Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Representing Victims of Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
Are you a motorcyclist who has been injured on the road due to the negligence of another motorist? If so, now may be the right time to begin exploring your legal options. The Burris & Thomas, LLC has an award-winning legal team with more than 45 years of combined legal experience.
Their Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers understand the risks that motorcyclists face every day—both on the road and when seeking just compensation. They are adept at overcoming the stigma motorcyclists often encounter during injury claims and work diligently to protect your rights every step of the way.
Discover the difference Burris & Thomas, LLC can make for you. Contact our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys today to request a free case evaluation.
Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Nevada?
In Nevada, motorcycle helmets are required for those riding, both drivers and passengers, a motorcycle. Also, if you're riding a moped or trike, you must wear a motorcycle helmet. Any vehicles with handlebars and saddle seats requires you to wear a helmet. Riders must also wear proper eye protection like face shields, goggles, or glasses if there isn't a transparent windscreen on the motorcycle.
If you choose to not wear a helmet, you can face a fine that varies depending on the locality. You will also get two demerit points on your license. If you get 12 or more demerit points your license will be suspended for six months by the DMV.
Understanding Motorist Negligence in Motorcycle Crashes
Despite the growing popularity in motorcycling over the past few decades, few motorists have acclimated themselves to driving alongside them.
They frequently forget to look for motorcycles, misjudge their own movement, or drive aggressively around them. When these things happen and a motorcyclist is hurt, those motorist actions need to be addressed in court.
Common examples of motorist negligence harming motorcyclists include:
- Speeding
- Impaired or drunk driving
- Forgetting to look during lane change/merging
- Forgetting to before exiting their vehicle
- Failing to stop at red lights and stop signs
To make matters worse, the sentiment that motorcycles are dangerous and rebellious still persists—even in the courtroom. It is not uncommon in these injury suits for defendants to blame motorcyclists for the accident due to unfounded "recklessness" claims or other reasons. That is why it is so essential that these injury victims have dedicated and aggressive counsel by their side.
The Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Burris & Thomas, LLC anticipate this stigma before your suit is even filed and will be prepared to ensure the circumstances of your accident are soberly presented both in and outside of the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Contacts Me After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you are contacted by an insurance company after a motorcycle accident, it is essential to be cautious. Insurance representatives—whether from your carrier or the other party's insurer—may try to obtain statements or offer an early settlement that does not fully reflect the extent of your injuries and losses. Resist the urge to give recorded statements or sign any documents without first consulting a qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, such as those at Burris & Thomas, LLC.
Having a seasoned attorney advocate on your behalf can help you avoid critical missteps. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas will review your insurance coverage, communicate directly with insurers to ensure your statements are protected, and help you avoid tactics designed to limit compensation. In Clark County, where collisions often involve multiple parties and complex insurance coverage, early legal guidance from Burris & Thomas, LLC can maximize your ability to secure the full compensation you are entitled to after a motorcycle accident.
How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Cases Usually Take to Resolve in Nevada?
The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident claim in Nevada can vary based on the complexity of your case, severity of your injuries, and how cooperative the involved parties are. For straightforward cases with clear liability, settlements may occur within a few months. However, if there are disputes about fault, long-term injuries, or multiple liable parties, resolution may take 12 months or longer, and may require litigation in the Clark County District Court.
Several factors impact the process, such as the time required for medical treatment, the collection of necessary records, and the insurance company's responsiveness. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Burris & Thomas, LLC focus on transparent communication and proactive case management, keeping you informed at every stage. Their local experience in Las Vegas allows them to ensure claims documentation is completed efficiently, and evidence is preserved for negotiations or trial as required. While every case is different, their priority is to resolve your matter as promptly and strategically as possible while protecting your right to the compensation you deserve.
What Local Laws or Conditions Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims
Las Vegas presents distinctive risks for riders, with local laws and urban conditions playing a significant role in both accident frequency and the claims process. Nevada’s helmet and equipment laws, combined with the city’s crowded entertainment venues, high tourist activity, and frequent special events, make diligent safety practices essential for local and visiting riders alike. Under Nevada law, the comparative negligence standard means your right to compensation can be reduced or eliminated if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is typically responsible for responding to and investigating serious collisions, creating detailed crash reports that often play a key role in your injury claim. Navigating the local court system and understanding how Clark County juries may view motorcycle accident cases is critical.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Today
Your injuries deserve to be answered for. Contact us today to get started with our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
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Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
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What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
