Along with the vibrant nightlife and casino, Las Vegas is also a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. With heavy traffic from locals and visitors throughout the year, it’s not uncommon to see motorcycle accidents and fatalities. As all riders know, the exhilaration and freedom of riding a motorcycle comes with an inherent risk. By following a few guidelines and knowing the causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada, you can stay safe when riding.
Here, the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe explain the top causes of Nevada motorcycle accidents and offer some new rider safety tips.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
There are many factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada include:
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a concern for all drivers on the road. When drivers engage in activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving, their attention is diverted from the road, making it more likely for them to collide with motorcycles.
While motorcycles do not have as many distractions as cars, like infotainment systems, motorcycle riders can also engage in distracted driving behaviors. External distractions like paying attention to billboards, roadside incidents, or other distractions outside the motorcycle can cause accidents including collisions with cars, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians.
- Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it dangerous for everyone on the road. Impaired drivers may fail to notice other vehicles on the road, misjudge their speed or distance, and make erratic maneuvers, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Drunk drivers may encounter severe legal repercussions, including imprisonment, the suspension of their driver’s license, increased insurance premiums, and a myriad of unforeseen expenses, such as legal fees, fines, court costs, and vehicle repairs.
- Weather
Adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and decrease visibility, increasing the chances of motorcycle accidents. Reduced traction and limited visibility pose significant challenges for motorcyclists. This is especially true during the monsoon season in Las Vegas.
If it is impossible to pull off and delay your trip for the day, remember that wet roads affect your bike’s tires’ grip on the road. If you do come across standing water, turn around and find a different route. The safest thing to do is to pull off the road and find shelter until the bad weather passes.
- Speeding
Excessive speeding is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are less stable than cars, and high speeds can make them more difficult to control. Speeding reduces the time a motorcyclist has to react to unexpected situations, increases stopping distances, and makes accidents more severe.
- Lane Splitting
Lane splitting when a motorcycle rider goes between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Instead of staying in one lane, the motorcyclist maneuvers between lanes to move ahead faster. Lane splitting is often done in congested traffic situations, where motorcycles can take advantage of their smaller size and agility to navigate through tight spaces between cars. Not only is it dangerous, lane splitting is illegal in Nevada, but that doesn’t stop riders from doing it.
- Failure to Yield
Drivers failing to yield to the right-of-way to motorcycles is a common cause of accidents. Drivers may fail to notice motorcycles at intersections, while changing lanes, when lane splitting, or when merging, leading to collisions. Additionally, motorcycle riders who fail to yield may be held liable for an accident, leading to legal penalties, fines, and potential lawsuits.
- Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving motorcycles are particularly devastating due to the vulnerability of motorcycle riders. As motorcycles lack the protective structure of a car, riders are exposed to the full force of the collision. When a motorcycle is involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle, the impact can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Poor Road Conditions
Road conditions play a significant role in motorcycle accidents. When riding, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to avoid uneven and poorly maintained roads. Dirt and gravel roads, or construction zone areas, can cause a driver to lose control of the bike. It is especially important to watch out for potholes or other debris, which may be on the road. Additionally, poor visibility due to inadequate lighting or road signs can increase the risk of collisions.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for New Riders
It can be intimidating to think about getting on a brand new motorcycle. New riders, in particular, are vulnerable to accidents. Before hitting the road on your new bike, it’s important to know how to handle your bike. Here are some essential motorcycle safety tips for new riders:
- Get proper training: before hitting the road, enroll in a certified motorcycle safety course to learn the basics of riding, including maneuvering, braking, and defensive driving techniques.
- Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet that meets safety standards, protective clothing like gloves, sturdy footwear, long pants, and a jacket designed for motorcycle riding to protect your body.
- Perform pre-ride checks: before each ride, inspect your motorcycle for any visible defects or issues. Check the tires for proper inflation, test the brakes, ensure all lights are working, and check fuel and oil levels.
- Ride within your limits: acknowledge your skill level and ride within your abilities. Avoid attempting advanced maneuvers or riding at high speeds until you have gained enough experience.
Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer
By knowing the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada, riders of all experience levels can learn how to avoid them. No matter what, it is crucial for motorcycle riders to adhere to traffic rules and prioritize safety. Even those riders who prioritize safety can still have an accident. If that happens, the Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe are here to help.
Our highly experienced legal professionals helped thousands of clients obtain compensation for accidents caused by the negligence of others. You won’t pay until we win your case because of our “no win, no fee” guarantee. Call us at 844-977-1900 to schedule your free case evaluation. You can also fill out our online form or reach us via LiveChat.