Many locals and tourists enjoy the motorcycle madness in Nevada. The beautiful rideable weather, miles of the open road, and breathtaking views make the Silver state a great spot for your two-wheeled adventures.
However, before you embark on your road trip, make sure to equip yourself with the information and knowledge about motorcycle accidents.
Check out this guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Everyone knows that riding a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous. If you don’t take proper measures, you can sustain serious injuries from a motorcycle crash.
Nevada is an at-fault state, which means it will find who is responsible for the accident and will place the responsibility on that individual.
After reviewing the gathered evidence, statements from the witnesses, and medical reports, and after analyzing the situation and accident scene, the police will determine who is at fault for the motorcycle crash.
Now, if you’re wondering what to do after a motorcycle accident when you are not severely injured, you have three options.
First, you can file a claim with your insurance policy provider for covered accidents.
Second, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Your third option is to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to sue for damages for any resulting injuries or fatalities. However, as with any personal injury case, there is a statute of limitations or prescription during which a claim should be filed.
In Nevada, you have two years after the date of an accident to file your case. The time may be extended if you were under 18 when the motorcycle crash happened or when you were mentally incompetent at the time of the accident.
To receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney.
Dealing with a motorcycle wreck can be traumatic and extremely challenging, most especially if someone has been badly hurt.
However, it’s important not to panic so you can make better judgments and decide on the most appropriate steps to take.
First, stop and move out of the way of traffic, yet don’t leave the scene.
Check thoroughly for injuries. Sometimes, injuries after an accident can go unnoticed due to a person’s adrenaline rush.
Seek medical attention right away and do not remove your protective gear
If they aren’t on the scene yet, call the police right away. Ask someone to do it for you if you can’t. It’s very important to file a motorcycle accident report with the authorities.
Exchange information with people involved in the accident. It’s always a good idea to gather evidence immediately after.
If you can, take your pictures, write notes, and obtain a copy of the police report.
Even if you only sustained minor injuries, it’s still important to see a doctor. Remember that it can take hours, days, or even months for the full extent of injuries to manifest, specifically trauma and anxiety.
Creating a treatment record is a crucial factor in getting the compensation you need.
Hiring a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer can make filing claims for compensation easier and seamless.
Remember that most of the time, insurance companies will try to offer you the lowest compensation amount possible. Your attorney can help negotiate with insurance policy providers on your behalf.
Motorcycle accidents can often lead to serious and even fatal injuries. Among the most common injuries riders sustain include:
These include burns (second and third-degree burns from exhaust engine), fractures, brain, and spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
These cover lacerations and abrasions, sprains, and strains, and whiplash.
This can happen during a collision, especially if the rider is not wearing a proper helmet.
Depending on the severity of the injury, recovering from a motorcycle accident can take a while. It can take a few months or years. Some victims never recover completely.
Aside from the physical injury, victims of motorcycle accidents may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma which can require months or years of therapy or specialized care.
Regardless of the duration, you can file a compensation claim from the party liable for the accident. Such compensation can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses to get you back on your feet if you’re unable to work.
Even if you think you’re the one at fault, you shouldn’t admit fault when talking to your insurance provider. Even if you think you made a mistake, words of fault can be used against you.
Before you begin your two-wheeled adventure in Nevada, there are some state-specific laws in the state that you should be aware of.
Motorcycle lane splitting is not allowed in Nevada, unlike in some major states like California.
If the personal injury results from a biker splitting lane, it may be challenging for them to bring a lawsuit.
All motorcyclists in Nevada are required to wear protective helmets while on public roadways. According to the CDC, proper use of helmets can reduce the risk of motorcycle head injuries by 70 percent.
Additionally, the helmet you’re using should meet the basic safety requirements set by the DOT.
If you fail to wear a helmet while the accident occurs, your insurance company may deny its part to compensate you.
While it doesn’t make you ineligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, lack of a helmet could make your legal undertaking extra challenges and can lead to the insurance company trying to reduce a settlement offer.
Motorcyclists are required to comply with a wide range of equipment regulations in Nevada. These include everything from having properly working headlights and tail lights to appropriate rearview mirrors on the handlebars.
Following an accident, your insurance company may request to inspect your vehicle to be sure that there were no equipment violations that it can use to justify any reduction in the settlement offer.
Knowing what happens in a motorcycle accident and what to do after a motorcycle accident is important. You’ll never know when mishaps strike. What you can do is to be informed and stay prepared.
