Posted by: Henness & Haight Team

In 2014, motorcyclists were killed at a rate 27 times higher than motorists and passengers in other vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys of Henness & Haight are here to help victims and their families pursue compensation for motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. Contact our team of personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation to learn the legal options that may be available to you.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada include:

Cars Making Left Turns

Approximately 42 percent of motorcycle accidents occur when a passenger vehicle makes a left turn into a motorcyclist’s path. This can occur if a passenger vehicle moves to make the left turn and collides with a motorcycle that is going straight through an intersection, passing the car, or trying to overtake the car. This type of accident is common because motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions account for 56 percent of deaths in motorcycle accidents and are the most common reason for fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Head-on collisions occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into a motorcycle from the front.

Failure to See a Motorcycle

The majority of motorcycle accidents occur when the driver of a passenger vehicle fails to see a motorcyclist. This occurs in approximately half of all collisions between a motorcycle and passenger vehicle.

Because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, they are less visible to other drivers sharing the roadway. Also, a motorcyclist’s presence may be obstructed by another vehicle or because he or she is in a vehicle’s blind spot.

Road Hazards

Because motorcycles have only two wheels and are less table and smaller than passenger vehicles, they are more susceptible to accidents caused by road hazards. Some of the most common road hazards that can lead to an accident include:

  • Potholes
  • Debris on the road
  • Oil slicks
  • Inclement weather that makes roads slick and dangerous

Unsafe Lane Changes

Unsafe lane changes and lane splitting are common factors in motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives in between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting can be dangerous because:

  • A motorcyclist travels closer to other vehicles when splitting lanes
  • There is limited space for a motorcyclist to maneuver between vehicles
  • Motorists in passenger vehicles typically do not anticipate that a motorcycle will pass between lanes of traffic

Drinking and Driving

According to the NHTSA, in 43 percent of single-vehicle motorcycle accident deaths, the victim was impaired by alcohol.

Drinking while operating a motorcycle is more likely to cause an accident leading to injury or death because motorcyclists are not as protected as occupants in a passenger vehicle. Additionally, motorcyclists are also at risk when other motorists operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries and a high risk of death, leading to expensive medical treatment and a devastating impact on a victim’s loved ones.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may help you recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The qualified motorcycle accident attorneys of Henness & Haight have helped numerous victims of negligence successfully pursue claims for compensation. We will investigate your case and pursue the at-fault party for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today to learn what legal options may be available to you. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we help you recover compensation for your claim.