FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Cases

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, insurance hassles, and a lot of questions about what comes next.

Motorcycle crashes are often more severe than car accidents, and insurance companies may try to shift blame or minimize your claim, leaving you confused about your next steps. That’s why we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents. 

Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas are here to give you the clarity and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

In this article, our motorcycle accident lawyers explore some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accident cases. 

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Cases

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas, you probably have a lot of questions—and you’re not alone. 

Motorcycle laws in Nevada and insurance rules can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. Getting accurate information is key to protecting your rights and making sure you’re not taken advantage of. 

Here are the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accident cases.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, call 911, seek medical attention, and report the crash. Take photos, gather witness and driver info, and avoid admitting fault. Then, contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and explore your options.

Even though the moments right after a motorcycle accident can be chaotic, you have to keep calm and remember there are some things you have to do to make sure you have a better chance of recovering and later be able to file a claim to get compensation for everything you’ve been through. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, damages, or troubles with your insurance, here is what you should do: 

1. Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries take some time to appear. Getting checked right away by a doctor is the first step to ensure your health and also means there is official documentation for your claim. 
2. Call the police: Yes, it may be a hassle, but a police report is key evidence when dealing with insurance companies and lawsuits.
3. Collect evidence: If you can, try to record and take as many photos as you can of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle, as well as any issue with the road that could’ve contributed to the accident.
4. Get their information: Get the other driver’s or drivers’ names, numbers, and insurance information. If possible, get their vehicle details as well.
5. Speak with witnesses: If there was someone who could’ve seen the accident, ask for their contact information and a short statement about what they saw. Their testimony can be very important to prove your case.
6. Don’t admit fault: Even just a simple “I’m sorry” could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and anyone else. 
7. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: The sooner you get legal help, the better. A good attorney will guide you through the whole process, negotiate with the insurance people, and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

If you have more questions, keep reading! You’ll find here the answers to any motorcycle accident FAQs you might have.

Further Reading: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?

Several parties may be liable for a motorcycle crash, including negligent drivers, commercial vehicle operators, or even government agencies if poor road conditions played a role. An experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate and determine who’s at fault.

Figuring out who is responsible for a motorcycle accident isn’t always straightforward. There’s usually more than one party guilty, and it can become a little messy. It normally is:

• Other drivers: They might have been distracted, speeding, or unexpectedly opened their door causing an open door motorcycle crash.
• Government organizations: If the roads were in poor condition, had missing signs, or had faulty traffic signals, it could’ve played a part in the accident.
• Manufacturers: What if a part broke, something that shouldn’t have? That’s the manufacturer’s fault.

What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet—Can I Still File a Claim?

Yes, you can still file a claim if you weren’t wearing a helmet during the accident. However, Nevada’s comparative negligence laws may reduce your compensation if not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries. ​

Nevada’s laws do say you must wear a helmet every time you ride your motorcycle, and insurance companies may use it as a contributor to your injuries. Despite this, you still have the right to compensation for the other driver’s mistakes if they caused the accident. It might make things a bit more complicated, sure, but it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve retribution.

Related: Nevada Helmet Laws

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?

In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your legal rights. ​

Time is of the essence here. According to Nevada’s laws, you only have two years from the moment of the accident to take legal action. It may sound like a lot, but it is better to start the process as soon as possible. Think about it: The accident happens, you go to the hospital, it takes you some time to recover, maybe some more time to fix your car or get back to your normal life, and once you know it, your time has run out.

Each one of the steps in this process can take some time, so waiting too long could make it harder to get all the evidence together and build a good case. Don’t risk it. If you have questions about motorcycle accidents and what to do after one, keep reading the rest of our motorcycle accident FAQs.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care. In serious cases, you could also claim loss of earning capacity. A Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can help maximize your recovery.

A motorcycle accident could not just leave you with scars you can see, but it messes with your whole world. If someone else was at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t be the one paying for it all. You could be compensated for:

• Medical bills: These could be for emergency care, any immediate or ongoing treatment you may need, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost income: If you cannot go back to work due to your injuries, you can recover your lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: All the stress, physical pain, and emotional toll of the accident count, too.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement costs for your motorcycle.

At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we are here to fight for you. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – get Ladah Results™.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Case?

