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Motorcycle accidents can result in life-changing injuries that may affect you and your loved one life. To limit the damages already caused by the motorcycle accident, you need a legal team that will obtain fair compensation.
At The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, we have over 20+ years of experience representing motorcycle riders and have obtained millions for those injured in motor vehicle accidents.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge and skills to handle your motorcycle accident case and have upheld a five-star rating among clients.
Don't let your personal injury claim be devalued by the insurance company or opposing side, and schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today by calling (702) 566-3600.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Las Vegas Motorcycle Crash
The accident scene after a motorcycle crash can be chaotic; however, having a plan for what to do after a motorcycle accident can prevent further injury and possibly ensure a fair settlement.
Ensure Safety - Immediately after the motorcycle wreck, you must prioritize your safety and that of other motorists. To ensure safety, move yourself and, if possible, your motorcycle to a safe location.
Seek Medical Treatment - Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries, so you must seek medical attention, even if you believe you're not injured. Seeking prompt medical attention is good for your health and personal injury claim.
Report the Accident - Contact the LVMPD or Las Vegas Highway Patrol and report the motorcycle accident. By doing this, you'll obtain an official police report, which is vital to insurance claims and seeking compensation.
Collect Contact Information - Get the other drivers' phone numbers, insurance companies, license plate numbers, and driver's licenses.
Gather Evidence - Your motorcycle accident lawyer will do most of the heavy lifting when collecting evidence; however, if you can, take photos of the accident scene, injuries sustained, and road signs or signals.
Avoid Admitting Fault - Following the motorcycle accident, avoid compromising your case by admitting fault or apologizing. It's best to keep emotions down and stick to factual information when talking to other drivers or police.
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney - Seeking legal help from an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer is essential in filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and obtaining compensation. In addition, by consulting with an attorney, you'll gain important information on your case for free.
Be Wary With Communication - Following a motorcycle wreck, you must refrain from discussing the accident on social media or with anybody besides your attorney. In addition, have your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company to avoid liability issues.
Keep Records - Keep information about every expense related to the motorcycle crash, such as medical and repair bills. This information will be vital in building a complete motorcycle accident claim.
Important Nevada Motorcycle Laws That May Apply to Your Case
Motorcycle accident victims and motorcycle enthusiasts must understand the Nevada laws that apply to motorcycle driving.
Knowing the laws is beneficial when looking to practice motorcycle safety and will keep you from receiving a fine.
Helmet Laws
NRS 486.231 requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
Wearing a helmet is not the law but it can also prevent fatal accidents.
Motorcycle License
To operate a motorcycle in Nevada, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement on your driver's license (NRS 486.061).
Obtaining a motorcycle license consists of passing a written test, a vision test, and a skills test.
Equipment Regulations
Nevada law requires motorcycles to be equipped with the following features:
Head and Tail Lights (NRS 486.261) & (NRS 486.281): A motorcycle must have at least one head and tail light. The tail light must be viable from a distance of 500 feet and emit a red light.
Mirrors (NRS 486.311): Every motorcycle must have two mirrors with a reflective surface not less than 3 inches in diameter.
Turn Signals (NRS 486.271): Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1973, must be equipped with electric turn signals.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can be important in understanding who the at-fault party is.
Distracted Driving - Motorist who go onto their phone, adjust the radio or tinker with a GPS while driving may miss a motorcycle rider in front or to the side of them, resulting in a motorcycle accident.
Speeding- Drivers who speed may lose the ability to stop for an incoming motorcyclist, resulting in a motorcycle collision.
Lane Splitting - Nevada law makes lane splitting illegal, and it's a dangerous practice that can result in catastrophic injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes - Motorcycles can often be hidden in car and truck driver's blind spots, and if a motorist fails to check their blind spots or signal properly before a lane change, they may collide with a motorcycle.
Road Hazards - Road defects such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement may make for hazardous driving conditions for motorcycles, as unlike cars, motorcycles lack the stability to handle such terrain properly.
Inexperienced Riders - Novice motorcycle riders who are overconfident in their driving ability may lack the experience to handle heavy traffic or adverse weather.
Driving Under The Influence - Motorcyclists and motorists who drive under the influence may suffer from impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatments and compensation to recover from.
Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are listed below.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when the motorcyclist's body skids on the road surface, causing abrasions, lacerations, and ever-deeper wounds. The best way to avoid road rash is to dress for the crash, not the ride.
Broken Bones
In the event the biker is thrown off their vehicle or crushed by another car during the motor vehicle accident, they may suffer from fractures and broken bones. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even while properly wearing a motorcycle helmet, injured motorcyclists may still experience traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain trauma. TBI(s) can have lasting effects, such as decreased cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause complete or partial paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can cause constant physical pain, which is why they are so often seen in personal injury claims.
How Do We Prove Liability in Motorcycle Accidents?
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have over 20+ years of experience winning motorcycle accident lawsuits and obtaining our client's maximum compensation.
If you were a Las Vegas motorcycle accident victim, here is how we will prove liability in your motorcycle crash and recover fair compensation:
Through Investigation - Our motorcycle accident lawyers will visit the scene where the motorcycle accident occurred and note things such as road signs, traffic lights, skid marks, and road conditions. In addition, our attorneys will thoroughly review police reports and medical bills related to your case to ensure you are getting every dime you're entitled to.
