Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The damages you can seek in a motorcycle accident lawsuit fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic and non-economic damages will usually contain:

• Medical Expenses: You can recover damages for the past and future costs of the medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries from the motorcycle crash result in you missing work or working at a reduced earning capacity, you can seek compensation for past and future lost wages.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle can be compensated for in a claim.
• Pain and Suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you suffer because of injuries caused by the motorcycle accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries you suffered prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies, you may be able to seek compensation for the reduced quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: Any psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that was caused by the motorcycle accident can be compensated for.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the negligent car driver expressed highly reckless or malicious behavior, you may be awarded punitive damages by the court meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

The most common type of motorcycle accident is the left-turn collision, which occurs when a vehicle making a left turn collides with an oncoming motorcyclist.

These types of accidents often occur at intersections where a vehicle driver misjudges speed or fails to notice the motorcyclist, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, left-turn collision accidents account for around 42% of all motorcycle accidents.

In the U.S., a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist is usually caused by speeding.

Motorcycle riders who are involved in an accident with a speeding vehicle are subject to more severe injuries and even death due to the high impact and lack of protection a motorcycle provides a rider.

Motorcycle accidents typically occur at low speeds, with most wrecks being around 29 to 35 mph.

Common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Las Vegas include:

• Distracted Driving: With the increase of mobile devices and in-car systems, distracted driving is a rising cause of motorcycle crashes
• Lane-Splitting: In Nevada, lane-splitting is illegal under NRS 486.351 as it could result in dooring and other types of accidents.
• Bad Weather: Inclement weather conditions, such as heavy snow or rain, could be a factor in motorcycle crashes, as wet pavement and other road hazards caused by the weather can make controlling a motorcycle difficult, leading to an accident.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can be hazardous for motorcyclists and could even cause an accident.
• Drunk Driving: With Las Vegas's nightlife, driving under the influence is a significant cause of motorcycle wrecks.

Under the Nevada comparative negligence law, multiple parties can be at fault for a motorcycle accident, with the most commonly negligent parties being:

• Other Drivers: In most cases, other car or truck drivers could be found to be at fault for the accident if they were driving negligently by driving recklessly, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
• The Motorcyclist: The motorcyclist involved in the motorcycle crash could be held partially or fully at fault for the accident if they violated traffic laws by speeding, lane-splitting, or riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Motorcycle Manufacturers: The motorcycle manufacturer may be held liable if a defective motorcycle part contributed to the accident, such as if the brakes failed or a tire blew out.
• Pedestrians and Bicyclists: While uncommon, pedestrians and bicyclists could be liable for a motorcycle accident if they step into traffic unexpectedly, do not obey traffic signs, or engage in other reckless behavior.

In Nevada, determining fault for a motorcycle crash is a complex and time-consuming process, which is why it's important that you contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer from our law team today.

No, most motorcycle accidents are not the rider's fault, as accident data states that a majority of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle.

Sport bikes, especially those designed for high speed, are the most common type of motorcycle to be involved in an accident.

Why Are Sport Bikes More Likely to Get into Motorcycle Accidents

Sport bikes are commonly purchased because they appeal to riders because of their speed and other attractive factors; however, some factors make them more prone to accidents.

These factors are:

• High Speeds: Sport bikes can reach extreme speeds, which increases the likelihood of a motorcyclist losing control of their bike or getting into a high-impact crash.
• Appeal to Younger Demographics: Sport motorcycles often attract young riders, who can create problems due to their inexperience and tendency to engage in more risky behaviors.
• Riding Behavior: Sports motorcycle riders often engage in more aggressive riding behaviors, such as lane splitting and speeding.

In addition, according to the IIHS supersport motorcycles, a subset of sport bikes have the highest fatality rate per mile ridden compared to other motorcycles.

The settlement amount for a motorcycle accident can depend on various factors, such as the amount of medical expenses and severity of injuries; however, personal injury claim settlements for motorcycle crashes tend to range from $30,000 to $200,000.

$60,000 for Broken Bones

A motorcyclist was hit by a driver on open roads, resulting in them sliding across the ground and breaking multiple bones in their legs and arms.

Due to the bone breaks and fractures, they required surgery and extensive physical therapy, which caused them to miss work and experience mental and physical distress.

For the damages the biker suffered because of the accident, they were awarded $60,000.

$1.25 Million for Traumatic Brain Injury

While riding their motorcycle, a driver making an illegal left turn collides with the motorcyclist, sending them flying off their bike.

The accident resulted in a TBI, which led to permanent disability in the motorcycle.

Through an extensive battle with the insurance company, the motorcyclist was awarded $1.25 million for their medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages caused by the TBI.

$1.5 Million for Wrongful Death

When coming home from work, a motorcyclist was struck by a commercial vehicle whose driver was distracted by their GPS; the accident tragically resulted in the death of the rider.

With help from a wrongful death lawyer, the victim's family filed a wrongful death claim against the trucking company and secured a settlement of $1.5 million for the funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional damage.

The timeline of a motorcycle accident lawsuit depends on whether the case goes to court.

Personal injury claims that do not go to court typically take 5 months to a year to resolve, and claims that go to court will take 1 to 3 years to fully resolve.

In addition, the length of your lawsuit will depend on the law firm you choose to represent you.

Law firms like The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, with years of experience, typically resolve cases faster.

Knowing the Nevada motorcycle laws is crucial to avoiding traffic tickets and accidents. Below, we cover some of the most important laws all riders should know.

Helmet Requirement (NRS 486.231)

Nevada law NRS 486.231 mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear DOT-approved helmets.

Licensing Requirements (NRS 486.011 and NRS 483.490)

Under NRS 486.011 and 483.490, motorcycle riders must abide by licensing requirements by having a Class M license and passing a written and skills test.

Lane Splitting (NRS 486.351)

It's illegal for a motorcyclist to ride in between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic.

Motorcycle Passenger Laws (NRS 486.181)

Motorcycles with passengers on them must be designed to carry passengers.

Riders cannot carry passengers unless their motorcycle has a permanent seat under NRS 486.181.