It can be an enjoyable experience to ride a motorcycle through Las Vegas and the surrounding areas, but tragedy can strike at any time, leaving a family at home suddenly faced with loss. Without a doubt, there is nothing we can do to resolve the pain you feel after the loss of a family member, but our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get justice for them and protect your financial well-being.
At H&P Law, your Las Vegas fatal motorcycle accident lawyer is available 24/7 with the knowledge and ability to fight and protect your right to compensation.
Determining Liability and Fault in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
The negligence of other drivers causes many motorcycle accidents, but multiple parties may share responsibility for a fatal crash. Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with:
- Passenger vehicle drivers
- Commercial truck drivers
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance
- Motorcycle manufacturers
- Repair shops that performed faulty maintenance
How Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law Impacts Motorcycle Accident Claims
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if a motorcyclist is found partially at fault for a crash, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are found 51% or more responsible, they cannot recover damages at all. Some of the strategies used to dispute liability include:
- Claiming the rider was speeding
- Arguing that the motorcyclist was not visible to other drivers
- Blaming road conditions instead of driver negligence
- Disputing helmet use and protective gear compliance
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to deny claims by arguing that the motorcyclist contributed to the accident. Your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer with H&P Law will do everything possible to counter these arguments with clear evidence that another party’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics You Should Know
Nevada’s year-round good weather and scenic highways make it a great place to ride, but motorcycle accidents remain a serious risk. Too many riders lose their lives each year due to negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and other preventable factors. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, knowing the latest statistics can help you understand just how often these tragedies occur.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 6,000 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, marking the highest number of motorcycle deaths in the U.S. since at least 1975. Motorcycle riders accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles making up only a small percentage of vehicles on the road. These statistics also show that motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles.
In Nevada, more than 80 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2022, making up 22.72% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state. While wearing a DOT-approved helmet can reduce the risk of fatal injuries, it does not prevent crashes caused by reckless or inattentive drivers.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws and Requirements
Nevada’s motorcycle laws affect your safety, liability, and ability to recover compensation after an accident. These laws establish helmet requirements, licensing and insurance rules, and traffic regulations that apply specifically to motorcyclists.
Nevada’s Helmet and Safety Gear Laws
Under NRS § 486.231, all motorcyclists and passengers in Nevada must wear DOT-approved helmets. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries, and if a rider is not wearing one at the time of an accident, the insurance company may argue that this contributed to the severity of the injuries.
Motorcycle Licensing and Insurance Requirements in Nevada
To operate a motorcycle in Nevada, you must have a Class M license under NRS § 486.061. This requires passing a written test and skills evaluation or completing an approved motorcycle safety course. If you are caught riding without a valid motorcycle license, you could face fines, license suspension, or other penalties.
Nevada also requires motorcyclists to carry insurance with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. If you are involved in an accident without insurance, your Las Vegas fatal motorcycle accident attorney’s ability to recover damages may be limited, even if another driver was at fault.
Lane Splitting and Right-of-Way Laws for Motorcyclists
Nevada does not allow lane splitting, which means motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes that are slow-moving or stop traffic. Lane splitting is illegal, and if a crash occurs while a rider is lane splitting, the insurance company may try to assign fault to the motorcyclist. Some of the most common right-of-way violations that lead to crashes include:
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Drivers merging into motorcycles on highways
- Failure to yield when motorcyclists have the right-of-way
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Sudden lane changes without signaling
Motorcyclists must also follow right-of-way laws under NRS § 484B.250, which regulate who has the right to proceed at intersections, merges, and lane changes. Many motorcycle accidents happen when other drivers fail to yield or do not check their blind spots. Drivers who violate these laws and cause an accident may be held responsible for the injuries or fatalities that result.
Required Equipment and Motorcycle Maintenance Standards
Motorcycles must meet specific equipment standards, which include functioning headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and a working horn.
Proper maintenance is also critical, as mechanical failures can lead to serious crashes. When a fatal motorcycle accident occurs due to a defective part or inadequate repairs, liability may extend beyond the driver. Some of the most common mechanical failures that contribute to motorcycle crashes include:
- Brake malfunctions
- Tire blowouts
- Engine or transmission failures
- Faulty lighting or signal systems
- Steering and suspension defects
Factors That Contribute to Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas
Fatal motorcycle accidents do not typically happen by chance. Many crashes occur because of dangerous road conditions, distracted or impaired drivers, and environmental hazards that put riders at risk. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, identifying the cause is critical to proving liability and holding the responsible party accountable.
