Las Vegas, NV (October 10th, 2024) – Over a recent 10-day period, five motorcyclists were killed in collisions across Las Vegas.
Several families are mourning the losses of loved ones recently killed in motorcycle accidents. At least one of the fatal collisions occurred when a car made a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
For numerous reasons, motorcycle accidents commonly have serious or fatal outcomes. As compared to other motorists on the road, motorcyclists are four times as likely to be injured in a crash, and 28 times more likely to lose their lives in traffic accidents. The added danger of motorcycle accidents can be attributed to several factors, including:
Vulnerability
As pointed out by a representative from the Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program when discussing the recent rash of fatal motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists do not have a cage around them. Without exterior protection, such as is provided in a car or truck, motorcycle riders are more susceptible to direct impact hits and road debris.
Underestimation of the Risk
Inexperienced motorcyclists may underestimate, or fail to recognize, the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle. Such underestimations can lead to reckless behaviors, that increase the risk of serious crashes.
Driver Error
Common driver errors, including speeding or making improper lane changes, contribute to the occurrence, and danger, of motorcycle accidents. These factors may enhance the consequences of such crashes, as well as add to the chances of them happening.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
From driver error to road conditions, numerous factors can, and do, contribute to motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas.
Driver error is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. It may include behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, improper lane changes, lane splitting, and lane filtering.
Road hazards, such as potholes, debris, and poor road conditions, can create obstacles that cause motorcyclists to lose control of their vehicles. As such, these dangers may also contribute to the occurrence of serious or fatal motorcycle accidents.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
As many as 83,000 motorcyclists were injured in collisions across the U.S. in 2021. The injuries motorcyclists suffer in crashes range in severity from minor to serious or catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries resulting from Las Vegas motorcycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are common consequences of motorcycle accidents due to the lack of protection for the head.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs are frequent injuries.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs can occur.
- Road Rash: Motorcyclists may suffer severe skin abrasions caused by sliding on the pavement.
- Amputations: In severe cases, limb amputations may be necessary.
- Paralysis: Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis.
As a result of motorcycle accident injuries, victims may require emergent and ongoing medical care.
Proving Negligence in Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Cases
Those injured in motorcycle accident cases, or the family members of motorcyclists killed in such crashes, may be entitled to compensation for their injury-associated losses. To successfully do so, they will need to prove negligence on the part of the at-fault driver.
Establishing negligence in Las Vegas motorcycle accident cases involves proving the defendant was owed a duty of care, and that the defendant acted negligently, breaching this responsibility. A motorcycle accident lawyer will also prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and that the plaintiff suffered actual damages because of the accident.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence is crucial to help establish the elements of negligence in motorcycle accident cases. Having documents and information, such as the following,
- Law enforcement accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and injuries
- Expert witnesses
Working with an experienced Las Vegas motor vehicle accident attorney may help ensure you have the necessary evidence to support the element of causation in your case.
Sharing Fault for Motorcycle Accidents
Sometimes, motorcyclists may share the fault for causing accidents. In such cases, Nevada’s comparative fault rule comes into play. Under this rule, injury victims can pursue compensation for their accident-associated losses, provided they are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Their damages, however, will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
In Nevada, a jury will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved in an accident.
The aftermath of Las Vegas motorcycle accidents can be devastating for those injured, as well as for their families. Having more than 30 years of experience, our attorney at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face, and will strive to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
