Legal Blog by Las Vegas based Richard Harris Law Firm

According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, motorcycle fatalities in Clark County are on the increase for 2019.  Through August 2019, 24 fatalities have been reported, which represents a nearly 15% increase over last year through August.  We certainly read newspaper articles and hear news reports regularly about fatalities on motorcycles.  All drivers should understand the unique challenges faced by motorcycle riders and act accordingly.  Defensive driving on the part of car, truck and motorcyclists can minimize the number of injuries and deaths of motorcyclists.

What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?

It’s estimated that motorcyclist fatalities amount to 5,000 per year nationwide, with injuries of motorcyclists estimated at 90,000.  Considering motorcycles only represent 3% of vehicle registrations in the U.S. these fatality and injury statistics reflect special challenges motorcyclists face when riding.

Car turning left in front of motorcycle – This is considered the most common cause of motorcycle accidents.  It is also a large cause of all motor vehicle accidents.  Cyclists should be on a constant lookout for signs that a car is turning left to avoid these accidents.

Gravel and road hazards – Gravel in unexpected places or potholes can be devastating to a motorcyclist.  Experienced cyclists can usually navigate these situations.  Don’t ride faster than your skill and don’t over-estimate your skill.

Entering a turn too fast – The rule of thumb for motorcycle riders is Slow In – Fast Out.  Your pace should where reaction time and ability to take action fit within your range of vision. 

Car changes lanes – Motorcyclist must assume that they are invisible to 4 wheelers.  Stay out of blind spots.  

Impaired motorcycle riding – If you’re impaired, don’t ride.  It’s that simple.

Nevada Motorcycle Traffic Laws (DMV Motorcycle Operator Manual)

Helmets – Must be worn in Nevada when operating a motorcycle.  Face shields or goggles must also be worn, unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen. 

Complete Lane – Motorcyclists have the right to use a complete lane of traffic

Passing – Motorcyclists may not pass or ride next to another vehicle in the same lane

Lane Splitting – Besides being dangerous, it is also illegal in Nevada.

Motorcycles may go through a red light – Under certain conditions: if after two light cycles, the light doesn’t change either through a defective signal or not being triggered by the motorcycle, the motorcycle rider may go through after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.

The Richard Harris Law Firm represents injured motorcycle riders

We have affiliated with Law Tigers, a nationwide association of lawyers who specialize in motorcycle injury law.  The challenges of riding a motorcycle are unique, and so should be your legal representation when you get in an accident.  Our lawyers understand the law and the special needs of those injured on a motorcycle.  If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, call our office today at (702) 444-4444.

Learn More:

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/254912/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/

https://www.mcieast.marines.mil/Portals/33/Documents/Safety/Traffic/10%20Biggest%20Dangers%20to%20Motorcyclists%20on%20the%20Road.pdf

https://dmvnv.com/pdfforms/dlbookmotorcycle.pdf

Motorcycles are fast, agile, and fuel-efficient, and that makes them popular vehicles for commuting and for pleasure. But they can also be extremely dangerous when riders aren’t properly equipped or defensive-minded every time they head out on Nevada roadways.

At Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys are proud of the representation we provide to injured motorcyclists, but we also know that the best outcome for riders is to prevent accidents in the first place.

In addition to facing the same risks as other drivers, motorcyclists also face several unique dangers. Following these three safety tips can help you or a loved one reduce the risk of injuries from accidents while riding:

1. Wear all the gear, all the time—Temperatures in Nevada can soar in the summer, but that’s no excuse for leaving home without proper safety gear and equipment. Riders should always wear full-faced helmets, riding jackets and pants, gloves, and boots regardless of where they’re going or how long their rides will take.
2. Watch out for left-turning drivers—Most drivers are accustomed to looking out for other cars, trucks, and SUVs—not motorcycles. Riders face serious risks when drivers turn left into their paths, and left-turning vehicles at intersections or medians is one of the top causes of serious motorcycle accidents.
3. Keep your eyes on the road—Potholes, sand, wet pavement, loose gravel, small tree limbs, and oil slicks are often just minor annoyances for drivers of passenger vehicles, but they can be deadly for motorcyclists. Always be on the lookout for road hazards and obstacles and be prepared to slow down or navigate around them.

