2016 appears to be a deadly year for many motorcyclists. Preliminary data gathered by the Office of Traffic Safety in Nevada shows a rise in fatal motorcycle accidents this year. From January 1 through November 14, 2016, a total of 61 motorcyclists have been killed on Nevada roads. Forty-five of the total motorcycle crashes occurred in Clark County which recorded an 80% increase since last year.
Alcohol and Speed
Authorities said that speeding and DUI are two of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Both factors often go hand in hand in catastrophic accidents that often cause severe and fatal injuries to motorcyclists in Nevada.
In a recent accident along the I-15 near Russell Road, police reported that a motorcyclist was struck and killed by a speeding Lexus. The impact of the collision threw the motorcycle and its rider several hundred feet down the interstate. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at UMC. The driver of the Lexus appeared to be drunk and sustained minor injuries while a passenger suffered serious injuries.
Police said that there were 4 deadly crashes in Las Vegas Valley that weekend and 2 of the accidents involved motorcycles.
Other causes of motorcycle accidents include distracted driving and failure of motorists to observe the motorcyclist on the road.
Recovering Compensation for Injury
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries for motorcyclists and riders. In a motor vehicle versus motorcycle accident, the lighter weight motorcycle is likely to get thrown off a distance. Without the protective covering that most motor vehicles have, the motorcyclist’s body absorbs most of the impact in a collision.
Fractures, traumatic brain injury, lacerations, spinal cord injury, and other serious physical injuries often result from a motorcycle collision. Injured survivors may require extensive surgeries, treatment, and ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to restore their health.
If you or a loved one is injured in a catastrophic motorcycle accident, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your situation. Your lawyer can examine your case and determine whether you have a right to claim compensation or damages against the party responsible for your injuries.
In Nevada, the law firm of Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen have years of experience in motorcycle accidents. Our firm has helped families all over Nevada recover over $100 million in settlements and courtroom verdicts.
We also handle other types of cases such as car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability, nursing home abuse, and dog bite cases.