Strong Legal Support After A Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle riders are in a unique position on the road. They enjoy the freedoms that come with their chosen form of transportation, but they are also left exposed to dangers not met by automobile drivers and other motorists.

The lack of protective barriers between a motorcycle and the road, as well as the difficulty that other motorists may have in anticipating and seeing a motorcycle rider, leave riders prone to serious and life-altering injuries in the event of an accident. Many of these collisions are fatal.

Motorcycle riders and their families, therefore, must be aware of their legal rights and remedies if they are involved in a traffic accident. Hanratty Law Group can provide this information and help following a motorcycle crash.

Personal Injury Risks For Motorcyclists

The risks that riders face and the need to protect their rights to recovery after an accident, become readily apparent through the following:

• In 66 percent of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle violated the rider’s right of way and caused the accident.
• Motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a passenger car and are 5 times as likely to be seriously injured.

Motorcyclists have to deal with significant problems each and every time they engage in travel, such as:

• Visual recognition: Motorcycles make smaller visual targets, which are more likely to be obscured by other vehicles, or by road and weather conditions. This is an issue especially at intersections, where approximately 70% of motorcycle-versus-vehicle collisions occur.
• Road hazards: Hazards that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a major hazard for a motorcycle rider. These include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, or other objects on the roadway, ruts, uneven pavement and railroad tracks.

Defective Motorcycle Design Or A Manufacture Mistake

Motorcycles lack crashworthiness and occupant protection. Unlike a car, a motorcycle is lightweight; it has no doors, no roof, no airbags and no safety belts. A motorcycle is less stable than a car because it only has two wheels.

Although several factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, operator experience and failure to appreciate the limitations of a motorcycle is rarely the cause. A defect in a motorcycle’s design or manufacture may be a potential cause of an accident, especially one in which no other vehicles were involved.

The lawyers at Hanratty Law Group can fully evaluate any relevant products liability issues or recalls involving your motorcycle and can help determine whether you have a claim against the motorcycle manufacturer for your injuries.

Common Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

If you were in a motorcycle accident — or were hit by a motorcycle — you probably have a lot of questions. At Hanratty Law Group, we have a great deal of experience with these injuries and are happy to assist you. We have successfully won settlements for clients throughout Nevada for more than a decade. These are some questions we hear frequently:

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. All motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet by Nevada state law. Beyond significantly increasing your safety, a failure to wear a helmet could jeopardize a personal injury claim resulting from an accident.

What should I do after an accident?

The first thing you need to do is stay safe. Get out of harm’s way if you can and seek medical attention, even if your injuries are not obvious at first. Beyond that, record any information you can: Take pictures of your motorcycle and any other vehicles, get contact information from witnesses and wait for the police to arrive.

An insurance company just offered me a settlement after my accident. Should I take it?

A free consultation with our office will be the best way to determine that. In general, insurance companies will offer you the lowest amount they can, even if they know your case is worth more. Our attorneys can intercede on your behalf and often negotiate up to the proper amount.

What if I didn’t have insurance at the time of the accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused the motorcycle crash, the status of your own insurance does not affect your ability to file an insurance claim and seek compensation. You can still receive damages.

What does it cost to have you represent me?

Consultations are free. If you decide to hire us, you can delay payment until after you receive a settlement or verdict. Financial details will depend on the specifics of your case.

Recovering From A Motorcycle Accident In Nevada

Although most of your recovery may be physical and medical, you may also need help to recover financially. Just as you would trust a doctor with your treatment, you can rely on our personal injury lawyers to provide professional guidance. Call 702-570-9287 or reach out to Hanratty Law Group through this website to consult an experienced attorney.