Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents In Las Vegas

Motorcyclists understand that riding a cycle places them at an increased risk for suffering serious injuries. In fact, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that motorcyclists are five times more likely to suffer injuries in a crash as opposed to occupants of passenger cars. Even with this realization, a fatal motorcycle accident is devastating for the motorcyclist’s family and friends. While no amount of money or compensation can replace the loss of a loved one, it is important to realize that compensation is available to help surviving family members cope with the financial costs caused by this traumatic event. The attorneys at Ladah Law Firm have the experience you need in this type of case and there’s no cost unless we win: 702-252-0055

Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

In 2010 alone, there were 30 motorcycle fatalities in Clark County and 45 motorcycle fatalities statewide. While Nevada does not provide statistics concerning the factors present in these fatal motorcycle crashes, data is available showing what factors are generally present in fatal vehicle crashes. These factors include:

• Failure to remain in the proper lane;
• Failing to yield the right of way;
• Driving too fast for road conditions;
• Erratic, reckless, or aggressive driving;
• Ignoring traffic signs, signals, and markings;
• Over-correcting;
• Driving the wrong way down a street; and
• Speeding.

Negligent Driving by the Other Driver is Key to Recovering Compensation

When a motorcyclist is killed in a fatal motorcycle accident, the biker’s surviving family members are able to bring a lawsuit on his or her behalf to recover compensation for expenses and losses such as any medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, lost future wages, and loss of consortium. The key to recovering any damages is to show that the motorcyclist’s death was caused by the carelessness or negligence of the other driver.

Carelessness or negligence can be proven with evidence that the other driver violated some traffic law or ordinance. These laws are created for the safety of others and when a driver violates these “rules of the road,” other drivers can be put at risk. The main question that is asked when determining whether certain activity is negligent is this: “What would a reasonably careful or prudent driver have done?” If the other driver acted as a reasonable and prudent driver would have, then no negligence will be found. If the other driver did not act in a reasonable and prudent manner, however, that driver will be found negligent.

Loss From A Fatal Accident

Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, especially when your loved one was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. The expenses that can accumulate from such an event can run in the tens of thousands of dollars (at least), and the emotional and psychological pain can be debilitating.

Collisions with Open Doors

Despite frequent awareness campaigns, drivers of cars and trucks can fail to notice motorcyclists. Even when a car or truck is not moving, it can still pose a danger to a motorcyclist if the driver is not paying attention. Suddenly opening the door to a car or truck and into the direct path of a motorcyclist can result in serious or even fatal injuries to the motorcyclist. Usually, car doors are opened so quickly and unexpectedly that the motorcyclist does not have sufficient time to avoid a collision. In these cases and many others, the experienced lawyers at Ladah Law Firm can help: 702-252-0055

Common Injuries After an Open Door Collision

The speed at which the motorcyclist was traveling will dictate in part how severe his or her injuries are. But even in cities and residential areas where the majority of these types of collisions occur – and where speed limits are typically low – serious injuries can still occur. The abruptness of an open door collision can send a motorcyclist flying off his or her bike and colliding with other cars, the street, the curb, or other stationary objects. Some of the injuries that can result include:

• “Road rash,” or abrasions and tearing of the skin caused by sliding across cement or asphalt;
• Brain & skull injury
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken Bones

Any one of these injuries can result in significant medical expenses, time away from work, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. It is not uncommon after a catastrophic accident for the motorcyclist to be unable to ride again due to anxieties and lingering trauma.

Assigning Fault After an Open Door Collision

Recovering compensation for your injuries after a Las Vegas open door motorcycle accident depends on showing that the motorist acted negligently or carelessly. The motorist will undoubtedly attempt to defend him- or herself by claiming that the sun or some other distraction prevented the motorist from seeing you or that you yourself were violating the traffic laws or otherwise acting carelessly. If the motorist is successful in proving this in court, you may find that your compensation award is reduced. To protect your award and receive the maximum amount of compensation after an open-door motorcycle accident, you need the assistance of an attorney thoroughly familiar with these type of collisions and the evidence that shows who was at fault. By thoroughly investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding your collision, we can “reconstruct” your accident, showing a court just whose actions caused the collision to occur.

