Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Las Vegas and All of Nevada
A Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer at Burg Simpson can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a serious crash. Our experienced attorneys have built a reputation of excellence throughout Nevada for helping injured motorcyclists move forward after a wreck.
The insurance company is focused on its bottom line, not your recovery. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies to devalue claims and we know how to fight for every penny you deserve under the law.
Reasons to choose a motorcycle accident attorney at Burg Simpson include:
- More than $2 billion in results. We have recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We seek maximum compensation for each client through meticulous preparation and determined representation.
- Award-winning attorneys. Several of our lawyers have received the most distinguished awards in the legal industry. We have been recognized by our peers, our community, and our clients.
- Decades of experience. Founded in 1977, Burg Simpson we have established a reputation for excellence in a wide range of personal injury matters.
Contact Burg Simpson today online or at 702-668-2070 for a FREE case evaluation. We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we reach a successful outcome in your case. We proudly serve clients in Las Vegas and other Nevada areas.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident claims are often complicated. Factors such as the high likelihood of serious injuries, extensive damages, and issues of complex liability all make it difficult for victims to pursue the compensation they deserve.
It is crucial to prioritize healing and rebuilding your life following a severe motorcycle accident. While you may expect the insurance company to provide fair compensation, especially if the other driver was responsible for the crash, motorcycle accident claims are often complicated. The process of recovering from a motorcycle accident can be challenging and take a long time. Insurance companies may offer a low settlement, hoping that you are unaware of the full value of your case, or they may deny your claim altogether.
You also have a limited time in which to pursue damages.
Because of these reasons, it is crucial to discuss your situation with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a wreck. Below are a number of reasons why it is in your best interest to work with a lawyer on your motorcycle accident case.
- The insurance company does not have your best interests at heart: Many individuals involved in accidents have little experience with insurance companies. An experienced lawyer can handle all communication with the insurer and safeguard your rights.
- Your injuries may be severe: Even a minor motorcycle collision can result in serious injuries. As you recover, it can be challenging to fully comprehend the long-term physical, financial, and emotional effects of the accident. A lawyer will work with medical professionals and other experts to understand the full extent and nature of your injuries.
- You may leave money on the table: While medical bills and other expenses may be part of the financial losses you incur after a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to additional damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. A lawyer will gather relevant evidence and expert testimony to fully assess the value of your losses, both current and future.
- You may face bias as a biker: Unfortunately, there are stereotypes that motorcycle riders are reckless, which can make it difficult to seek justice and fair compensation. To protect your rights and determine who may be at fault, our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This is especially important if the insurance company tries to claim that you were responsible for the crash.
- You may need to take your case to court: If a fair settlement cannot be negotiated with the insurance company, your attorney may recommend taking your case to court. The Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at Burg Simpson are accomplished litigators. We will ensure your claim is filed correctly with the appropriate court and handle every aspect of your legal journey.
The seasoned legal team at Burg Simpson has the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to help you pursue fair compensation after an accident. We have a track record of successfully assisting injured bikers move forward with their lives after a serious wreck.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Multiple factors can cause a motorcyclist to crash. Some accidents involve collisions with another vehicle but in a number of cases only the motorcyclist wrecks.
The majority of motorcycle accidents occur due to driver error. Some of the most common issues of negligence we see in these claims include:
- Excess speed
- Distracted driving (texting and driving, talking on the phone, etc.)
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Errors in turning (especially when a driver makes a left turn in an intersection without looking at the oncoming traffic)
- Errors in changing lanes (drivers who fail to look in their blind spots may fail to see motorcycles in the next lane)
- Aggressive driving (tailgating, improper passing of motorcycles, etc.)
- Opening the door of a vehicle in the path of a motorcycle
- Drunk driving/driving while impaired by drugs
Motorcyclists may struggle to avoid the hazards posed by reckless and aggressive drivers. Therefore, it is crucial for riders to take every precaution they can to avoid an accident. Wearing a helmet and other protective gear, riding defensively, and ensuring that your bike is well-maintained can all help reduce the risk of a crash.
Increasing your visibility is also key for minimizing the risk of a motorcycle accident. Using the legally required lights and reflectors improves your visibility to drivers at nighttime.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Nevada?
Lane splitting is the act of passing another vehicle within the same lane or passing between two vehicles down the center of a lane. Under NRS 486.351(2), lane splitting is illegal in Nevada. The law prohibits motorcycles and mopeds from passing other vehicles within the same lane.
However, lane splitting should not be confused with lane sharing, which is when two motorcycles ride side-by-side in a lane together. Lane sharing is legal in Nevada.
Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
For many years, motorcyclists have been saddled with a reputation for taking risks and endangering themselves and others on the road. This is an unfortunate stereotype that can make it difficult for injured riders to pursue the compensation they deserve after a crash.
In reality, the majority of accidents involving motorcyclists occur because of negligence on the part of the driver of another vehicle. Additional parties that may also be at fault include:
- The manufacturer of the bike and its parts. Defects in a motorcycle’s brakes, steering, chain, tires, and other key components may cause the vehicle to fail or result in more serious injuries in the event of a crash. Multiple parties may be liable in defective product claims involving a faulty or malfunctioning motorcycle.
- A business that hires a negligent driver. Generally, employers are legally liable if a worker causes an accident on the job. Commercial vehicle accident litigation is a complex area of law. A comprehensive investigation is often necessary to determine how the accident occurred and to establish the liability of the company that hired the driver.
