Enjoying the desert air on a motorcycle is an experience many Nevada bikers treasure. But the pleasure could come at a high cost. Motorcycle accidents are frequent and often result in catastrophic injury.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorbike wreck, consider speaking with a North Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm. Our dedicated attorneys at LVNV Legal | Injury Law Firm can review your case and help you put together a strong claim against the negligent party.
Unlike other vehicles, like cars and trucks, motorcycles lack exterior barriers. This leaves riders exposed to devastating harm in the event of a wreck. Furthermore, their smaller size makes them more difficult to see and susceptible to being crushed if collided with a much larger vehicle.
A wreck involving a motorcyclist can occur due to a negligent driver:
Whenever someone else’s careless driving causes a motorcycle crash, an experienced North Las Vegas attorney could collect evidence demonstrating the other party’s negligence. Such evidence might include police reports, crash scene photos, video from surveillance cameras, witness statements, and more.
Like many states, Nevada has enacted statutes meant to protect motorcycle riders. Not all bikers agree that these laws protect them, but compliance is required. Failure to follow the law could have an impact on any negligence case an injured motorcyclist might bring in North Las Vegas.
Bikers in the state must have a motorcycle operator’s license. An applicant could obtain the license by passing a written test and an on-road skills evaluation at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Another option is to successfully complete an approved safety course.
According to Nevada Revised Statute §486.231 all riders and their passengers must wear a helmet when a motorcycle is in operation. Eye protection is mandatory as well, unless the bike has a windshield. Motorcycles are entitled to occupy an entire lane of traffic or may ride two abreast. Riding alongside or passing another vehicle in the same lane is illegal.
There are often several factors that contribute to an accident, and motorcyclist negligence could be one. When an injured biker claims compensation, their conduct becomes an issue that could affect their damages.
Nevada negligence claims are subject to a comparative fault analysis. A negligent plaintiff cannot collect damages if they are more than 50 percent at fault for their injuries. When a negligent plaintiff is not primarily to blame, they can collect the portion of their total damages attributed to the defendant.
If a biker received a citation after an accident, that could be evidence of negligence. However, there is still an opportunity for a capable attorney at LVNV Legal to prove that the biker was not more than 50 percent at fault. Each situation is different, and a motorcyclist should consult their legal representative for an analysis of what the comparative fault statute might mean for their case.
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries and disruptions to a rider’s life. Making a full recovery and moving forward must be an injured rider’s first priority.
However, insurance companies rarely offer an adequate settlement unless an injured person fights for it. A North Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can fight on your behalf, handling all communications with the other parties and helping to ensure any settlement is fair. Call today to get a fierce advocate with LVNV Legal working for you.
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