High-Risk Roadways and Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists
Certain roads in Las Vegas are more dangerous for motorcyclists because of heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and poor road design. Las Vegas Boulevard, I-15, and Desert Inn Road may have high motorcycle crash rates because of frequent lane changes, sudden stops, and high-speed traffic, as described by Nevada’s Department of Transportation and the Highway Patrol.
Poorly designed intersections, uneven pavement, and inadequate lighting also contribute to serious motorcycle accidents.
Distracted and Impaired Drivers in Motorcycle Crashes
Many fatal motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers fail to pay attention to the road. Distracted driving includes activities like texting, adjusting a GPS, or eating while driving. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for even a few seconds may not see a motorcycle in their blind spot. Failure-to-yield crashes are common when drivers are focused on their phones instead of the road ahead.
Drunk and drug-impaired driving is a serious risk for motorcyclists and violates Nevada DUI laws under NRS § 484C.110. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor depth perception, and an increased likelihood of swerving into other lanes. Alcohol and drug use make it harder for drivers to judge distances and respond to traffic.
Weather and Visibility Hazards for Motorcyclists
Las Vegas weather conditions create additional risks for motorcyclists. Desert wind gusts and extreme heat can make it difficult to maintain control. High temperatures cause rider fatigue and increase the risk of tire blowouts, especially on long rides.
Low visibility conditions make it harder for other drivers to see motorcycles at night. If a driver does not spot a motorcycle in time, they may change lanes or turn directly into the rider’s path. Rain, dust storms, and sudden drops in visibility reduce traction and make it more difficult to react to road hazards.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas
Nevada law allows for the immediate family members as well as the personal representative of the estate to file legal action against those who caused the death of a person. This includes after a motorcycle accident in which someone else causes the accident that leads to the death of a family member. Though it can be complex to determine what is owed, your Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer can offer you the guidance and support you need.
The first party who can file a claim against the at-fault driver in a fatal motorcycle accident is the personal representative of the estate, which is the primary recipient of financial compensation related to final costs. This may include, for example, the medical care the person needs at the end of their life and the final burial and funeral expenses. These costs are those that the decedent suffered, and the estate aims to obtain them to cover those losses.
The second factor to consider is the family left behind, especially those dependent on the income the decedent provided, including the spouse, children, or parent of that party. These individuals suffer as well and often from non-economic losses such as pain, loss of companionship, and loss of affection. If this is what you are facing, your Las Vegas fatal motorcycle accident attorney at H&P Law can help you recover losses in many cases, so call us today for a free consultation.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Occur
By understanding what caused the accident, it is then possible to investigate who was responsible further. Oftentimes, in motorcycle accidents, more than one party can be held responsible. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas:
- Reckless driving, including speeding, failing to signal, and illegal turns
- Poor road conditions or debris in the roadway
- Texting, reading, eating, or otherwise engaging in other activities leading to distracted driving
- Intoxication of the driver
- Inexperienced drivers, especially those who are unsure how to navigate motorcycles on busy roadways
Motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas occur for various reasons, and often, it is not the rider’s fault. When a person gets on the road, they are making a promise to everyone else on the roadway to keep other drivers and passengers safe. If they fail to do that, they could be held responsible and negligent for the losses other drivers incurred, and that is why we need to better understand what happened.
Why Work with Our Law Firm for Las Vegas Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
We fight for our clients and their families to obtain comprehensive compensation after a devastating loss like this. To do so, we work hard to understand what occurred, why it happened, and who is to blame for those losses. We do not take the easy way out and offer a basic claim process but instead work to get the evidence to create a strong legal strategy, and the results speak for themselves:
- Solid case results: We would be happy to share with you specific motorcycle accident case information about those we have helped in the past so you can see how we have helped recover millions in losses for our clients.
- Exceptional client testimonials: Providing a high-quality service to our clients is also very important to us, especially in such a heartbreaking and difficult time.
- A formidable reputation: Our wrongful death team has a formidable but effective reputation within the local court system and the network of professionals needed to help them prove losses.
Most importantly, you need a Las Vegas fatal motorcycle accident lawyer who is going to listen to you, give you insight, and provide you with exceptional support at every step of this process. We can do that for you and much more.
Put Your Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas to Work for Your Family’s Recovery
Your fatal motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas fully recognizes what is on the line in a case like this, and we will not stand down. At H&P Law, we are committed to helping our clients minimize the financial loss and frustration they have in difficult situations like this. Set up a free consultation with our legal team now to learn more about the ways we can support you throughout this legal matter.
