Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, medical expenses and wage loss may quickly mount as injured bikers face hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and time missed from work, creating a significant financial hardship during recovery. To make matters worse, insurance companies may prove difficult to work with, especially when liability is disputed. Insurers may argue that motorcycle-related injuries are not as severe as reported or delay the claims process to avoid paying fair compensation. As such, it is important to retain legal counsel to protect your rights.

Work with a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney that has the resources, experience, and knowledge to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Statistics on Crashes Involving Motorcyclists

• Approximately 314 fatal motorcycle accidents and 319 motorcycle-related fatalities occurred on Nevada roads from 2017 to 2021, as reported by the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation.
• A total of 6,218 motorcycle riders sustained fatal injuries in traffic collisions in 2022, accounting for roughly 15 percent of all roadway fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• The National Safety Council indicated in a recent report that over the past decade, motorcycle-related deaths have increased 32 percent, and motorcyclist and passenger fatalities have increased 1 percent from 2021 to 2022.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Vehicle-Motorcycle Crash?

Any driver involved in a motorcycle collision who is found to be fully or partially at fault may be held accountable for the resulting losses. In the latter case, comparative negligence may apply, and the plaintiff’s total award may be reduced by the percentage of fault that is assigned to them. If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, the driver’s employer maybe held vicariously liable. This may apply if the employee was within the scope of their employment.

If a motorcycle crash resulted from a poorly designed or maintained public roadway, the government agency responsible for the design and upkeep of the road may be held accountable. In such cases, it is important to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Las Vegas immediately, as a different statute of limitations may apply to cases involving public agencies. The two-year statute of limitations is shortened to a total of 180 days or six months from the date of loss.

What Insurance is Required for a Motorcycle in the State of Nevada?

Just like a vehicle, a motorcycle must be insured to legally operate on Nevada roadways. Every driver in Nevada must carry liability insurance limits of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per collision, plus $20,000 in property damage. This is the minimum coverage required to meet the financial responsibility standards set by Nevada law. However, these limits often prove insufficient in a vehicle versus motorcycle crash, especially when serious injuries and damages are involved.

What Type of Insurance Should You Get as a Motorcyclist?

Given the state minimum insurance requirements, motorcycle riders should consider obtaining higher limits than Nevada law mandates due to their increased vulnerability to serious injuries and accidents compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Motorcycle riders should consider adding the following to their policy:

• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Given the number of drivers without liability insurance in Nevada, having UM and UIM coverage is important. This may ensure that your losses are covered if you are hit by a motorist who does not have auto insurance or one that has minimal limits. It is recommended that bikers carry a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 in UM/UIM.
• Medical Payments Coverage: MedPay covers medical expenses for the motorcyclist and their passenger at the time of the incident. What is particularly useful about medical payments coverage is that it may cover medical bills from injuries in a crash regardless of who caused the incident. Conversely, MedPay is also helpful if a motorcyclist has a high deductible health insurance plan.
• Collision Coverage: This type of protection pays for property damage to a motorcycle regardless of who caused the crash. It is important to have collision coverage if you own an expensive bike. It also offers peace of mind if a crash occurs where there may be a coverage issue for the opposing party. Keep in mind that a deductible applies.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damages unrelated to an accident, such as flood, fire, or theft damage. For instance, if a motorcycle is damaged in a storm, comprehensive coverage may apply, factoring in the applicable deductible. Remember that comprehensive coverage does not pay for breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance or normal wear and tear.

Having the right coverage for your motorcycle is important. This is especially true in a state like Nevada where there was a total percentage of 8.8 uninsured drivers in 2022, according to recent data from the Insurance Research Council. If you were injured or lost someone you love in a collision, contact our experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation.

Hit-and-Runs Involving Motorcycle Riders and Passengers

The unfortunate reality is that far too many hit-and-run accidents involving motorcyclists occur on Nevada roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run as a rider or passenger, you should consult with an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney about seeking compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Our legal team can assist you in obtaining a copy of the police report and communicating with the insurer regarding UM coverage under your policy.

What if a Loved One Was Killed in a Motorcycle Crash?

After a fatal car-motorcycle collision, surviving family members of the deceased biker may be eligible to seek economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death action against the at-fault party. Filing a case can prove to be a complex and sensitive process, especially when coping with grief. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney near you can provide compassionate guidance and support on eligibility and the legal process for seeking justice.

Consult With a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Protect your rights by hiring a skilled Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney to handle your injury case. Book a free consultation at (702) 600-3200. With a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer on your side, you are much more likely to secure a favorable case result for your crash that covers your past and future medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more. Learn about your options today by contacting our law office for a complimentary case review.