Due to the lack of external protection they have during accidents, motorcycle operators are especially susceptible to serious injuries when other drivers act recklessly or carelessly around them. Despite that, achieving fair financial recovery following a motorcycle wreck can often be a difficult endeavor.
Fortunately, help is available from a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how painful these incidents can be and what kinds of actions could strengthen your claim for compensation. Our hard working local attorneys at LVNV Legal | Injury Law Firm could prove to be a crucial ally to have on your side after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
In the context of civil litigation, “negligence” actually has a very specific definition with multiple parts to it, all of which must be fulfilled for an injured plaintiff to have a valid claim. A person is only negligent, and therefore financially liable for damages, if they had a legal responsibility to act reasonably, did something irresponsible in spite of that duty, caused an accident as a direct consequence of their actions, and caused compensable losses to someone else through that accident.
Various actions by a motorist could constitute a breach of their duty of care, such as by speeding or failing to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Importantly, motorcycle riders also have a duty to look out for their own safety and that of other drivers while riding, and any motorcyclist who acted recklessly or carelessly prior to an accident may have trouble recovering for the full value of their damages.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes §41.141, civil plaintiffs found to be more than 50 percent at fault for an accident cannot recover compensation. However, plaintiffs who bear a lesser percentage of fault may be subject to a proportional reduction in available restitution based on that percentage. Our attorneys in Las Vegas could explain how this rule works in more detail and work to minimize its impact on your motorcycle crash claim.
Barring any issues with comparative fault, injured motorcyclists can hold negligent parties accountable for every loss they can trace back to that incident, including those that do not have objective financial values. For example, a comprehensive claim might factor in not only bike repair bills and medical expenses, but also the physical pain and emotional anguish that a serious injury caused you to go through.
However, state law sets a limit on how long you can wait before filing suit against an allegedly negligent party. If you do not file a claim within two years of your motorcycle wreck in Las Vegas, your claim may be barred by the statute of limitations codified in N.R.S. §11.190. Fortunately, this error could be avoided with guidance from our local attorneys at LVNV Legal | Injury Law Firm.
Motorcycles provide a fast and fun way to travel, but they also put riders at serious risk of harm if other drivers fail to give them the space and respect that they deserve. If you got hurt in a wreck caused by a negligent driver, you may have grounds for civil action.
After seeking appropriate medical care for your injuries, talking to a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer should be a priority. Call today to schedule a consultation with LVNV Legal | Injury Law Firm.
(702) 660-6700