Common Types of Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riding is an American passion. Those who own bikes partly do so because of the sense of freedom it gives them. Exhilarating though it may be, motorcycle riding also comes with dangers. Because you are so exposed, you can be involved in life-threatening accidents.
What are some of the most common motorcycle accidents, and what recourse do you have if one carelessly happens to you?
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
The majority of motorcycle accidents in Nevada involve collisions with other vehicles. These collisions commonly occur in the middle of intersections, where a car, van, or truck misjudges distances and turns in front of the motorcycle, causing what is known as a T-Bone accident.
According to Zero Fatalities Nevada, about one-third of motorcycle crashes also stem from rollovers or a bike hitting the curb. Because motorcycle riders are more exposed than motorists, the results can be devastating.
Other common accident causes include:
- Unexpected lane changes (either by a car or the motorcycle itself).
- Driving or riding under the influence.
- Excessive speed.
- Lane splitting or maneuvering the motorcycle between two vehicles in adjacent lanes.
The regrettable fact about motorcycle accidents is they often turn fatal. An estimated 80% of bike accidents lead to the deaths of someone involved in the incident.
Nevada Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Almost 20% of fatalities on Nevada roads each year involve motorcyclists, according to Zero Fatalities Nevada, a joint venture of the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation. Between 2015 and 2020, there was 293 fatal motorcycle crashes on Nevada roads, claiming 297 lives. Most motorcycle accidents in Nevada occurred in Las Vegas and Reno. The year-by-year breakdown:
- 2015: 55 deaths, 54 crashes.
- 2016: 74 deaths, 73 crashes.
- 2017: 54 deaths, 53 crashes.
- 2018: 58 deaths, 57 crashes.
- 2019: 56 deaths, 56 crashes.
The Insurance Information Institute indicates more than 25,000 motorcycle deaths occurred between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, one motorcyclist died for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Motorcycle accidents also caused nearly 500,000 injuries. The Institute estimates that there are 8.8 million registered motorcycles nationally.
If you or a loved one are hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident, consider consulting with the experienced personal injury and accident attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group. We will gather facts and evidence and research the law to give you a professional recommendation about how to get the compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle crash, your first thoughts should be on your well-being and that of others involved in the crash. Call 911 to summon police and paramedics or ask someone nearby to do it for you if you can. Get yourself and others out of harm’s way.
You will likely need some form of medical treatment and will go to the hospital by ambulance or using your car. Even if you don’t need to go to the emergency room, it would be wise to get a complete checkup from your doctor at the earliest possible moment.
In a case where you are not seriously hurt and are calm enough to do so, consider collecting information about the accident. Write down what you remember as your initial recollections will be most valuable. Get witnesses’ names and phone numbers, as they may be able to provide relevant information.
If you feel up to it, collect and share information with the other drivers involved. You will need their insurance information to claim damages. It would be best to consider hiring a personal injury and accident attorney to protect your rights in the days to come. In particular, be cautious of communications with the opposing insurance company. Insurance representatives often try to obtain a settlement early in a case where you are most vulnerable.
How Attorneys Can Help
Retaining a personal injury attorney like the professionals at De Castroverde Law Group, serving Las Vegas, Reno, and other parts of Nevada, can take the pressure off you. Your attorney can negotiate your claim directly with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement without a costly trial.
Consulting with an experienced attorney is an excellent next step once you begin to feel better. The personal injury attorney will review the facts and evidence in your case and the relevant laws and legal precedent to recommend the best way to obtain compensation for your injuries.
One of the most critical ways attorneys help is by advising on evidence collection. To succeed in a personal injury action, you generally must show some form of negligence or recklessness. So it’s essential to have the relevant police report and, if possible, witness accounts to support your claim.
Potential Damages in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury laws allow people who have been injured, most commonly through recklessness or negligence, to obtain compensation for their injuries. What types of damages might you be able to recover?
The answer falls into two main categories. You can first seek compensation for out-of-pocket losses tied to injuries from the accident, including costs of medical treatment. You can also sue for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. If a loved one of yours has died in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
The second category is non-economic damages, which may involve pain, suffering, and emotional trauma from the accident. Your attorney will help you determine the nature of your claim and advise you on the documentation you need to establish it.
Consult with Personal Injury Attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is painful and disorienting. Let the personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group help you through this difficult time. Our team has extensive experience in all forms of personal injury and accident law. We will advise you on the best strategy for your claim and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us online or call us today for a no-obligation consultation.