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Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Shook & Stone is committed to achieving results for our clients

More and more people across the United States are discovering the enjoyment, freedom, and economic benefits of riding a motorcycle. In the Nevada desert, motorcycle riding is a year-long activity whether for daily commuting or fun group rides on the weekends. Riding a motorcycle is not just fun and games, however. Motorcyclists are required to have the necessary skills to operate such vehicle safely on Nevada roadways. Unfortunately, the safety of a motorcyclist is not always within their control.

Motorcycles offer very little protection, if any, for their rider in the event of a crash. Even wearing the appropriate safety gear cannot protect a rider from injuries or even death in a serious accident. As a result, Nevada motorcycle riders are often at the mercy of reckless drivers, negligent drivers, dangerous roadways, and/or negligent motorcycle manufacturers. Even a veteran motorcyclist cannot predict or prevent every accident caused by the negligence of another.

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of passenger vehicles, and, as such, if a rider becomes the victim of the negligent or reckless actions of another, they have the right to hold the at-fault party liable for the injuries they suffer. The experienced personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas at Shook & Stone are committed to protecting the rights of motorcyclists and holding negligent parties financially responsible for the injuries they cause.

Nevada Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,290 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in the United States in 2008. This number is a 2 percent increase from 2007, during which 5,174 motorcycle riders were killed in fatal collisions. Also in 2008, approximately 96,000 motorcyclists were injured in U.S. traffic accidents, which is a decrease from the previous year, when 103,000 were injured. In Nevada, 59 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2008, with hundreds more injured.

Common Causes of Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada may have a wide range of causes, most of which involved drivers of other, larger, motor vehicles. The actions of other drivers are not the only causes of Nevada motorcycle accidents, however. The following include some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in the state of Nevada:

Where Does Liability Fall?

Where, or rather on whom, liability falls for a Nevada motorcycle crash depends on the circumstances of the crash. If a speeding driver of a passenger car caused the accident, then the driver is the at-fault party and may be held liable; if the driver makes a lane change into a motorcyclist because they weren’t paying attention, the driver, again, would be the at-fault party. If a road rife with deep potholes causes a motorcyclist to lose control of his or her bike, then the city or state agency responsible for maintaining/repairing that road may be held liable; likewise, if a poorly maintained road causes a driver to crash into a motorcyclist, the agency may also be held liable (although this is a much more complicated scenario). Finally, if a defective/malfunctioning motorcycle part causes an accident, then the manufacturer of that part may be held liable.

Victims of Nevada Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and spinal cord injury, and even lead to permanent disabilities or death. This is an unacceptable price to pay for another’s negligence. At Shook & Stone, our Las Vegas vehicle accident attorneys have years of experience in handling motorcycle accident claims and can help you hold the at-fault parties liable for the injuries or fatalities their negligence has caused. Through a personal injury or wrongful death claim, we can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us today at (702) 385-2220.