Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Las Vegas

If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you’ll know firsthand how thrilling the experience can be, especially in Las Vegas. Whether driving through the desert or cruising down the strip to see the lights, each freeing ride can still put you at risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Accidents involving motorcycles are often severe and can lead to serious injuries, disability, and sometimes, even death.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and have suffered injuries, you might be eligible to file a personal injury claim. We know this can be a frightening time, but one of our expert motorcycle accident attorneys at De Castroverde can help you determine your next steps. Contact us today at 702-780-6457 to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas

Most people who ride motorcycles are aware of the potential danger they may encounter on the road and understand that they may be more prone to road dangers than someone driving a car. From poor road conditions to drunk drivers, motorcyclists face many challenges. At De Castroverde, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers understand these difficulties and are here to help. Here are some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas:

Poor Road Conditions

Poor conditions are among the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas. While they are entirely unavoidable, all drivers must be aware of the unique roadway conditions in the Las Vegas area that can lead to a motorcycle accident. Some examples of these road conditions include:

• Damaged or uneven road surfaces, such as rough pavements, bumps, ruts, and holes.
• Unexpected obstacles requiring sudden action, including debris, animals, and pedestrians.
• Bad weather conditions, including heavy winds, rain, and fog.

Photo Credit: Motorcycle by veggiefrog is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Human Error

Accidents due to road conditions can be unavoidable, but just as many things cause accidents that could be avoided. Human error causes a large number of motorcycle accidents. Here are the top causes of accidents due to human error in the Las Vegas area:

• Speeding: Speeding is dangerous in general, though speeding near a motorcyclist increases the likelihood that they won’t be seen in enough time to prevent a collision. If a collision does occur due to speeding, it’s much more likely that the motorcyclist will sustain severe injuries.
• Distracted driving:Eating, smoking, and texting are all examples of things people do that distract them from driving, and being distracted while driving is a leading cause of accidents across the nation, including in Las Vegas. Texting is especially dangerous, as it requires you to take your eyes off the road and use your hands to type.
• Drunk or impaired driving:Drivers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol of any kind are much more likely to cause an accident due to impaired judgment, reaction time, vision, and physical capabilities.

Tips for Preventing a Motorcycle Accident

While none of us can predict what might happen when you drive away on a motorcycle, there are some things you can do to stay safe on the road. These tips may help prevent a motorcycle accident or decrease your risk of injury:

• Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Wear proper riding attire, such as sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves.
• Wear a helmet that is Department of Transportation-approved.
• Pay attention to the posted speed limits. Just because a motorcycle can reach higher speeds in less time doesn’t mean you need to.
• Don’t drink before riding. Bring intoxicated while driving a motorcycle is extremely dangerous and significantly increases your odds of being involved in an accident.

Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers in Nevada. Certain laws are motorcycle-specific, including:

• Motorcyclists cannot pass a vehicle in the same lane.
• Motorcyclists cannot ride next to a vehicle in the same lane.
• Helmets must be worn, as required by law.
• If the helmet does not have a windshield or screen, drivers must wear protective face shields or goggles.
• Motorcycles must have a minimum of one headlight but no more than one. They must also have a red taillight, at least one rear reflector, mirrors, a brake light, footrests, fenders, turn signals, a horn, and a muffler.

Ensuring you’re following proper Nevada laws regarding motorcycles will not only protect you while on the road but will also give you legal protection in the event you’re involved in an accident with another driver.

What If I Am Partially Liable For an Accident?

Many motorcycle accidents that occur may be partially the fault of the victim. In the State of Nevada, you may be able to recover financial compensation if you’re no more than 51% responsible. This means that if you’re 20% responsible for the accident, and your settlement was $100,000, you would only receive 80% of that amount. Our lawyers are experts in the complex laws surrounding motorcycle accidents and can guide you in the right direction.

Reach Out to De Castroverde Personal Injury and Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t wait to contact a Las Vegas motorcycle attorney. The team at De Castroverde has years of experience handling motorcycle accidents and personal injury claims. You can reach us by phone at 702-780-6457 or complete our secure online form. You can also stop by one of our two convenient Las Vegas locations, and a member of our injury team will be ready to help.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

While not every person who gets on a motorcycle will be involved in an accident, drivers of any vehicle need to be aware of the dangers motorcycle riders face. Here are some of the must-know statistics involving motorcycle accidents in the US.

• Motorcyclists are at greater risk of an accident, especially on Las Vegas streets, where drivers continue to disregard drunk and distracted driving laws.
• In 2017, there were 89,000 motorcycle accidents across the country, with 45% of those resulting in injuries that were classified as moderate.
• In 2018, there were 4,985 motorcycle deaths in the US.
• 22.6% of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents are motorcycle accidents in Nevada. This percentage is the highest rate in the country.
• 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.

Riding a motorcycle can be freeing and exciting, but drivers must remain cautious while on the road.

Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

While no one can predict the future, there are some tips you can follow to help keep you safe while on a motorcycle. Follow these suggestions on preventing motorcycle accidents and decreasing your risk of being injured.

• Wear the proper gear, such as long pants, sleeves, and gloves.
• Wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Be cautious of speed limits. Just because your motorcycle can go fast doesn’t mean that you need to.
• Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol can significantly increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Follow these tips and any other rules you’ve learned while on the road, and you may keep yourself out of harm’s way. If you’ve been injured in an accident, we can help.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

While each accident is different, several common injuries occur due to motorcycle accidents. These include:

• Spinal cord injuries from the impact of a collision, quadriplegia, or paraplegia may result in permanent disability.
• Traumatic brain injuries due to head trauma suffered during a collision.
• Damage to internal organs because of perforation or blunt-force trauma.
• Fractures and extremity injuries, especially in the lower extremities.
• Road rash occurs when the person on the motorcycle touches the road’s surface or burns. This type of injury can range from mild to severe and is often susceptible to permanent scarring and infections.

Many of these injuries have the potential to keep the injured victim from work for weeks, and even months, as they must undergo extensive rehabilitation even to get back to a manageable state. They can be devastating to the victim and their family. While insurance companies will quickly attempt to settle with the victim, you must refrain from signing any insurance documentation that might limit your potential recovery.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

An excellent personal injury attorney can help you get compensation for any injuries to cover medical bills, time off of work, and pain and suffering. Whether you’re a permanent resident or someone visiting the city, our experienced team of attorneys will provide you with the representation you deserve. We’ll work hard to get you proper compensation so that you can get on the road to recovery.

A personal injury claim often considers factors that an insurance company will not, such as lost wages and future earnings in extreme circumstances (actual damages). A personal injury claim may include general damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas can help you achieve the outcome you deserve.

Reach Out to De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers

If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Las Vegas injury attorneys at De Castroverde today. Our team has years of combined experience in motorcycle accidents and personal injury claims. You can reach us by phone 24 hours a day at 702-780-6457. You can also contact us today by stopping by our two convenient Las Vegas locations, the Tivoli Office and the Downtown Office, or by sending us a message online. Our team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers is ready to assist you.