- The government entity responsible for a dangerous roadway. The majority of vehicles are able to navigate changes in the road surface without incident. However, motorcycles have greater difficulty passing over potholes, cracked pavement, loose gravel, and other hazards. If you were in a motorcycle accident caused by dangerous road conditions, the government agency that built and maintained the road may be liable.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it can be difficult to tell who is at fault. By contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer, you will have a dedicated advocate who can gather evidence, ascertain what caused the crash, and identify the party or parties who are responsible for your injuries and losses.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
The majority of motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries to the motorcyclist. Most riders require treatment in an emergency room. Tragically, many motorcyclists are killed as a result of injuries sustained in accidents. In fact, motorcyclist deaths increased 32% from 2020 to 2022 in Nevada.
Motorcyclists may suffer a range of catastrophic injuries in accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones, especially in the legs, pelvis, arms, and wrists
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding and damage to organs
- Amputation injuries
- Burn injuries
Treatment of these injuries can be expensive, with victims often incurring short-term and long-term costs. Severe trauma may limit your ability to work, depriving you of much-needed income to cover the bills. Physical pain and psychological issues are also common issues after a motorcycle accident.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will understand the medicine behind TBIs and other types of catastrophic injury. The lawyer you hire should have the knowledge and resources to assess the severity of your injuries and hire experts to provide testimony in support of your claim.
What Is the Helmet Law in Nevada?
Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) § 486.231, all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets and eye protection while riding. Riders who fail to comply with the law may be fined.
Helmets are crucial for protecting motorcyclists from some of the most serious injuries that occur in accidents, including TBIs and damage to the spinal cord. The question of whether you were wearing a helmet may also affect your accident claim.
Personal injury claims in Nevada are subject to a comparative negligence standard. If you are determined to be partly responsible for your injuries in the accident (such as by not wearing a helmet), the damages in your case will be reduced according to your degree of fault.
Wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle can save your life. If you are in an accident, your decision to be safe and obey the law also improves your ability to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
It is impossible to say how much compensation you may be entitled to in a motorcycle accident claim without knowing the specific details of the case. The nature and extent of your injuries, the insurance coverage(s) held by the liable parties, the circumstances of the accident, and – perhaps most important – the losses you have sustained will all have an impact on the amount of your recovery.
Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney will calculate all of the losses you have incurred. You may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses for ambulance transport, emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, therapy, etc.
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity (i.e., loss of future income if you are unable to work after the accident)
- Out-of-pocket costs for assistive devices, home renovations, vehicle modifications, hiring home healthcare workers and other professionals, travel to and from medical appointments, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Ultimately, the “average” compensation for a motorcycle accident is less important than what you need and deserve. The impact of a crash on your health, life, and livelihood is unique to you, and your lawyer should strive to recover a payout that covers your damages and gives you and your family financial security and peace of mind to move forward with your life.
Can I Sue for Wrongful Death After a Motorcycle Accident?
Surviving family members of a motorcyclist killed in an accident may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Damages you can pursue for wrongful death include:
- Loss of income
- Loss of benefits and other financial support
- Loss of household services
- Loss of consortium (if your spouse was killed)
- Loss of parental guidance (if a parent was killed)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses for care provided before your loved one died
The unexpected loss of a family member is a tragic event. If someone else is responsible for the motorcycle accident that caused your loved one’s death, you and your family should not have to face the financial and emotional burdens of such a loss by yourselves.
Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can calculate the current and future damages associated with the death of your loved one and fight for fair compensation on behalf of your family.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
Filing a lawsuit may not be your only option for recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident. Most accident claims are settled out of court, sometimes without the claimant having to file suit.
Unfortunately, as with all accident cases, insurance companies have the upper hand in settlement negotiations. Low settlement offers are not uncommon, especially when insurers try to capitalize on the bias against motorcyclists to try to argue that the rider was partially at fault for his or her injuries. The insurance company may also dispute liability for the accident, as well as the amount of damages you seek in your claim.
A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney will anticipate these tactics. By building a strong claim on your behalf, your lawyer can counter the efforts of the insurance carrier to get you to settle for less. Through negotiations, the insurer may agree to a settlement that compensates you fairly.
Negotiating a fair settlement may take several months. However, if the insurance company will not budge, your attorney can file a lawsuit to recover the full amount of damages.
Cases can take a year or more to go to court, especially in jurisdictions with crowded dockets. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will use this time wisely, gathering all relevant evidence, reviewing available insurance coverage, investigating the at-fault parties, consulting experts about the cause of the crash, accounting for all damages you have sustained, and developing strategies to present your case effectively at trial.
Ultimately, you only have one opportunity to secure compensation after a motorcycle accident. Whether you receive a favorable settlement offer or have to file a lawsuit to recover what you are due, it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you of your legal options and discuss strategies for achieving the optimal result in your case.
Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcyclists often face a number of difficulties getting the compensation they deserve after a crash. Choosing the right lawyer is crucial for achieving a successful resolution.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a serious motorcycle wreck, a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer at Burg Simpson can help. With more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, we have the resources you need and the results you can trust to achieve the justice you deserve.
Contact Burg Simpson today online or at 800-370-3970 for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers serve clients in and around Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.