Car and Motorcycle Collisions

There is a reason that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other government agencies routinely promote motorcycle awareness months – that is, many motorists are not aware of how to share the road with motorcyclists. When motorists do not exercise care and consider that motorcyclists are using the same roadways they are, it is usually the motorcyclist who pays the price. A collision between a car and a motorcyclist can leave the motorcyclist with serious injuries requiring significant medical treatment. This is a special type of case that needs the type experienced legal representation the lawyers at Ladah Law Firm can provide. You can contact them at: 702-252-0055.

Nevada Car Collision Statistics

Nevada statistics show that in 2010 alone there were a total of nearly 19,000 vehicle injury crashes and 235 fatal vehicle crashes. These numbers include crashes involving motorcycles. Contributing to these vehicle crashes are a number of factors related to inattentiveness, including:

• Failure to yield right of way. This occurs when a motorist either inadvertently or deliberately tries to cut the motorcyclist off. Sometimes the motorist is impatient and does not want to wait for the motorcyclist; other times the motorist fails to check his or her blind spot before turning or changing lanes.
• Following too closely. A motorist may tailgate or follow a motorcyclist too closely. Motorcycles are able to stop much quicker than passenger vehicles; therefore, if a motorcycle stops suddenly, a motorist following too closely will not have the time necessary to react.
• Distracted driving. A motorist who is busy texting, adjusting the radio, paying attention to other passengers in the car, or otherwise not paying attention to the road presents a real danger to others on the road. Motorcyclists can be difficult to spot even when a driver is alert and attentive; a distracted driver is much more likely to merge into another lane without looking or failing to realize a motorcycle has suddenly stopped in front of him or her.

How Ladah Law Firm Assists In These Situations

• Help you collect evidence and locate witnesses you need to establish fault for the accident;
• Protect you from filing deadlines and statutes of limitation that can limit your ability to recover compensation;
• Hire and present evidence from expert witnesses necessary to explain the cause of the crash or describe the extent of your injuries;
• Examine the cause or causes of your crash and bring a lawsuit for compensation against all responsible parties;
• Speak with insurance companies and other attorneys who may be investigating the car and motorcycle accident;
• Evaluate the facts of your case and ensure you are fully compensated for all your losses.

Injuries Due To Road Hazards

Any individual driving or riding a motorcycle on the roadway is bound to come across obstacles. Hazards such as orange construction cones and construction equipment are usually easily detected and can be navigated with little difficulty. Dangers such as loose gravel, an animal, or missing manhole covers are not so easily avoided. Whereas a car has the ability to travel across some of these hazards without much trouble or damage, odds are that a motorcyclist who hits an open manhole at 35 miles per hour will suffer a serious motorcycle crash. Who is to blame when a motorcycle crashes because of road hazards? You need an experienced attorney in this situation to help you fight your case: 702-252-0055

Types of Road Hazards

There are innumerable examples of road hazards that can present themselves to motorcyclists. Some hazards are easily detectable and avoidable; others are more difficult to spot. Examples of hazards include:

• Litter, trash, glass, and other miscellaneous loose objects;
• Traffic control markers, cones, or signs;
• Trees, limbs, tumbleweeds, and other such natural materials;
• Fallen power lines or utility poles;
• Potholes, open manhole covers, or other damage to the roadway itself; and
• Wet, oily, or slippery road surfaces.

