Motorcycles may be fun to ride, but they are inherently dangerous in many ways. Accidents can happen very quickly for various reasons, and the risk of catastrophic or fatal injury is much higher in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident. Every rider should know the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas and what to do if they experience an accident. The right motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas can help them recover when another driver is to blame for their collision.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas and all other motor vehicle accidents in the state is driver negligence, but this is a broad term that can apply to various actions. Whenever a driver operates their vehicle negligently, or if they fail to uphold their duty of care to follow the traffic laws, they put themselves and others at grave risk. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury because a bike offers no physical protection in a crash.
Some of the most common examples of driver negligence cited in motorcycle accident claims in Las Vegas include:
- Speeding. Any driver who exceeds the speed limit reduces the time and distance they have to react to a sudden change in the road. Accidents are not only more likely to occur at higher speeds but are also more likely to result in severe or fatal injuries. Speeding is cited as a leading contributing factor to motorcycle accident fatalities nationwide.
- Distracted driving. All drivers must pay attention behind the wheel. Texting while driving and other distractions can easily lead to severe accidents, and it can be difficult to prove that an at-fault driver was distracted when they caused an accident. Traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and witness testimony are usually some of the most important pieces of evidence for these cases.
- Moving violations. Every driver has a responsibility to heed posted traffic signals and yield the right-of-way where necessary. Illegal turns, running red lights and stop signs, or failure to yield are just a few examples of moving violations that can easily result in motorcycle accidents.
In addition to these common forms of distracted driving, intoxicated driving is another top-reported cause of motorcycle crashes in Las Vegas each year. These accidents are not only deadly but also commonly lead to criminal charges for at-fault drivers, along with their liability or the damages they have caused to others.
According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and Transportation, there were 348 fatal motorcycle crashes resulting in 353 deaths between 2018 and 2022 in Nevada. Motorcyclists accounted for more than 23% of all roadway fatalities in Nevada from 2018 to 2022, and Clark County had the highest number of motorcycle accident deaths, 78% of which occurred in urban areas like Las Vegas.
If you are hurt in an accident in Nevada and believe another driver is to blame, proving fault will be a crucial first step in your recovery. Most motorcycle accidents happen because of negligence, and proving fault for your accident can be very challenging without an attorney’s help.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton are ready to help you gather the evidence you will need to prove the cause of your recent accident and hold the appropriate party or parties accountable for your damages.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Las Vegas?
You can prove fault for a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas using various forms of evidence, such as traffic camera footage, if available, cell phone data, and testimony from eyewitnesses. Nevada uses a fault-based system to resolve all accident claims involving more than one vehicle, so proving fault for your accident will be a crucial first step in your recovery process.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a motorcycle accident will depend on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove another party caused your accident, you can hold them accountable for your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have experienced because of the accident. Your attorney can estimate your case’s total value.
What Happens When Drivers Share Fault for an Accident in Las Vegas?
When drivers share fault for an accident in Las Vegas, Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law comes into play, and each liable party will have a fault percentage assigned. If a plaintiff in a personal injury case is found partially liable, their fault percentage will be subtracted from their case award to reflect their shared liability. If you are concerned that you bear partial fault for your accident, consult an attorney right away.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should always hire a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer to have the optimal chance to succeed with your case. You are not only more likely to win a case with an attorney’s help, but you are also more likely to maximize your compensation. The right attorney can help you build an effective case, uncover the full extent of the damages you could be eligible to claim, and guide you through your legal proceedings efficiently.
Will I Win More Compensation if I Hire a Lawyer?
You are likely to win more compensation if you hire a lawyer after your accident. Your attorney can handle the procedural requirements of your case, gather evidence to prove fault, and accurately calculate the full extent of the damages you could be eligible to claim from the defendant. Even if your case seems straightforward, you should not assume that you can handle your case alone as you could encounter unexpected complications you will not know how to resolve.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have years of experience helping injured clients in Las Vegas recover from all types of crashes, including motorcycle accidents. While it’s important to know the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas to hopefully reduce your risk of having an accident, it’s vital to know what to do when an accident happens. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team to find out how we can help you recover from a motorcycle accident.
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