If you drive a motorcycle in Henderson, NV, you likely understand the challenges that come with dealing with negligent motorists. When a driver moves from one lane to another without accounting for a rider, they can cause an accident. For riders who get hurt in an unsafe lane change accident that happens due to no fault of their own, consult with a Henderson motorcycle injury lawyer.
H&P Law is a leading choice for motorcycle accident victims. Our Henderson unsafe lane change motorcycle accident lawyer is available to review your case. To get started, contact us today.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws
Our personal injury lawyers in Henderson have many years of legal experience. Our unsafe lane change motorcycle accident lawyer in Henderson can help you collect and evaluate evidence and deliver a compelling argument. To learn more, reach out to us.
There are motorcycle laws in place that apply to every rider, per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 486. Anyone who violates these laws may put themselves or others in danger and could face penalties. Some of the rider regulations in effect include:
- Riders must wear a securely fastened helmet on public roadways.
- You cannot ride a motorcycle with more than one passenger on it and can do so only if there are separate footrests for this individual.
- It is illegal to split lanes, i.e. weaving in and out of traffic.
- You need a Class M license to legally operate a motorcycle.
- You must be at least 16 years old to drive a motorcycle.
Along with these, motorcyclists have the same rights to use traffic lanes as drivers. If a motorist ignores a rider or does not see them, they can crash their vehicle into this individual. At this point, the rider may be eligible to file a claim against the at-fault motorist due to an unsafe lane change.
Unsafe Lane Change in Nevada
Unlawful passing is regulated via NRS 486.351. Even if a motorcyclist follows this regulation and others, there is no guarantee a motorist will comply with the rules of the road. If a driver does not check their blind spots and merges from one lane to the next without seeing a rider, they can cause an accident and be held accountable.
It is mandatory for drivers to have auto insurance in Nevada. If a motorist crashes their vehicle into you and your motorcycle, you may submit an insurance claim. This helps you get compensation for damage to your bike, costs to cover your medical expenses, and other losses.
There are instances where a motorist drives without insurance or does not have sufficient coverage. In addition, an at-fault motorist’s insurer may do whatever it takes to avoid paying out your claim. With help from a Henderson unsafe lane change motorcycle accident attorney, you can fight back against the driver responsible for your accident and their insurance company as needed.
Who Is at Fault in an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
When a rider gets into a crash, it is common for people to assume this individual is responsible for their motorcycle accident. However, a driver may be negligent, switch lanes, and slam their vehicle into a motorcyclist. In this scenario, the motorist may be responsible for the collision.
An unsafe lane change motorcycle accident attorney in Henderson can help you prove fault after your crash. They can help you gather evidence to show the at-fault driver had a duty of care toward you and violated this legal obligation. Also, they can build an argument designed to convince a judge or jury that you suffered an injury due to the at-fault motorist’s actions and deserve to be awarded damages.
When to File an Unsafe Lane Change Motorcycle Crash Claim
According to NRS §11.190, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have a maximum of two years from the date of your motorcycle collision to request compensation. If you do not submit your claim within this period, you are solely responsible for your losses.
Just because you file a claim with an at-fault motorist’s insurance company does not mean you will get compensation. An insurer may commit significant time and resources to dispute your claim. If it succeeds, you will give up on your request, and the insurance company and their client will not have to pay you any compensation.
Partner with a motorcycle accident lawyer who has helped their clients get great case results. This attorney leaves no stone unturned in their efforts to pursue compensation on your behalf. They can help you calculate your losses, file your claim, and request the most damages possible.
How Much Your Unsafe Lane Change Motorcycle Collision Claim Is Worth
Your attorney looks at your current and future losses to determine how much money you should request from an at-fault motorist. They may encourage you to ask for both economic and non-economic compensation. You may receive economic compensation for quantifiable losses and non-economic damages for subjective ones.
There is a chance you will request a reasonable amount of damages but not be awarded this amount. This is due to the comparative negligence statute that applies to personal injury cases in Nevada. Based on your percentage of fault, you may be awarded less compensation than what you originally requested or no money at all.
If you are found to be 20% at fault for an unsafe lane change accident, you will receive 80% of the damages you initially requested. On the other hand, if you are deemed to be primarily responsible, you cannot recover any damages. Thus, it is in your best interests to choose a lawyer who can help a judge or jury see you are in no way responsible for your collision.
Hire an Unsafe Lane Change Motorcycle Collision Attorney
H&P Law is a courtroom-proven and client-praised Henderson personal injury law firm. Our team knows the ins and outs of motorcycle accident claims and is happy to share our knowledge and insights with you. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us today.
