Paradise Motorcycle Injury Attorney

As with any hot spot American city, Paradise, NV, and the greater Las Vegas area are popular destinations for motorcyclists. Bikers flock to this region every year for annual motorcycle festivals like Las Vegas Bike Week and group rides.

With the popularity of motorcycles in Paradise, NV, comes the unfortunate reality of motorcycle accidents and related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, Nevada ranks as a state with fatality rates that are slightly lower than the national average. In 2021, the state recorded 87 motorcycle fatalities out of the national 5,932 fatalities. Leading the charge with the highest motorcycle fatality rates were states including Florida (651), California (565), and Texas (515). 

Are motorcycles common in Paradise, NV? 

Motorcycles are extremely common in Paradise, NV. Their popularity is largely fueled by the vibrant atmosphere Paradise and Las Vegas are known for. With this popularity comes the demand for safety, however. 

Nevada is one of 18 states that adhere to universal motorcycle helmet laws. Under the Nevada Helmet Law, riders and passengers must wear helmets when operating a motorcycle.

Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury in the event of an accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle helmets are as effective as 37% (for riders) and 41% (for passengers) in preventing deaths. Using a helmet also reduces the risk of head injury by over 69%.

Are you liable in a motorcycle accident if you were lane-splitting? 

Yes. If you were involved in an accident and lane-splitting, you could be liable for the accident.

Lane splitting is an action in which a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic going in the same direction, regardless of whether traffic is moving or at a standstill.

California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. In all other states, including Nevada, it is illegal for a motorcyclist to lane split.

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and is found to be lane-splitting, they can be held 100% liable because such an action is against the law. If a motorcyclist breaks the law and an accident results in victims suffering injuries, the motorcyclist can be found negligent.

Because motorcycles are small vehicles, they can often pass through places other motorists cannot. For this reason, some motorcycle riders are inclined to lane split to avoid traffic and getting stuck behind other motorists.

Although driving between lanes can be convenient for motorcyclists, lane splitting is incredibly dangerous. A motorcyclist who lane splits can end up in another driver’s blind spot, putting both the motorcyclist and the passenger vehicle driver at heightened risk of an accident.

Can motorcyclists pass another vehicle in the same lane? 

As with lane splitting, it is illegal for a motorcyclist to pass another vehicle in the same lane in Nevada, even if the motorcyclist can fit in the same lane. Motorcycle riders are required to pass other vehicles, including other motorcycles, by temporarily moving into the adjacent lane,  speeding up, and moving in front of the vehicle you want to pass. 

Do motorcyclists have the same rights as other motorists in Nevada?

Yes, motorcyclists have the same rights as other motorists in Nevada. Nevada law outlines this in the Revised State Statute 486.331. The statute details that anyone who operates a motorcycle is “entitled to all the rights and subject to all the duties applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles as provided by law.”

Because of the dangers that exist with motorcycles, Nevada is one of the handful of states that implement strict guidelines on drivers who operate a motorcycle. Some of those rules include:

• Motorcyclists must have a “Class M” license to operate a motorcycle on a public roadway
• All motorcycle riders and their passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet
• Motorcycle riders can only have one passenger unless their motorcycle is designed to accommodate more
• Motorcycles must have either one or two operating headlamps at all times
• Motorcycles must have operational turn signals, and riders must use them

What to do after a motorcycle accident in Paradise, NV

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Paradise, NV, knowing what to do next is important, whether the accident was your fault or not. 

• Contact 911 — A responding police officer will create a report of the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if you are unsure if you have sustained injuries
• Swap contact information with the other drivers
• Take down witness statements
• Document the scene by taking photos of the accident site and looking for footage that may have captured the accident
• Speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer near Las Vegas, NV

Nevada’s auto insurance laws 

Nevada follows a majority of states in that it adheres to “at-fault” auto laws. As an at-fault state, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. In the event of an accident, the insurance company of the person who caused the accident will kick in to cover the costs of injuries and property damage a victim sustains. 

Motorcycle victims injured by another driver’s actions can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company to recover damages. Under Nevada’s auto laws, drivers are required to carry the minimum automobile liability insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident
• $20,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident

If you are a victim and your injury or property damage exceeds these minimums, you may be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Filing this type of civil claim allows you to hold the responsible driver personally accountable for their actions along with other negligent parties. 

When you work with an experienced motorcycle crash accident attorney, you’ll have expert legal guidance, and your attorney can help you determine if you can pursue damages from other defendants.

What damages can I collect in a motorcycle accident? 

Whether you pursue a claim with the insurance company or are filing a personal injury lawsuit, you have the right to recover damages that resulted from your motorcycle accident. Damages can include but are not limited to: 

• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of income and lost wages
• Cost of medical bills, hospital costs, and treatment costs
• Prescription costs 
• Cost of medical equipment
• Scarring and disfigurement 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Property damage

How can an experienced attorney help you after a motorcycle accident?

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. When you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Paradise, you’ll have the guidance and expertise of legal professionals who have helped hundreds of victims just like you. Get the legal insight you deserve when you turn to the team at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys.

Our team will analyze your case to determine liability and the damages you are entitled to. We will work tirelessly to develop the best strategy to help you win your case.