Motorcyclists and bicyclists are both terribly vulnerable when sharing the road with automobiles. Neither has steel body around them for protection, nor do they have seat belts or airbags. When they’re hit by a motor vehicle, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at much higher risk for serious injuries or fatalities than a motorist inside of another vehicle. Their injuries might include:
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Serious multiple compound fractures
- Vertebral injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Severe cuts, abrasions and bruises
Nevada Law on Sharing the Road
Whenever you’re driving a family passenger or other vehicle, Nevada law requires you to share the road with motorcyclists and bicyclists. Everyone on the road has a legal duty to use due care and caution for the safety of others. You must yield when circumstances call upon you to do so. Reckless or intentional interference by the driver of a motor vehicle with somebody on a motorcycle or bicycle simply isn’t permitted. Even distracted driving is actionable as negligence when another person is injured, particularly if the distracted driver is inexperienced and talking on a cell phone or texting.
What to do if you’re in an accident in or around Las Vegas
If you’re a motorcyclist or bicyclist, and you’re involved in an accident in or around Las Vegas, call 911 right away if physically possible. Inform the 911 operator that both paramedics and police are needed at the scene. Paramedics will examine and treat you at the scene while making the first important medical record of your case. Insist on being transported to an emergency room where more extensive treatment will be given and other medical records further detailing the nature and extent of your condition will be made. Follow all instructions and be sure to attend all medical appointments after you’re discharged.
Establishing Fault
The investigating police officer’s accident report will be relied on by both sides in establishing who was at fault for the collision. Get a copy of the police report as soon as possible after the accident, and bring it to us. It might also contain names and contact information for independent witnesses. We suggest to never give a written or recorded statement to the insurer on the other side. They may try to use it against you in the future. Your attorneys at Blackburn Wirth will tell you when you’ll be giving a statement, and they’ll prepare you for giving it. They’ll be right there with you when you give it too.
Contact the accident attorneys at Blackburn Wirth at 702-500-1027 as soon as possible after a motorcycle or bicycle accident for a free consultation and case evaluation. We’re knowledgeable, experienced, aggressive and successful motorcycle and bicycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas. We’ll give you straight talk and straight answers.
