Las Vegas, Nevada is a hot spot for entertainment, tourism, and business. Unfortunately, this has led to increased traffic on roadways. Accidents that involve a motorcycle can result in severe burns, internal organ damage, permanent disability, and/or death.
Have you or a loved one been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident in the Las Vegas area? Driver negligence is to blame for most collisions with motorcycles. For example, speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, etc.
After a motorcycle accident, you may be legally entitled to receive compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Fighting for these rights will require the help of an experienced and bold Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer.
In the following informational guide, the legal professionals at Morris Injury Law reveal everything that you should do if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas.
What are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas?
Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of serious injuries and death in the event of a collision. These accidents could involve a passenger car, truck, pedestrian, stationary object, and/or another motorcycle.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- Failure to Abide by Traffic Laws
- Road Defects
- Driving while Fatigued
- Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Attempting to Ride Above Skill Level
- Speeding
Additional factors can also significantly increase the risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash, including roadwork and adverse weather conditions.
What are Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries?
Crashes that involve a collision between a standard vehicle and a motorcycle can have catastrophic consequences. In many cases, accident victims suffer from debilitating injuries, lingering pain, and numerous other damages.
The human body produces a significant amount of adrenaline after a traumatic and unexpected event. This adrenaline can numb the body and mask the severity of injuries incurred, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries:
- Broken Bones
- Bruises and Lacerations
- Internal Organ Damage
- Burns
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Many motorcycle accident victims sustain serious, life-threatening injuries. In some cases, it can take several days for symptoms of these deadly conditions to become evident and could result in death.
Examples of deadly motorcycle crash injuries include TBIs, internal bleeding, etc. This is one of many reasons that compliance with Emergency Medical Services and a professional evaluation are critical.
Watch for any indications that a serious injury may have occurred. Signs of serious internal injuries include rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and pale or clammy skin.
What Do I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic consequences. There are several things that you should do to protect your health and rights immediately after a motorcycle accident has occurred.
1.) Leave the Motorcycle and Seek Safety
Many people are tempted to remove their motorcycle from the road after an accident. However, it is imperative that you get yourself out of this high-risk situation immediately.
Get off the road immediately after a crash involving a motorcycle. Never attempt to try to move your motorcycle off of the road after a car accident. This mistake significantly increases the chance of sustaining further injuries.
Moving a motorcycle after an accident could also destroy evidence that could be crucial to your case.
2.) Call Las Vegas Metro Police to the Scene
Las Vegas metro police should be contacted immediately through 911 services. Dispatchers will send officers to help at the scene, gather evidence, and complete an accident report. Always call 911 to report any collision that occurs. Failure to report an accident could result in serious legal repercussions, including potential criminal charges if an individual involved dies as a result of their injuries.
Police should gather reports from eyewitnesses at the scene upon arrival. However, it is also wise to gather names and numbers of eyewitnesses for your own records. The information could be essential for establishing liability for a personal injury case.
3.) Comply with Emergency Medical Services
911 dispatchers will send Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to your location immediately upon receiving a report. Stay on the phone with EMS and follow all guidance provided until medical professionals arrive.
Do not remove your helmet or the protective gear of any other individual involved.
4.) Document Any Potential Evidence
Obtaining evidence directly following a car accident is essential for providing liability in your case. Details surrounding the accident are still the freshest in your mind directly after the crash. Take notes of any and all potential information that could be useful in your case. Document external factors, such as roadway debris, construction zones, and/or adverse weather conditions.
Take an abundance of photo and video evidence of every vehicle involved in the accident. Be sure to snap photos of any skid marks and surrounding areas.
5.) Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Lawyer
Contact a Las Vegas motorcycle lawyer immediately to discuss your case. Reach out today for a free case review. A team of experienced personal injury lawyers will be happy to assess your circumstances, determine liability, and fight to obtain fair compensation.
6.) File a Claim with the Auto Insurance Company
Contact the insurance company as soon as plausible to file a claim regarding your accident. Each insurance company has stipulations regarding how long you have to file a claim. However, the longer that you wait, the more inaccuracies that could occur and unintentionally damage your case. Contact your insurance company as well as the providers of any other individuals involved.
What Types of Compensation Could I Be Entitled to Receive?
Motorcycle accidents can lead to excessive physical, financial, and emotional damages. There are several forms of compensation that you may be entitled to receive.
Compensation May Be Due for:
- Medical Bills
- Future Medical Expenses
- Property Damage
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
Which types and amount of compensation you are entitled to receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. Reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about how much your case may be worth.
Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Collision?
Determining liability is the first step to getting you the compensation that you deserve after a motorcycle accident. There are several parties who could share responsibility for your personal injury claim.
Any individual whose negligence contributed to the accident could be held responsible for the resulting damages. Examples of negligence include reckless driving, driving under the influence, speeding, etc.
Government agencies may be liable for accidents that occur as a result of road defects, including potholes. These issues create extremely dangerous situations for motorcyclists.
How Can a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
An experienced personal injury lawyer is essential for winning your Las Vegas motorcycle accident case. These legal professionals understand the types of evidence that are required to prove liability.
A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer has the tools, resources, and knowledge to search for the best evidence to build your case. This may include evaluating the scene of the accident, speaking with eyewitnesses, and reviewing photo/video evidence.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can also help by handling all dealing with insurance companies and other parties involved.
Why is Morris Injury Law the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Have you or a loved one been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Las Vegas area? Choose a team of bold, knowledgeable, and experienced personal injury lawyers to fight for your rights. The legal team at Morris Injury Law are standing by and ready to assess your case.
Reach out today by calling 702-850-5555 for a free case evaluation. You can also reach out to a personal injury lawyer online for more information.
