Motorcycle accidents are common across the United States, and they are often deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash data, the death rate for motorcyclists in 2019 was more than six times the fatality rate for those in passenger cars and nearly nine times the death rate of those in light trucks when involved in an accident. With Bike Week 2022 happening in Florida earlier this year, at which some participants were killed in crashes, according to news reports, awareness of motorcycle safety and accidents is even more important.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
While there are many causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada, some include:
- Vehicles making left turns: An estimated 42% of motorcycle accidents happen when one vehicle is making a left turn onto the path of a motorcyclist that is going straight due to passing a car, going through an intersection, or trying to overtake the car. These types of crashes are common because motorcycles are hard to see, as they are smaller than a passenger vehicle.
- Head-on Crashes: These types of crashes account for more than half (56%) of motorcycle-accidents. Head-on collisions happen when a one driver is going the wrong way on a road, on ramp, or expressway and crashes into another vehicle or motorcycle.
- Not Seeing a Motorcycle: The vast majority of motorcycle accidents happen because a driver in a passenger vehicle fails to see the motorcyclist and a collision occurs. Failure to see a motorcycle could be due to the bike’s small size, another vehicle obstructing its presence, or the motorcycle being in a vehicle’s blind spot.
- Hazardous roads: Motorcycles have only two wheels, are smaller than passenger cars, and are less stable. As a result, motorists are more at risk to accidents caused by road hazards including debris, potholes, inclement weather, and oil slicks.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Lane splitting and unsafe lane changes are common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen. This type of driving — lane splitting — can be dangerous because it causes the bike to be closer to vehicles, there is minimal space for motorcycles to maneuver, and most passenger vehicle drivers and passengers do not expect a motorcycle to pass between traffic lanes.
- Driving Under the Influence: The NHTSA reports that 43% of fatal accidents involving single-vehicle motorcycles included victims that were under the influence of alcohol. Because motorcyclists have less protection than passengers in vehicles, the likelihood of death or serious injury resulting from a crash is high.
Motorcycle accidents can lead to expensive and prolonged medical treatment, having a devastating impact on the victim and loved ones because these crashes tend to cause severe injuries and create a high risk of death.
Our Nevada Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you were hurt or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a Nevada motorcycle accident, know that pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can help provide monetary compensation for harm suffered. Many motorcycle accident victims experience financial loss in addition to damage to person and property. A lawsuit can help a victim seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. The qualified and skilled personal injury attorneys at H&P Law have helped thousands of accident victims across the state of Nevada. Contact us today to schedule your initial case evaluation.