Consult With Experts - Our law firm has access to accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and expert witnesses, whom we have used to win countless motorcycle accident claims.
Interview Eyewitnesses - Our motorcycle accident lawyers will interview witnesses who saw the crash occur. During this interview, our attorneys will write or record any information they believe will win your case.
Consider Comparative Fault - Nevada law states that multiple parties can be at fault in an accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate every party to determine their degree of fault.
Schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney today by calling (702) 566-3600 and obtain the settlement you need to get your life back.
Insurance Requirements for Las Vegas Motorcyclists
Nevada requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$20,000 for property damage
These insurance requirements are outlined in NRS 485.185, and failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe penalties such as fines, license suspension, and difficulty in pursuing compensation in the event of an accident.
Dealing With the Insurance Company After A Motorcycle Accident
When seeking maximum compensation, you must stay vigilant when working with the insurance company.
This is because the insurance company is not your friend and works not to recover compensation for you but to reduce your final settlement amount to maximize the company's profit.
What to Watch Out for
Low Settlement Amounts - Following a motorcycle crash, the insurance adjuster may try to offer you a quick settlement that sounds tempting but is far below your claim's value.
Delay Tactics - You must look for any intentional delays that insurance companies may cause. Common intentional delays are delays in processing your claim or responding to your inquiries.
Downplaying Injuries - An insurance adjuster may try to downplay your possibly serious injuries to minimize their financial liability.
Negotiation - Insurance adjusters will be relentless during negotiation, using confusing language and questions in hopes that you will accept a lower settlement or admit fault in the accident.
How to Prevent the Insurance Company from Beating You
Contacting a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to handle the insurance company and ensure you'll be properly compensated.
We offer free consultation with a motorcycle attorney who will handle every aspect of your claim, including communication with the insurance company to ensure you're not cheated out of a fair settlement.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive From My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
When you seek compensation for your injuries, you may wonder what could be covered in your claim. Common types of compensation you may receive in a motorcycle accident claim are:
Medical Expenses - Your claim can cover past, present, and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages - If your motorcycle accident injuries are severe enough to cause you to miss work or decrease your earning ability, you can be compensated for past and future lost wages and the loss of earning capacity.
Property Damages - You can recover compensation for the repair costs of your motorcycle and other personal property, such as riding gear and belongings.
Pain and Suffering - If a severe injury causes physical and emotional pain, you may be compensated for the discomfort, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of Consortium - If the motorcycle accident affects your ability to have a relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
Legal Fees - In all personal injury cases, your attorney's fees will be covered as part of your compensation if you win.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Finding the actual value of your case will require assistance from an attorney or legal expert. However, key factors build a case value that you can use to estimate your case value.
Extent of Injuries
Understanding the severity of your injuries and their long-term consequences will give you a good idea of your case's worth. Severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment will generally result in higher compensation.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
When compensated for lost wages, your income will depend on your income before the accident. People who earn more often receive higher compensation for lost revenue.
Property Damage
Your case's value will include the damage caused during the accident and its repair costs. These damages could be to your bike, protective gear, or other personal belongings.
Insurance Policy Limits
The at-fault party's insurance policy may determine the maximum compensation you can receive. If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to explore different routes to obtain maximum compensation.
Statute Of Limitations For Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Claims
In Nevada, the time limit for filing a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the accident date.
What Happens If You Don’t File a Claim WithIn the Time Limit
If you fail to file a claim within the two-year time limit, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Should You Hire a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Following a motorcycle accident, the decision on whether to hire a Las Vegas motorcycle attorney is an important decision that will significantly impact your case.
Seeking legal representation is often recommended because it provides your case with the following:
Expert legal represnetation
Through investigation and evidence-gathering
Negotiations with opposing parties and the insurance company completely handle
Higher compensation amounts
Representation in court, if needed
How Can The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm Help?
Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers have helped hundreds of accident victims in Nevada get the compensation they needed to recover and live better lives after an accident.
We'll do the same, just as our law firm has handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases and has fought for each client's rights and justice.
In addition, our Las Vegas law firm has:
20+ Years of Experience
Millions Recovered
Standing 5-star rating
If you want to schedule a free consultation with one of our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers, call (702) 566-3600.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?
The final settlement in a motorcycle case widely varies from case to case. However, motorcycle accident settlements typically range from $20,000 to $1,000,000.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
You can still recover compensation for your injuries and damages even if you weren't wearing a helmet during the accident. However, due to Nevada's comparative fault rule, you may share fault in the accident.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the other driver involved was uninsured or underinsured, you can still pursue compensation, but you may need to leverage other ways to obtain a property settlement. Talking with an attorney is the best way to handle this situation.
Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You
Searching for an attorney following a Las Vegas auto accident? Our car accident attorneys are here to help. With an advanced legal process and 20+ years of experience, we will win your case and obtain maximum compensation for you and your family.
Allow us to help you today. Contact us by calling (702) 566-3600 or filling out a free online form. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and aim to provide the best legal assistance during your time of need.
Practice Areas
Taxi Accidents
Uber Accidents
Areas We Serve