Motorcycles provide almost no protection to the rider in the event of an accident in Las Vegas, NV. A rider can get ejected during a collision since the saddle has no restraints. In addition, motorcycle riders don’t have a protective metal frame around them as automobile drivers and passengers do.
This lack of protection shows up in the statistics. Nationally, motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles, but motorcyclists account for 14% of traffic deaths. In Nevada, nearly 20% of motorcycle deaths are motorcycle operators and their passengers.
Contact our law offices in Nevada to talk to a top-rated attorney at Battle Born Injury Lawyers. Just give us a call at (702) 570-9000 today.
How Battle Born Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Las Vegas
The legal professionals at Battle Born Injury Lawyers have over 85 years of combined experience representing Las Vegas accident victims. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys use their experience defending against insurance companies to fight for the best outcome possible for you.
Since our firm’s founding in 2010, our personal injury lawyers have recovered over $100 million for injured clients. Some of the ways we can help with your case include:
- Internally investigating your case
- Hiring experts to strengthen your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the ability to file a lawsuit if the other side will not settle
A motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, can cause incapacitating injuries to the head, neck, and back. To learn more about the compensation your injuries might justify, schedule a free consultation with Battle Born Injury Lawyers.
How Common Are Motorcycle Injuries in Nevada?
Across the Las Vegas valley, the Nevada Department of Transportation received accident reports for nearly 3,100 motorcycle crashes between 2016 and 2020. Of these accidents, 99.7% caused injury or death. This means that injuries are almost guaranteed if you crash your motorcycle in Las Vegas.
Almost 200 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries in these accidents. Of those with non-fatal injuries:
- 18% had a non-fatal incapacitating injury, such as paralysis
- 44% had a non-fatal minor injury, such as a fracture or laceration
- 38% had a non-fatal suspected injury that caused pain or other symptoms
The only good news is that the motorcycle death and injury rate has decreased steadily since peaking in 2016. You’re safer on your motorcycle now than you were in previous years.
Overview of Common Motorcycle Injuries in Las Vegas, Nevada
Motorcycle crashes cause a predictable pattern of injuries. This pattern comes from the way crashes happen and the protection available to motorcyclists and passengers. Some common motorcycle injuries include:
Lower Extremity Injuries
Leg and foot injuries are the most common injuries from a motorcycle crash. These injuries usually happen in two ways:
- Sliding
- Side impact
Motorcycles are inherently unstable. When something knocks a rider off balance, the motorcycle can tip sideways and slide.
When this happens, the impact from the ground can injure a rider’s leg or foot. Additionally, motorcycles can weigh up to 1,400 pounds. The weight of the motorcycle can crush a rider’s lower limbs as the motorcycle falls on them.
After the motorcycle tips over, it can trap a rider’s leg as it slides. This can lead to abrasions and burns, also known as road rash.
Side impacts and sideswipes can also injure a rider’s leg. Since the motorcycle does not protect the rider’s legs, a vehicle hitting the motorcycle from the side can crush them.
Upper Extremity Injuries
Upper extremity injuries are also common in motorcycle crashes. As with leg injuries, arm injuries can happen when the rider’s motorcycle tips over and their arm hits the ground. If the motorcycle slides, the rider might suffer abrasions and lacerations.
Injuries to the arms, elbows, wrists, and hands can happen if a rider gets ejected from the motorcycle. Additionally, the upper extremities can get injured when the rider hits the ground, particularly if they try to catch themselves. The impact can break bones or tear ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Head Injuries
Head injuries usually happen when the rider gets ejected from the motorcycle and hits their head on the road, a vehicle, or a fixed object. These injuries are the third most common motorcycle injuries, whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not.
However, the likelihood and severity of the injury drop significantly for helmeted riders.
If a rider wears a helmet, the odds of suffering an injury to the head drop by about 69%. Helmeted riders also have a lower risk of face or neck injury. Equally importantly, if the rider does suffer a head injury, a helmet reduces the likelihood of a fatal head injury by 37% for operators and 41% for passengers.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle crashes can permanently disable or disfigure you. Even if you only suffer a bone fracture or concussion, you might need several months to regain your health.
To discuss the accident compensation you can seek for your motorcycle injuries, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney.
