If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Medical bills are piling up, your injuries might be keeping you off work, and you’re stressed about how to cover all these unexpected expenses. Maybe you’re dealing with long-term injuries that will affect your life for years to come. It’s a tough situation, but you don’t have to face it alone. A good motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Las Vegas is a unique city when it comes to traffic. With millions of visitors each year, many drivers on the road aren’t familiar with the area. Add in the distractions of the Strip, and it’s a recipe for accidents. As a motorcyclist, you’re especially vulnerable. Here are some of the main causes of accidents we see as motorcycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a huge problem in Las Vegas. With all the bright lights, billboards, and street performers, it’s easy for drivers to take their eyes off the road. A driver checking their phone for directions or looking at the Bellagio fountains might not see a motorcyclist until it’s too late.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is another major issue. Las Vegas is known for its 24/7 party scene, and sadly, some people choose to drive after drinking or using drugs. An impaired driver leaving a casino might swerve into a motorcycle’s lane or misjudge how fast a bike is going. It can be especially dangerous late at night or in the early morning hours when many people are heading home from the clubs.
Speeding
Speeding is common on Las Vegas roads, especially on the highways around the city. A speeding car on I-15 or the 215 Beltway might not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting a motorcycle. The wide, straight roads in the suburbs can also tempt drivers to speed, putting motorcyclists at risk.
Blind Spots
Blind spots can be deadly for motorcyclists. A tourist in a rental car might not be used to checking for motorcycles before changing lanes. Large SUVs and trucks, which are popular in Las Vegas, have even bigger blind spots that can easily hide a motorcycle.
Inadequate Observation
Inadequate observation, which essentially means not paying attention, is a frequent cause of accidents. A driver pulling out of a parking garage might not look carefully enough and pull right in front of a motorcycle. This is especially common in busy areas and around major resorts.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes happen a lot in heavy traffic. On busy roads like Tropicana Avenue or Flamingo Road, a driver might change lanes without signaling, cutting off a motorcyclist. During rush hour or before a big event, the danger can increase as drivers get impatient.
Merging Accidents
Merging accidents are common on the freeways around Las Vegas. A driver entering I-15 might not see a motorcycle already in the lane. The complex interchanges in Las Vegas can also be confusing for out-of-town drivers, leading to last-minute lane changes that put motorcyclists at risk.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can be especially dangerous for motorcycles. Construction zones are a constant in Las Vegas, and loose gravel or uneven pavement can cause a rider to lose control. And while rain is rare, when it does happen, it can make the roads especially unsafe as drivers don’t know how to deal with the conditions.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries because riders are so exposed. The high speeds on Las Vegas freeways and the presence of large vehicles like tour buses can make injuries even worse. Ask any motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, and they’ll tell you they’ve seen these common injuries:
- Bruises, cuts, and abrasions: Even a minor accident can cause road rash if you slide across the pavement. In the Las Vegas heat, this can be especially painful.
- Sprained and torn ligaments: Your joints can take a beating in a crash, especially if you’re thrown from the bike. And a sudden stop or impact can twist your body in unnatural ways.
- Fractures and broken bones: The impact of hitting the ground or another vehicle can easily break bones. Wrists and collarbones are especially vulnerable.
- Back injuries and herniated disks: The force of a crash can damage your spine, which can lead to chronic pain or even paralysis.
- Amputations: If the motorcycle falls on you or you’re thrown into an object, you could lose a limb.
- Whiplash: Your neck can be injured from the sudden impact of a rear-end collision, which are common in the stop-and-go traffic on the Strip.
- Concussions and head trauma: Even with a helmet, a sudden stop or impact can cause brain injury.
- Wrongful death: Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents are fatal. If someone else was at fault, this can turn a personal injury claim into a wrongful death claim.
Determining Who Is Responsible for Injuries and Damages
Nevada courts use comparative liability to determine who was at fault in an accident. This means if you were partly to blame for the accident, your compensation might be reduced. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you’d only get 80% of the damages. And if you were more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover any money.
For example, if you were lane splitting (which is illegal in Nevada) but the other driver was texting, the court would have to decide how to assign fault. The court will look at things like:
- Were you following traffic laws?
- Was the other driver distracted or impaired?
- Were there any witnesses?
