Reno Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The National Safety Council reports that US motorcycle-related accidents accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022. Motorcycle crashes usually result in severe, even life-threatening injuries that can change a rider’s life forever. When these accidents result from another party’s negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you love was severely injured in a motorcycle collision, a Reno motorcycle accident lawyer can work tirelessly to help you get the maximum financial compensation for your injuries and losses. At the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, we offer injured motorcyclists or the surviving family members of deceased riders free consultations to understand their rights.
What You Need To Know About Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycles are more popular than ever in the U.S. More than 9.5 million motorcycles were registered in 2023, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Unfortunately, along with their growing popularity comes increasing fatality rates among all motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists. People riding motorcycles are nearly twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as people using other forms of motorized transportation.
Motorcycle riders, as well as drivers of the cars on the roads and freeways around them, contribute to the high fatality and injury statistics.
Factors That Contribute to Motorbike Crashes in Washoe County
There are certain driver behaviors, such as the following, that commonly give way to motorbike collisions:
- Driving too closely behind a motorcycle
- Turning in front of a motorcycle
- Running a red light, hitting a motorcycle broadside
- Failure to see the motorcycle driver
- Driving too aggressively near or behind a motorcycle
- Not “sharing the road” with motorcycle riders
However, motorcyclists often engage in behaviors like the following that increase their risk of becoming involved in a collision that injures or kills them:
- Speeding
- Failure to negotiate turns, often because of speeding
- Riding between two lanes on a freeway
- Not wearing helmets
- Not using eye protection
- Poor defensive driving skills
- Zipping in front of drivers without allowing them enough time or distance to stop
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs
As for the latter factor, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that Impaired motorcyclists are at significantly greater risk of losing control of their bikes and are less able to react to hazards on the road.
Whether you’re clear as to the factors that contributed to causing your crash or are unsure about them, our Reno motorcycle accident lawyer can help you compile the necessary evidence to prove your narrative of events. Get in touch with us so we can help you with that process. A consultation with a legal representative in our office is free.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are different from other vehicle collisions in a number of ways, but mainly due to the greater vulnerability of riders. A motorcycle doesn’t have the same level of protective barriers that cars or trucks do. Because they lack things like seat belts, airbags, and structural enclosures, even a minor accident can result in severe injuries or worse.
Some of the common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders can sustain head and traumatic brain injuries that can damage their cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A neck or back injury that leads to spinal cord damage often results in paralysis (either partial or complete) and can significantly alter a victim’s ability to work as well as their quality of life.
- Road Rash: Riders in crashes often suffer from severe skin abrasions and burns that can require extensive medical treatment and ongoing surgeries.
- Broken Bones: Collisions and impacts with other vehicles and road surfaces can fracture bones, especially arms, legs, and ribs.
On top of these physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims can find themselves facing extensive medical bills, lost wages and income, and deep emotional trauma.
The Importance of Helmet Safety In Curbing Motorbike Crashes
One of the best ways motorcyclists can protect themselves from suffering severe brain injuries in a collision is to wear a helmet. NHTSA research shows that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%-42%.
Contact a Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Our Office for Assistance
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you need the services of an experienced Reno personal injury lawyer who understands the laws of the road.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp has years of experience helping people throughout Nevada who’ve been injured by negligence. We want to do the same for you.
To find out how we can help you, contact us for a free consultation today. We’ll connect you with our firm’s Reno motorcycle accident lawyer, with whom you can discuss your case and your right to secure a settlement for your losses.
