Nothing feels quite like the thrill of riding a motorcycle. You’re riding a two-wheeled piece of metal weighing only a couple hundred pounds, exposed to the world around you and alone with your thoughts. The thrill of being one with the bike, road, and air is unmatched by any other form of transportation. Unfortunately, the exposed nature of riding a motorcycle that gives the feeling of unadulterated freedom also puts riders at risk in the case of a collision. Motorcycle accidents are some of the most deadly types of accidents and it’s important to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas if you, or someone you know, has been injured in a motorcycle accident.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), accidents involving cars are at an all-time low, but deaths from motorcycle accidents have never been higher. In the year 2013, there were 30 deaths in the state of Nevada relating to motorcycle accidents. Between the year 2001 and 2008, over 34,000 motorcyclists were killed in vehicular accidents and over 1 million people were treated for non-fatal injuries due to motorcycle accidents. In this same period, 22% of non-fatal injuries suffered by motorcyclists related to the head and neck, which can be very severe.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injury and death during a vehicular accident. To car and truck drivers, motorcycles are small, easily overlooked, and possibly even considered a pesky nuisance that doesn’t require car or concern. When this attitude or other factors result in an accident, the responsible driver should be held accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a motorcycle, reach out to an accident lawyer in Las Vegas immediately.
There are many reasons car collisions occur, and even more when a motorcycle is involved. Generally, car collisions can be caused by:
For motorcycle accidents, the most common cause is drivers pulling out in front of motorcyclists without sufficient warning. Without enough time to react, motorcyclists are unable to move out of the way or brake in time. Helmets and gear provide minimal protection that can quickly become useless in a high-impact collision. Often, a car pulling out without warning in front of a motorcycle will result in the motorcycle rear-ending the car and forcing the motorcyclist forward out of his or her seat. The impact of the collision can be so forceful that it removes the helmet from the motorcyclist’s head.
When the driver that caused the accident was acting irresponsibly or negligently, there is legal recourse for the victim to seek damages, which a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas can help determine. Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be very severe and expensive. Filing a lawsuit against the responsible party can help cover medical costs and other associated expenses, such as:
Unfortunately, many people are underinsured or lack insurance completely. Nevada requires $15,000 in insurance for personal injury for a single motorcyclists. Because motorcycle collisions often result in severe physical injury and vehicular damage, this may not be enough to cover the costs. This leads motorcyclists injured without a way to pay for their medical injuries. If a motorcyclist was killed in a collision, members of the family may recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit in Nevada. To learn more, speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas.
It should not be surprising that as for-profit companies, insurance providers try everything they can to avoid paying collision victims an appropriate amount of compensation. Sometimes they will claim that the motorcyclist is partially at fault for the accident. Due to stigmas commonly associated with motorcyclists regarding the “biker” persona, courts may be biased against them. It’s important to seek experienced legal representation from a lawyer in Las Vegas after a motorcycle accident to be sure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers has been helping victims of auto accidents and various personal injury claims throughout Las Vegas for over 15 years. Contact us at (702) 384-1414 or contact us online.