What to Do After a Road Hazard Motorcycle Accident

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, your first priority should be making sure you receive the medical treatment you need for your injuries. Some injuries will only get worse if left untreated; furthermore, the longer you wait to receive treatment, the more difficult it becomes to show that your injuries are attributable to the road hazard accident. Once you receive treatment, the following steps can help you recover compensation for the injuries you suffered:

• Write down a description of the accident. Oftentimes, details are very important in determining whether a plaintiff will recover compensation or not. Unfortunately, as time goes on many of these details can be forgotten. Putting your memory in writing as soon as possible helps guarantee that the facts of your accident will be available for your recall whenever you need them. You should include as much detail as possible, such as what hazard you struck, where it was located in the roadway, what the weather and lighting conditions were at the time of the accident, how much traffic was present, and whether you observed anyone else hit the hazard either before or after you. Place this record in the same place you keep any medical bills or other important documents from your accident and be prepared to share these with your lawyer.
• Take photographs of the scene. A picture speaks a thousand words, so taking photographs of the accident scene – even if you go back a few days later – can be immensely helpful. If possible, try to take photographs of your injuries and the road hazard that caused you to crash.
• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. Road hazard cases can be difficult in that it may not be readily apparent who was negligent in your case. Contacting the Las Vegas road hazard motorcycle accident attorneys at Ladah Law Firm, PLLC.  We will investigate your crash thoroughly and hold the person responsible for causing the road hazard accountable for your injuries.

Road Rash Injuries

Motorcycle riders are familiar with some of the dangers associated with riding. One of the most common dangers involves “road rash.” When a motorcyclist is thrown from his or her cycle, he or she can slide for a considerable distance across the roadway before he or she finally comes to rest. A motorcyclist who slides across the rough asphalt of a highway or street can suffer cuts, abrasions, and lacerations to any part of his or her body that scrapes along the roadway. The term “road rash” is a catch-all term used to describe the injuries motorcyclists receive after sliding across the road. If you’ve recently experienced this, now is the time to contact an experienced attorney: 702-252-0055

Degrees of “Road Rash”

There are three“degrees” of road rash. The various degrees are used to describe the severity of the injuries suffered by the motorcyclist. There is no scientific method by which motorcyclists are diagnosed with one degree of road rash or the other; rather, medical personnel will make a determination based upon the injuries observed. The three degrees of road rash are:

• First degree road rash: Reddened skin, similar to a “rug burn,” characterizes first degree rug burn. The injuries here are mostly to the surface or near the surface of the skin, but there is no break in the skin. Although first degree road rash can be painful, it is rarely life-threatening and will typically heal on its own. First degree road rash is characteristic of low-speed motorcycle crashes and collisions wherein the motorcyclist does not have a great amount of forward momentum.
• Second degree road rash: Second degree road rash exists where the skin breaks. There may be some minor bleeding, but most layers of the skin remain intact. These injuries can also be painful and, in some cases, can result in minor scarring. However, second degree road rash can usually be treated with first aid and over-the-counter treatments.
• Third degree road rash: Third degree road rash is characterized by severe cuts and abrasions that damage many layers of skin. Because of the extent of damage to the skin, the motorcyclist may be prone to infection if the wounds are not properly treated. This degree of road rash usually requires professional medical treatment and can require several weeks of recovery.

What To Do After Suffering “Road Rash”

If you have suffered road rash after a Las Vegas motorcycle accident caused by another’s carelessness, it is important that you seek medical attention – especially for third degree injuries. When it is possible, take photographs of your injuries to document their severity. Your severe road rash injuries can result in significant medical bills and expenses; however, if your injuries were caused by the negligence of another, you can receive compensation for your injuries.

Truck and Motorcycle Collisions

A motorcycle is no match for the sheer size and weight of a commercial vehicle or truck. Regardless of who is at fault, when a motorcycle and a truck collide, it is not uncommon for the motorcyclist to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Furthermore, commercial carriers like trucking companies often have lawyers working to ensure that if their drivers are involved in an accident then the company does not pay more than absolutely necessary. Calling an experienced attorney at Ladah Law Firm is the first step to navigating through these murky waters: 702-252-0055.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains records on motorcycle crashes. In general, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes rose 7.1 percent between 2011 and 2012. Part of this increase was likely due to the increase in the number of motorcycles on the road (up 500,000 between 2009 and 2012). NHTSA also indicates that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled and five times more likely to be injured per mile traveled than occupants of passenger vehicles. In Nevada alone, 30 fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Clark County in 2010. Large trucks were involved in almost 1,500 crashes in 2010 as well.