- What do the police reports say?
- Is there any video footage of the accident?
An experienced motorcycle attorney in Las Vegas can help you determine and prove liability. Your lawyer will gather all this evidence to build the strongest case possible for you.
What Could My Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Settlement Be Worth?
Every case is different, so it’s hard to give an exact number. The amount depends on several factors:
- How bad your injuries are: More severe injuries usually mean higher settlements. If you’ve suffered a life-changing injury, like paralysis or brain damage, your settlement should account for lifelong care.
- How much work you miss: If you couldn’t work because of your injuries, you should be compensated for that lost income. This includes not just the work you’ve already missed, but also future earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job.
- How much the accident has affected your life: This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if you can no longer ride your motorcycle or enjoy outdoor activities you used to love, that will be a part of your settlement.
- Whether you were partly at fault: Remember, your settlement could be reduced if you were partially responsible for the accident.
- How careless the other driver was: If the other driver was extremely negligent (like driving drunk), you might also be awarded punitive damages.
In Las Vegas, where medical costs can be high and lost wages from missing work in the service industry can add up quickly, it’s crucial to accurately calculate all your damages. A skilled Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer will understand the full impact the accident has had on your life and will work to get you the most money possible.
Unique Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle cases can be complex, especially in places like Las Vegas with many out-of-state drivers and complicated factors. Here are some challenges you might face:
- Bias against motorcyclists: In Las Vegas, some people might assume riders are reckless or are just tourists looking for thrills. Your lawyer will need to fight this stereotype and show that you’re a responsible rider.
- Proving injuries: Without a car’s frame to show damage, it can be harder to prove how serious the accident was. Your lawyer might need to work with accident reconstruction experts to show the force of the impact.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance might try to get away with paying you less than you deserve. Las Vegas motorcycle accident law firms have experience with these lowball offers.
- Multiple parties: In Las Vegas, an accident might involve a taxi, a rental car, and a hotel shuttle. Figuring out who’s responsible can get complicated.
Tourist drivers: If the at-fault driver was a tourist, it might be harder to gather information or pursue a case if they’ve left the state.
Why You Should Hire a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Look for a motorcycle accident law firm in Las Vegas, NV that knows the area well. They’ll understand the local roads, traffic patterns, and courts. They’ll know about the specific challenges of riding a motorcycle in Las Vegas, from the heavy tourist traffic to the extreme heat. Plus, they can:
- Handle all the paperwork, so you can focus on getting better. This includes filing court documents, responding to insurance companies, and keeping track of deadlines.
- Gather evidence and talk to witnesses. In Las Vegas, this might include getting security camera footage from nearby casinos or talking to hotel staff who saw the accident.
- Negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will know their tactics and how to counter them.
- Take your case to court. While most cases settle out of court, sometimes a trial is necessary to get fair compensation. Your lawyer should be prepared to go to trial if that’s what’s best for your case.
The Blackburn Wirth Injury Team has the experience you need. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers understand the unique aspects of our city. We’ve handled many motorcycle accident claims and have built a reputation of success. Plus, we don’t get paid unless you win your case. Get a free case evaluation to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
FAQs for Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Nevada?
Nevada law sets a time limit, or “statute of limitations,” of two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in state court. It’s important to pay close attention to this law. If you file your lawsuit after the two-year deadline has passed, a Nevada court will most likely refuse to hear your case.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Most motorcycle attorneys in Las Vegas, including Blackburn Wirth, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything up front. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, usually taking a percentage of your settlement, which can vary depending on whether the case goes to trial. This arrangement allows you to get legal help without worrying about how to pay for it.
What Are Nevada’s Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists?
Nevada law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. This means it should have a DOT sticker on the back. Wearing a helmet not only keeps you safer, but can also help your case if you’re in an accident. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, the defense might argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had been following the law.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Motorcycle Accident Case?
The time to resolve a Las Vegas motorcycle accident case can vary from a few months to over a year. Simple cases might wrap up quickly, while complex ones take longer. Factors that affect the timeline include how severe your injuries are, how clear-cut the fault is, and how willing the insurance company is to offer a fair settlement. Going to trial can extend the process even more.
While you might want to settle fast, especially if you’re facing big bills, it’s often worth taking time to make sure you get fair compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your specific situation.
