The thrill of riding a motorcycle is an unparalleled joy and an efficient means of transportation for many Americans. Nevada, in particular, has beautiful skylines and open roads that are ideal for motorcyclists. However, these vehicles leave bikers vulnerable to serious harm in the event of a crash. When this happens, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Summerlin can be an invaluable advocate and support system.
When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a motorcycle wreck, you may benefit from speaking with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers. Our experienced Summerlin personal injury lawyers can review your case and help you put together a strong claim for damages. With over 150 years of combined experience, our team can implement effective strategies that protect your rights and secure the rights you deserve
Why Motorcycle Wrecks Are Often so Serious
When a person decides to ride a motorcycle, they consent to additional risks that make them more vulnerable to road hazards than other vehicles. Motorcyclists face numerous obstacles that place them in danger, ranging from drunk and distracted drivers to poor road conditions. Additionally, the small frame of their vehicle exacerbates the harm they may be exposed to while riding.
Unlike cars, motorcycles lack multiple layers of fiberglass and metal, as well as advanced safety features such as airbags and seatbelts. Due to these differences in protection, motorcyclists are often more prone to severe accidents and death than drivers of four-door sedans or larger vehicles. Their size also makes them harder to see and more likely to end up in a motorist’s blind spots.
Part of the reason why motorcycle accidents are often so serious is that motorcycle drivers typically absorb the full force of a collision. As the smaller, more vulnerable vehicle, it experiences a greater impact force. The momentum and sudden deceleration can also throw a motorcycle driver from their bike, resulting in serious injuries. As such, all drivers should be aware of and follow motorcycle safety tips.
Types of Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer in Summerlin Accidents
Motorcyclists often suffer multiple points of impact in a crash. The first is generally the moment of impact, the second is often with the road or nearby objects. This can apply excessive force to a person, cause organs to shift and slam against hard cavities in the body, and even puncture soft tissues. A lawyer can help secure compensation for some common motorcycle accident injuries, including:
- Head injuries
- Face injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
- PTSD
If you have suffered these and other injuries, a Summerlin motorcycle accident attorney can review your medical records to understand the scope and value of your injuries. As such, it is important to keep all of your test results, treatment records, medical bills, medication info, and more. We can also talk with your doctor to understand what future care you may need to help you recover.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Summerlin from Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers Establishes an at-Fault Party’s Negligence
Negligence is one of the most common allegations in motorcycle accident litigation. This refers to a party’s careless actions that cause harm to another person. It’s the basis for all personal injury accidents, and motorcycle wrecks are no different. Before recovering damages, an injured motorcyclist must establish four conditions to show that the defendant was negligent toward you:
- An existing duty of care to keep you safe
- Breach of the duty of care by engaging in careless or reckless driving activities
- The motorcyclist suffered actual injuries (also known as damages)
- That the breach caused the injuries you suffered
Our well-practiced motorcycle accident attorneys can collect the evidence necessary to demonstrate each of these elements of negligence in your case. This process allows us to hold at-fault parties accountable for harming you so that you don’t have to pay for the cost of your losses yourself. Our attorneys tailor our arguments and strategies to the specific circumstances and factors in your case.
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Financial Damages for Injured Motorcyclists
The legal term for the financial compensation awarded to an injured party in a personal injury case is damages. Economic damages typically amount to the money lost due to the accident, and non-economic damages refer to losses from pain and suffering.
The goal is to return the injured party to their pre-accident condition. Injured parties may receive payments to cover their:
- Counseling
- Emergency care and ongoing medical bills
- Motorcycle repair
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Lost quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
Additionally, under Nevada Revised Statutes § 42.005, the injured motorcyclist may seek punitive damages if the defendant is found to have behaved maliciously or recklessly. Punitive damages are designed to punish parties for egregious behavior and are typically much more significant than economic damages. Punitive damages, however, must be sought at the trial level, with the help of a lawyer.
Don’t Wait Long to Initiate Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in Summerlin
Under NRS § 11.190(4)(e), an injured motorcyclist only has two years from the date of their injuries to file a lawsuit. When you’re trying to recover from injuries, it can be easy to lose track of how much time has passed, but it’s important to avoid delays as much as possible.
These cases are not always resolved quickly, so making sure you have enough time to resolve your case is essential for favorable results.
Get in Touch with a Summerlin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you are in a motorcycle accident, you should begin the process of planning and filing a legal claim as soon as possible. These cases are not always easy to win because insurance companies are notorious for refusing to pay out even when the other driver’s fault is evident.
At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we recognize that you may be unable to manage all of the paperwork and legalities on your own. We also understand how overwhelming the claim process can be when you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
Let us help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Summerlin.