What To Do After a Truck and Motorcycle Accident

A motorcyclist involved in a truck accident should first and foremost obtain medical attention for any injuries he or she sustains. These injuries can include severe road rash, broken bones, internal injuries, neurological damage, and amputation of limbs. Once you have sought medical attention, you should consider or consider asking someone to:

• Record the details about your accident, including how it occurred, who you believe was at fault and why, and any details you collected regarding the driver of the truck;
• Take down contact information regarding any witnesses who observed the accident;
• Photograph the crash scene, your injuries, and injuries to anyone else involved in the crash; and
• Hire a Las Vegas truck and motorcycle accident attorney. Important information and evidence about the crash – including the driver’s logbook and the truck’s “black box” that records information about the speed and braking of the truck prior to the accident – can be irretrievably lost if the proper steps are not taken to preserve them. In addition, your attorney can obtain the police report regarding the crash. Finally, an attorney can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety that accompany any sort of motorcycle crash by speaking with other attorneys and insurance companies on your behalf.

Trucking companies employ attorneys whose sole focus is trucking accidents, so it is important to act quickly after being involved in a truck and motorcycle accident. You deserve & need an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable about Las Vegas truck and motorcycle accidents and the difficulties and challenges this type of case can present.

Accidents From Traveling In An Unsafe Distance To A Motorcycle

Part of the appeal of a motorcycle is its small size and nimbleness. A motorcycle can simply go places and perform maneuvers that are impossible for cars and trucks. But sometimes drivers of cars and trucks are unaware of the capabilities of motorcycles as well as their own vehicles. As a result, they will “tail” motorcyclists or follow them too closely, believing that if a motorcyclist stops or turns suddenly, they will have sufficient time to react. Unfortunately, while a motorcycle is capable of stopping quickly, cars and trucks usually need more time and distance in order to safely stop. Thus, it is easy for vehicles following a motorcycle too closely to slam into the back of the motorcycle while trying to stop. If this has happened to you, don’t hesitate, call Ladah Law Firm right away to get your case started: 702-252-0055

Dangers of Following Motorcycles at an Unsafe Distance

Under Nevada law, motorists are required to leave a sufficient distance between themselves and other vehicles. The amount of distance required is whatever is “reasonable and prudent” given the road circumstances at the time. When one vehicle follows another vehicle too closely, the risk of an accident increases. Depending on the speed of the vehicles at the time of a rear-end collision, property damage is certain to result. If the speeds of the vehicles are great enough, there may be some injuries to the drivers and passengers.

With a motorcycle rear-end accident, the motorcyclist is almost guaranteed to suffer serious injuries. The force of the collision can cause the bike to slide out from under the rider, causing serious pelvic injuries, road rash, and other catastrophic injuries. Or the rider can lose control of the motorcycle and strike another vehicle or stationary object. Any of these injuries can result in substantial medical bills and time away from work and home. In addition, riders can suffer pain and emotional or mental trauma.

Violating Traffic Laws is Evidence of Negligence

Every person who uses a vehicle of some sort on a roadway owes a “duty of care” to other individuals on the road. This “duty of care” requires the person to act reasonably careful so as not to injure others. When a motorist violates traffic laws by following a motorcycle too closely and a motorcycle accident occurs, the motorist’s traffic violation can be considered evidence of the motorist’s carelessness. Traffic safety laws exist to protect motorists and others who share the road from suffering injury. A motorist who disregards such laws can be considered to be acting negligently or carelessly.