Pahrump Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
With its scenic landscapes, dry weather, and open roads, Nevada is a popular state to ride motorcycles on weekend outings, while passing through to other states on road trips, or even as a way to commute to work.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Public Transportation, there are over 70,000 motorcycles currently registered in Nevada.
However, since motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, accidents can happen. It is often difficult for other drivers to determine how fast a motorcycle is traveling, and many drivers simply do not pay enough attention when making turns, changing lanes, and stopping.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver in Pahrump, an attorney can help determine your next steps and craft a personalized strategy to ensure that you get all the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws
In the United States, motorcyclists must follow all traffic rules. As a result, other drivers must treat motorcyclists with respect and share the road as if the motorcycle was just another car.
Nevada also has specific motorcycle laws that may affect your case. Insurance companies and at-fault drivers may try and claim that you violated a Nevada motorcycle law in order to stop you from getting compensation. That is why it is important to know that in Nevada, motorcyclists must:
- Wear a helmet, and a protective face shield or goggles—unless the motorcycle has a windshield (NRS 486.231).
- Have one hand on the handlebar at all times (NRS 486.211).
- Not drive between adjacent vehicles, even if those vehicles are stopped (NRS 486.351).
- Not carry more than one person, unless it was designed that way (NRS 486.181).
Additionally, even though motorcycles are narrower and smaller than a car, motorcyclists have the right to full use of a traffic lane. Contact a Pahrump motorcycle accident lawyer to find out more about Nevada’s motorcycle laws and how they may impact your case.
Types of Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Two main types of compensation you may receive after a motorcycle accident involving a negligent driver: economic and non-economic.
Lawyers can calculate economic compensation easily, with the actual cost of things like medical bills and property damage, as well lost wages and lost income capacity.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, since there is not an actual financial loss, these types of damages are harder to estimate. Factors when determining the value of non-economic damages include:
- Severity and permanency of your injuries
- How the accident occurred
- Types of medical treatment you received
- Length of time it will take you to recover
- Nature of the at-fault driver’s negligence
- Legal precedent in Pahrump
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can be serious and life-threatening, especially if the motorcyclist is not wearing protective clothing. If a negligent driver hits you while you are riding your motorcycle, you could suffer injuries such as:
- Road rash
- Biker’s arm
- Muscle damage
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Leg injuries
- Broken bones
Contact a Pahrump Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle accidents not only lead to painful and long-lasting injuries, but they can also take a financial and emotional toll on you and your family.
Get in touch with a Pahrump motorcycle accident lawyer who can stand up to aggressive insurance companies, fight to prove negligence, and get you the compensation you and your family deserve.