Motorcycles are inherently riskier than cars. Therefore, operators need proper training to handle the bike. Motorcycles also provide no built-in protection, which means riders need to wear protective equipment. Due to these considerations, riders are subject to additional traffic laws.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, NV, you may bear a share of the liability if you violated motorcycle laws in Nevada. An attorney from De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you get a fair outcome in your case.
Call our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys at (702) 222-9999 for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
How De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Las Vegas, NV
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is a family-run personal injury law firm established in 1989 to represent injured people in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our attorneys have 100 years of combined legal experience fighting at-fault parties and their insurers for compensation.
If someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions injure you, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers will provide the following services:
- Legal advice and counsel so you understand your rights and legal options
- Preparation of any insurance claims and tough negotiation tactics to settle the case
- Aggressive litigation strategies to fight insurers that refuse to settle
Contact our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle crash and how we can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Does Nevada Have Different Laws For Motorcycles?
Most people know that motorcycles are dangerous, but many don’t realize the full extent of the risk. Motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash than motorists. Their risk of getting injured in a motorcycle accident is also about four times higher than motorists in car accidents.
These statistics are true for a few reasons. First, since motorcycles only have two wheels, motorcyclists must constantly exercise proper balance to ride safely. Anything that disrupts their balance can result in a dangerous wreck. And unfortunately, a motorcyclist can lose their balance after a small bump that would not affect an automobile.
Second, motorcycles have a higher power-to-weight ratio. As a result, motorcyclists need skill and experience to handle them safely as they accelerate or navigate turns. Furthermore, they must also handle braking much more carefully than required in a car so they can stop in time.
Third, motorcycles have nothing to protect them from external forces.
This means that when a crash happens, riders can get injured in many ways, including:
- Being struck by the vehicle
- Being thrown to the ground
- Being crushed under their motorcycle or a car
- Being dragged along the road
These incidents can cause injuries that disable and disfigure you. Motorcycle laws are meant to prevent these injuries.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws
Nevada has several laws that motorcyclists must follow. These laws fall into three broad categories:
Motorcycle Operator Licensing Laws
In order to legally operate a motorcycle in Nevada, you’ll need a class M license. The procedure for getting a motorcycle license is the same whether or not you already have a Nevada driver’s license.
If you took a motorcycle safety course and hold a valid out-of-state motorcycle license, Nevada will usually issue you a motorcycle license. If you did not pass the motorcycle safety course, you may need to take a skills test when you exchange your out-of-state license for a Nevada license.
Applicants who have never held a motorcycle license have two options for obtaining one. First, you can pass an approved motorcycle safety course, including classroom training and hands-on instruction. Second, you can pass the written and road tests administered by the Nevada DMV.
Riders under 18 must obtain an instruction permit and complete 50 hours of supervised riding. An applicant can obtain a license after meeting these and the other requirements.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Nevada has a universal helmet law that requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet — regardless of age. If riders fail to wear a helmet, they can receive a citation from the police.
Traffic Laws For Motorcyclists
Finally, motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as all other motorists. Specifically, they are entitled to the full use of a lane, and passing motorists are not allowed to crowd them by riding partially in their lane.
Motorcyclists are also not permitted to ride between lanes. This practice, called lane splitting, is allowed in California because it can reduce the risk of rear-end crashes. A few states allow lane filtering, which is riding between stopped traffic. However, Nevada prohibits both practices.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
A motorcycle accident can leave you with injuries that disable you from working or even caring for your home and family. Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to discuss the effects of your injuries and how we can help you pursue compensation for them.