Need a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer? We’re here to help.

It can be difficult to get compensation after a motorcycle accident, as insurance companies sometimes view motorcyclists as being at-fault. We have the experience and resources to prove the other party’s negligence caused your crash. Call us today at (702) 444-4444 for a free consultation.

We’ve written about motorcycle safety previously on this blog, but unfortunately motorcycle fatalities in Clark County are still a growing problem. The State’s Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) final report for 2016 shows a 53-percent increase in motorcycle deaths from 2015 to 2016, with 49 motorcycle fatalities in 2016.

Peter Vander Aa, administrator of the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) Motorcycle Safety Program, says it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for the spike in motorcycle deaths. “Impaired riding remains the number one cause of motorcyclist fatalities,” he said. “The incidence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, has been rising steadily in Clark (County), and statewide, since 2013.”

He continues that the unique characteristics of motorcycles present challenges from a public safety standpoint. “Motorcycles do not have bumpers, crumple zones, airbags, and a metal structure around them,” Vander Aa said. For motorcyclists, “the only protection is the riding gear they are wearing.

The Nevada DPS indicates that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than a car occupant. This is in spite of the fact that the number of motorcyclists on the road is remaining nearly constant. In the last five years, motorcycle registrations are only rising roughly two percent per year.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

In 2013, we published a set of tips for motorcycle riders, and with the increasing number of fatalities, we offer these tips again.

1.  Take a motorcycle-training course.
   As Honda’s Jon Seidel states: “There is nothing we could say or advise more than to go find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course in your area. That’s critical, absolutely critical.”
   The MSF is the foremost national organization promoting motorcycle safety. They have developed courses for riders ranging from beginner to advanced riding skills. Costs range from free to about $350, and some dealerships provide such training as part of the purchase of a new bike. Course completion may provide eligibility for discounts on insurance, and some states give credit toward obtaining the motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. Talk to your dealership to find out about MSF or other like training organizations.
2. Build your skills.
   Motorcycle riding is more than driving a motorcycle. It is a completely different skill set. Balance and coordination are required to ride a motorcycle to a much greater degree than driving. Especially if you’re a new rider, take time to learn and build the muscle memory it takes to ride a bike. Stopping requires more than pushing a single pedal as in a car. An emergency stop requires a large amount of skill to successfully execute. Don’t ride in a manner more advanced than your skill set can support.
3. Be Defensive.
   Riders…to be blunt, by its very nature your vehicle is more dangerous than a car. If you wish to be safe on your bike, stay out of blind spots, and make sure drivers of cars and trucks can see you.
   Unfortunately, roads are built predominately for cars, there are more cars on the road, and you need to accept the fact – when you’re on a motorcycle with cars and trucks on the road – you’re in a dangerous environment. Drivers are enclosed with either wind noise, or soundproofing (if the windows are closed) they can’t hear you coming and may not see you, and if the driver is texting or talking on the phone, the driver may not be paying attention. When, or if the car changes lanes and you’re in the blind spot, you may be completely within your rights, but you’re going to lose that contest.
   Accept this as a condition of the road, and ride accordingly.
4. Wear a helmet.
   Riders without helmets are 40 times more likely to suffer a fatal head injury, and three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those with helmets. Full-face helmets with a DOT certification sticker are the best choice. Helmets today are light and comfortable. If you want to protect yourself, wear a helmet.
5. Be alert at intersections.
   Nearly 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Vehicles may turn in front of you or pull out from a side driveway or street. Slow down, check traffic, check traffic again, and be prepared to react quickly.
6. Assume you are invisible to other motorists and operate your motorcycle accordingly. Position yourself to be seen. Avoid the “No Zone” or blind spots on the right and left side of cars about even with and behind the rear wheels of the car.

The Richard Harris Law Firm Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and suffered injuries through no fault of your own, we want to be your go to law firm. Call us today to discuss your situation with our representatives. We will provide the kind of representation that will help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (702) 444-4444.