, delivery driver, etc.), their employer may be fully or partially liable for their employee’s actions.

Vehicle Manufacturer

In some crashes, a defective part or vehicle is to blame (e.g., faulty brakes, airbags, tires, etc.). If a manufacturing defect causes an accident, a manufacturer and/or any other party involved in the product’s distribution chain might be responsible for the resulting damage.

Government Agency

Local and state government agencies are in charge of maintaining roads to keep drivers safe from hazards. If a preventable and dangerous road condition contributed to your crash, you might have a claim against a government agency.

Can I Recover Compensation If I was Partly At-Fault?

In Nevada, you can still recover compensation if you are partly at fault for a motorcycle accident as long as you are no more than 50% to blame. Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar for recovery applies to motorcycle accident cases (NRS 41.141). Under this rule, any party who contributes to an accident or injury is assigned a percentage of fault and can be liable for damages. Additionally, your percentage of fault reduces your compensation.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 40% at fault, you will receive 60% of the award or $60,000. However, an injured party must not be more than 50% to blame, or they cannot recover compensation. In other words, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you will not receive any compensation. Due to this law, the at-fault party or their insurer will likely try to shift blame for the crash onto you in an effort to reduce or eliminate your compensation.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Crash to Protect Your Rights

The minutes and days that follow a motorcycle accident are the most critical period, when planning to pursue a personal injury claim in Nevada. The success of your motorcycle accident lawsuit hinges on the whether the following steps were taken:

  • Seek medical attention. If you are not treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene, visit your general physician or urgent care facility. Not only is this vital to your health, but it also provides documentation for any injuries.
  • Gather evidence. Take photographs and videos at the scene, particularly of the damaged property, injuries, skid marks and other conditions that might help establish fault during an investigation.
  • Get a copy of the police report. It will typically be ready 7-14 business days after the crash.
  • Keep a record. Write down or obtain records of any medical treatment and rehabilitation you receive, including medical visits, tests, prescriptions, and anything else related to the accident injuries. In addition, track the number of days you miss from work.
  • Speak to a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney. Before talking to an insurance adjuster from the insurance company, and especially before giving a statement, consult with a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can handle the accident claim by dealing with the insurance company on your behalf, and/or confirm if a settlement offer is fair compensation for your losses and damages.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle when a crash occurs, even when they are wearing a helmet. It is not uncommon for our Las Vegas motorcycle collision lawyers to help clients suffering from the following serious injuries:

Many drivers fail to give motorcyclists the space they need on the roadway. They often ignore a cyclist’s right-of-way or follow them too closely. Negligent drivers who cause motorcycle crashes must be held accountable for their actions.

Motorcycle laying on roadway after collision

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas include the following:

  • Distracted driving or driver inattention: A driver that is distracted and unable to dedicate their full attention to driving is a danger to everyone else on the road.
  • Texting and driving: Considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it takes a driver’s hands, mind, and eyes off the road.
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way: These accidents often occur at intersections due to confusion on who has the right of way or misjudging a motorcycle’s distance.
  • Illegal turns: Drivers commonly make improper or illegal turns that put them directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle or motorcycle.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed cuts down a driver’s time and ability to make quick, safe decisions and keep people out of harm’s way.
  • Tailgating: When a vehicle or motorcycle follows too closely behind another driver, it increases the likelihood of an accident when the front vehicle suddenly brakes.
  • Lane Splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides in between two lanes of traffic. It is illegal in Nevada, and there are many possible accident scenarios with lane-splitting. Drivers are not looking for motorcycles in this area, and lanes may not be wide enough for a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle to travel side by side safely.
  • Operating Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs delays brain functions and impairs hand-eye coordination, as well as how information is processed, dramatically increasing the risk of causing an accident.
  • Reckless Driving or Road Rage: Reckless driving, such as unsafe lane changes, failure to obey traffic signals, failure to signal, failure to yield right of way, or road rage, etc., can easily cause a preventable motorcycle accident.
  • Roadway Defects: Sometimes, motorcycle accidents aren’t caused by a negligent driver or rider but by roadway defects, such as potholes, blind curves, lack of lights, narrowed lanes from construction zones, or improper warning signage.
  • Defective Motorcycle Parts: Another common cause of accidents that is not a result of driver or rider negligence is defective motorcycle parts. A number of defects can lead to a crash, such as brake failure, faulty tires, fuel system defects, a manufacturing defect (e.g., a part missing, installed incorrectly, or made of poor quality materials), or if a bike’s design is inherently dangerous.

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable and occur when one or more parties are negligent by failing to take a reasonable amount of care, causing injury or harm to someone else.

Nevada Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Requirements

The state of Nevada requires motorcycle riders to carry motorcycle insurance and show proof of it prior to receiving their registration. The minimum amount of liability insurance required is:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person in an accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident.

The consequences of riding when uninsured can result in varying penalties, including fines and a suspended license. Motorcyclists have the option of adding supplemental insurance coverage to protect themselves in the event of an accident. That includes collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Legal Requirements for Motorcycles

In order to increase motorcycle safety, there are state laws which outline the mandatory requirements for operating a motorcycle.

Motorcycle License

Prior to riding a motorcycle in Nevada, a Class M driver’s license must be obtained by either:

  • Taking a license course that is offered by an approved motorcycle school; or, 
  • Passing a written test and a road skills test offered by a full service Department of Motor Vehicles office (DMV).

You may choose whichever option is better for your specific needs.

Equipment Laws

Once the exams are passed, a motorcyclist will need a helmet that is in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; as they are required by law to be worn by both drivers and passengers while riding. Riders must also have eye protection, such as goggles or a face-shield.

Additionally, motorcycles in Nevada must be equipped with the following:

  • One headlight
  • Red tail light (visible from 500 feet)
  • Brake light (visible from 300 feet)
  • Handlebars (hand grips must be below shoulder level)
  • Rear view mirrors on each handlebar
  • Rear-mounted reflectors (visible from 300 feet)
  • Working turn signals (front and rear)
  • Functioning front and rear brakes
  • Muffler
  • Horn
  • Fenders for front and back wheels
  • Adjustable footrests

Complying with the legal requirements set by the state for operating a motorcycle, can help riders avoid serious personal injury if an accident occurs.

Nevada Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the latest data available for Nevada, there were 259 fatalities and 1,076 serious injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents in the state from 2012 to 2016.

From 2015 to 2017, there were 2,383 total motorcycle crashes in Las Vegas. These led to multiple motorcycle fatalities and severe injuries. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, our personal injury law firm can help accident victims recover compensation.

Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you need a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact our personal injury law firm in Clark County for a free consultation of your motorcycle accident case by clicking here or by calling us at (702) 384-1414 or toll-free at 1 (800) 393-2350. Our team can be your legal representation after a serious motorcycle collision to help recover maximum financial compensation for medical bills and more.

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