Las Vegas, NV, is one of the most dangerous cities in the country for motorcyclists.
On average, the city has nearly 18 motorcycle deaths per 1 million residents. These fatalities make Las Vegas more dangerous than many other large American cities, including Boston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati.
Motorcyclists in Las Vegas experience many single-vehicle accidents, but most motorcycle accidents involve automobile collisions.
With that in mind, knowing some motorcycle safety tips for avoiding both single-vehicle accidents and auto collisions in Las Vegas can be helpful.
How Battle Born Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Battle Born Injury Lawyers was founded in 2010. Over the following 12 years, the firm recovered more than $100 million for accident victims in the Las Vegas valley.
The firm’s Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers have more than eight decades of combined experience representing accident victims against the parties who caused their injuries. In that time, the firm has seen many significant case outcomes involving traffic accidents, including:
- A $6.225 million settlement for a motor vehicle accident that caused a brain injury
- A $2 million settlement for a motor vehicle accident
- A $1.5 million settlement for a motor vehicle accident
Some of the ways that the firm can assist with your motorcycle accident case include:
- Internally investigating your case to collect evidence and determine the extent of your damages
- Handling all of the communications and negotiations with the other side on your behalf
- Bringing your case to court and even to trial if the circumstances call for it
A motorcycle crash can cause significant injuries. As a result, victims can face growing medical bills and lack the ability to work.
To seek compensation after a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Call us at (702) 570-9000.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada?
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) provides three main sources of traffic accident statistics.
NDOT’s crash data map provides information on crashes between 2016 and 2020. The department also releases an annual Crash Facts report with fatal accident statistics for the most recent year. Finally, NDOT maintains an interactive dashboard that focuses on specific issues like motorcycle accidents and drunk driving.
The most recent crash facts report indicates the following numbers of motorcyclist fatalities in five recent years:
- 2019: 56
- 2018: 58
- 2017: 54
- 2016: 74
- 2015: 55
Motorcycles make up about 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S. But according to the Crash Facts report, motorcyclists account for nearly 20% of Nevada traffic fatalities.
While motorcycle accidents tend to occur with the expected frequency in Las Vegas, motorcycle deaths happen more frequently than they should.
Overview of Motorcycle Safety Tips in Las Vegas, Nevada
Riding a motorcycle differs from driving a car, truck, or SUV. Motorcyclists must drive defensively at all times to avoid accidents caused by other drivers’ mistakes.
Most of the collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles are the other driver’s fault. When an automobile driver hits a motorcycle due to negligence, the driver bears liability for the losses created by the motorcyclist’s injuries.
Motorcyclists often suffer injuries to their limbs, even in minor accidents. These injuries happen when the motorcycle tips over and slides. The motorcycle can crush the limbs in the initial fall, and the rider can suffer road rash, burns, and soft tissue injuries in the ensuing slide.
With these facts in mind, here are some motorcycle safety tips in Las Vegas, Nevada, for riders to consider:
Wear a Helmet
Nevada requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear motorcycle helmets.
Wearing a helmet will keep you from getting a citation, but it will also reduce your chances of suffering a head injury or dying in a motorcycle crash. According to the CDC, strapping on a helmet reduces your chances of dying in a crash by around 37% and lowers your chances of suffering a head injury by 69% or more.
Navigate Intersections Carefully
According to the Crash Facts report, 32% of fatal motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. Automobile drivers often cause these accidents by:
- Failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
- Running a red light or stop sign into a motorcyclist
- Turning left across a motorcyclist’s path
- Turning right into a motorcyclist’s path
When you approach an intersection, make sure you have an avenue of escape if a car pulls into your path. Slowing down and covering your brake might help reduce the severity of a crash if one occurs.
Drive Sober
Las Vegas has a serious impaired driving problem.
According to the Crash Facts report, nearly 43% of traffic deaths in Nevada result from impaired driving.
This problem has worsened since 2017, with a spike in drivers who’ve killed motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists while using marijuana. This rash of fatalities coincides with the legalization of marijuana in Nevada the same year.
Consult Our Las Vegas, Nevada Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Even if you ride safely and follow the rules of the road, other motorists can still pose a threat to your safety.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation and discuss the compensation you can seek for your injuries. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by.
