The thrill of riding a motorcycle is an unparalleled joy and efficient means of transportation for many Americans. Nevada, in particular, has beautiful skylines and open roads that are ideal for motorcyclists. However, these vehicles leave bikers vulnerable to serious harm in the event of a crash.
When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a motorcycle wreck, you may benefit from speaking with a Summerlin motorcycle accident lawyer. Our experienced auto accident attorneys at Shook & Stone could review your case and help you put together a strong claim for damages.
Why Are Motorcycle Wrecks So Serious?
When a person decides to ride a motorcycle, they concede to additional risks and that they will be more vulnerable to road hazards than any other vehicle on the road. Motorcyclists face numerous obstacles that place them in danger, ranging from drunk and distracted drivers to poor road conditions. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to road hazards than any other vehicle operator on the road due to the small frame of their vehicle.
Additionally, motorcycles lack multiple layers of fiberglass and metal, as well as advanced safety features such as airbags and seatbelts. Due to these differences in protection, motorcyclists are often more prone to severe accidents and death than drivers of four-door sedans or larger vehicles.
Negligence is one of the most common allegations in motorcycle accident litigation. An injured motorcyclist must prove four conditions to show that the defendant was negligent towards them:
- An existing duty of care
- Breach of the duty of care
- The motorcyclist suffered actual injuries (also known as damages)
- That the breach caused the injuries
Our well-practiced Summerlin motorcycle accident attorneys could collect the evidence necessary to prove each of these elements of negligence in your case.
Financial Damages for Injured Motorcyclists
The legal term for the financial compensation awarded to an injured party in a personal injury case is damages. Compensatory damages typically amount to the money lost due to the accident and are calculated to return the injured party to their pre-accident condition.
Injured parties in a Summerlin, Rhodes Ranch, or Sovana motorcycle accident may receive payments to cover their:
- Counseling
- Medical bills
- Motorcycle repair
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages and earning capacity
Additionally, under Nevada Revised Statutes § 42.005, the injured motorcyclist may seek punitive damages if the defendant is found to have behaved maliciously or recklessly. Punitive damages are designed to punish parties for egregious behavior and are typically much more significant than compensatory damages. Punitive damages, however, must be sought at the trial level, where the assistance of a skilled Summerlin motorcycle crash litigator can prove invaluable.
Get in Touch With a Summerlin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you are in a motorcycle accident, you should begin the process of planning and filing a legal claim as soon as possible. Under NRS § 11.190(4)(f), an injured motorcyclist only has two years from the date of their injuries to file suit. On top of that, these cases are not always easy to win because insurance companies are notorious for refusing to pay out even when the other driver’s fault is evident.
At Shook & Stone, we recognize that you may be unable to manage all of the paperwork and legalities on your own. Let us help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a Summerlin motorcycle accident lawyer.
