Motorcycle Injuries Up in Nevada: Causes and Solutions

At the end of March, 21 motorcycle fatalities were recorded in Nevada. Only two months later, that number increased to 39 motorcycle fatalities. The year-over-year trend for motorcycle fatalities also shows a consistent increase from 2024.

The motorcycle injury statistics in this data paint a troubling picture for motorcycle enthusiasts in Nevada. By understanding what is causing motorcycle crash injuries and deaths, you can be better able to protect yourself and loved ones from harm when riding a motorcycle in Nevada.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Nevada and Las Vegas

Exactly how many motorcycle accidents per year result in fatalities? In 2024, there were 83 fatalities, primarily in Clark County. If the 2025 trend continues, there may be over 100 motorcycle fatalities by the end of the year, representing an increase of roughly 21%. In the first five months of this year, 29 of the 39 deaths were in Clark County.

Concerning these numbers, Erin Breen, the coordinator of the UNLV Traffic Safety Coalition, said, “That’s a really high number of lives lost. That should be completely unacceptable to everyone.” This is an understandable sentiment, since 2024 was the fourth-deadliest year on record in Nevada, and 2025 is on pace to be even deadlier.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise?

There is no single reason that motorcycle crash fatalities are on the rise. Instead, there are several causes of motorcycle accidents that could be the culprit.

Impairment

According to the director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety, Andrew Bennett, impairment is one of the main factors in most road fatalities. When you ride a motorcycle while under the influence, you can be significantly more likely to get into an accident due to impaired reflexes and mental capabilities.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Two common factors involved in motorcycle accidents are reckless driving and speeding. Motorcycle crashes can happen more easily at unsafe speeds. At excessive speeds, you have very limited time to react to danger. Similarly, when you make quick changes in direction on a motorcycle, you can lose control and crash.

Intersections and Right-Of-Way Violations

Your safety on a motorcycle is partially reliant on other drivers. At intersections, other drivers may not notice your vehicle due to the small size. This can mean they don’t give you the right-of-way, causing an accident.

Lack of Helmet Use

Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal motorcycle injuries. When you don’t wear a helmet, or wear one improperly, head injuries can be more life-threatening.

Increased Ridership and Traffic

Ridership is on the rise due to rising temperatures and the cost of gas. Motorcycles are extremely fuel-efficient, and comfortable to ride in warmer weather, which has led to a surge in popularity, and more accidents.

The Stories Behind the Statistics

You can see how these factors combine when you look at recent motorcycle crash fatalities in the area. In one accident, a likely impaired driver failed to give a motorcyclist the right-of-way, resulting in the rider’s death.

These crashes tend to have a ripple impact on the community. When a casino security worker was killed in an intersection crash in April, for example, he was honored at a vigil, and the community raised over $60,000 for his family.

What Officials and Experts Say

Officials and experts believe that all drivers and riders need to be more cognizant of these dangers. According to Lt. Cody Fulwiler of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, “Some of the motorcycles aren’t registered.” This means there are motorcyclists not taking classes that help them avoid accidents.

Andrew Bennett, however, also points out that motorcycles are more difficult to see. Car drivers need to recognize this challenge and look twice when entering intersections or changing lanes. Checking blind spots and maintaining a proper following distance are also crucial.

Safety Initiatives and Rider Resources

Government officials take motorcycle safety seriously. Joe Lombardo, the governor of Nevada, proclaimed in April that May 2025 would be Motorcycle Safety Month in Nevada.

If you are looking to improve your safety skills, you can sharpen them with safety programs, like those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or the Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program. 

These programs encourage safe practices like:

• Always riding sober.
• Wearing protective gear.
• Enrolling in training courses and occasionally renewing your skills.

Furthermore, successfully passing one of these programs also results in lower insurance premiums.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in the Silver State

The causes of motorcycle crashes in Nevada tend to fall into certain categories, including:

• Driver negligence: Distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding are the primary types of motorcycle safety negligence that lead to accidents.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way: Failure to yield the right-of-way is common at intersections, and when other vehicles are turning left.
• Unsafe lane changes and blind spots: Even if a driver looks for other vehicles, they may not look specifically for motorcycles.
• Unlicensed riders: Untrained riders tend to be more likely to get into an accident than those who are licensed by the state.
• Hazardous road conditions: Bad weather, potholes, loose gravel, and other types of debris can make you lose control of your vehicle.
• Reckless behavior: Reckless driving from any party can result in catastrophic or fatal accidents.

These categories make up some of the most common causes that motorcyclists and drivers cite in motorcycle accident lawsuits and wrongful death claims involving motorcycles.

The Most Dangerous Intersections in Las Vegas

Intersections are common places for motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas. The small size of motorcycles, compared to vehicles, like SUVs or trucks, makes them particularly difficult to see at intersections, especially those with complex layouts. This results in drivers not appropriately giving motorcycles the right-of-way.

Intersections, like Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, are a prime example of this pattern. This intersection has a high volume of foot traffic and distracted drivers due to tourist activity on the Strip. If possible, you should avoid this intersection when traveling to or near the casinos.

Life-Altering Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can come with devastating consequences. These are some of the most common life-altering injuries from these accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Any type of head injury can result in a lifetime of disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: You can suffer mobility issues and paralysis from these injuries. 
• Broken bones and fractures: Leg and arm fractures are particularly common and may never fully heal.
• Road rash and disfigurement: Severe abrasions and burns from sliding on pavement can result in lifelong scarring.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are serious injuries that may require a lifetime of care.
• Amputations: Losing a limb can require long-term physical and psychiatric therapy.

The staggering medical bills motorcycle accidents often involve can require substantial compensation. In the case of wrongful death, motorcycle compensation for loved ones can be equally high.

Your Immediate Steps After a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident

To protect your rights during a Nevada motorcycle accident claim, you should take these key steps immediately after an accident:

Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Get your motorcycle to a safe place and seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor.

Report the Accident

Contact law enforcement by calling 911. Don’t leave the accident scene until law enforcement arrives unless it is medically necessary.

Gather Information

If you eventually file a motorcycle injury lawsuit, you will need evidence. Take pictures of the accident, your injuries, and the contact information for everyone at the scene of the accident to start gathering that evidence.

Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid making any statements to police, insurance companies, or other drivers that could be considered an admission of fault.

Preserve Evidence

Keep any damaged items on your person, if possible.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

The earlier you contact a Las Vegas personal injury attorney, the more likely you may be to get fair motorcycle accident compensation. 

Protecting Your Rights: Legal Recourse for Injured Riders in Nevada

In Nevada, a driver’s actions fall under negligence if they had a legal duty to protect your safety and caused you injury by failing in that duty. When another driver is negligent, you can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against them.

A successful claim can mean compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage after a motorcycle crash. Pain and suffering and emotional distress compensation may also be available, depending on the circumstances.

Insurance companies will often attempt to minimize payouts by denying legitimate claims, delaying the process, or offering lowball settlements. Experienced legal representation from the skilled legal team at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, can help protect you from these tactics. From investigation and evidence collection to negotiation and litigation, we can safeguard your rights at every step of the process.

Contact our law firm immediately after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights.

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