You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but having an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney greatly improves your chances of fair compensation. They handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

Look, you are not obligated to hire a lawyer if you had a motorcycle accident. You could try to do it alone, but handling a claim on your own can be far too much, especially when dealing with insurance companies that want to pay you as little as possible. In this moment, having an experienced lawyer in your corner, someone who knows all the tricks, can take all the weight from your shoulders and allow you to focus on getting better and healing.

As a rider, you know the the dangers of riding a motorcycle and the importance of protective gear, and likely invested in a great helmet so you’re protected when–not if–you’re involved in an accident. Think of a lawyer like a great helmet, only we protect your legal rights and help you seek the compensation you will need–not might need–in the event of an accident.

While physical protective gear requires an investment up front to protect you from physical harm, a lawyer does not require any money up front to protect you from legal harm.

How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?

Fault in a motorcycle accident is determined by evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and accident scene photos. In Las Vegas, Nevada’s comparative negligence rule may reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault for the crash.

Figuring out who’s at fault in a motorcycle accident isn’t always simple. Investigators have to look at multiple things: 

• Police reports that prove the crash.
• Witness statements from people who saw what happened.
• Traffic camera footage that may have recorded the accident.
• Expert analysis to reconstruct the scene and find out what went wrong.

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still get compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your payout will be lessened by your share of the blame.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim and explore all available options for financial recovery.

Getting hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance can be frustrating, but you still have options. In case you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance may take over and cover your damages. If not, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the driver, but the process may be difficult.

Every situation is different, though. You have to know what you’re entitled to. Check out our motorcycle accident FAQs for more information on handling uninsured drivers.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Most motorcycle accident cases in Las Vegas settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may recommend going to trial to pursue the full amount you’re entitled to under Nevada law.

Normally, motorcycle accident cases are settled without ever going to court. But sometimes, the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, which would make going to court necessary. It would all really depend on the details of your case and how the negotiation goes. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of your settlement or court award—usually around 33–40%.

Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we are committed to helping our clients with compassion, understanding how difficult a situation like this can be. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. You’ll only have to pay if we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you. 

Have more questions? Check out our motorcycle accident FAQs for more details.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, under Nevada’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A lawyer can help minimize fault assigned to you.

Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, for example, if you were found 20% responsible, your final payout would be reduced by 20%. It would depend on what the investigation shows and the details about what happened.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

The timeline for a motorcycle accident case in Las Vegas varies. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex ones involving serious injuries or disputes over fault can take a year or more—especially if the case goes to trial.

Each case is different. The time a motorcycle accident case takes depends on many things, like:

• Severity of injuries – More serious injuries often need longer negotiations. Go here to learn about some of the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident. 
• Disputes over fault – Sometimes, fault is not clear; it could take some time to investigate and find out who is responsible and how fault is divided between both parties.
• Insurance negotiations – A common strategy insurance companies use is to delay the process or offer very small amounts, which could extend the timeline. 

What are the Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes?

The most common types of motorcycle crashes include left-turn accidents, lane splitting accidents, rear-end collisions, and single-vehicle accidents. Many crashes happen when drivers fail to notice motorcycles or misjudge their speed.

Left-turn accidents often occur when a vehicle turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Lane splitting—riding between lanes—can also increase the risk of sideswipe accidents, especially in heavy traffic. Rear-end collisions may happen when a vehicle follows too closely or brakes suddenly. Single-vehicle accidents often involve road hazards, speeding, or losing control during a turn. Each of these crash types has different legal and insurance implications, so understanding the cause is key for any injury claim.

Related: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Nevada?

What are the Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries such as road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Riders are more exposed and vulnerable than passengers in cars.

Because motorcycles lack the protective structure of a car, even low-speed crashes can lead to significant injuries. Road rash, caused by sliding on pavement, can range from mild abrasions to deep wounds requiring skin grafts. Broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are common due to impact with the ground or other vehicles. Head and brain injuries—especially without a helmet—can be life-altering. Back and spinal cord injuries can also result in permanent disability.

Seeking immediate medical attention and documenting your injuries is essential for both recovery and any legal action.

Further reading: Common Motorcycle Injuries in Las Vegas, Nevada

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Las Vegas?

Have you been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and feel like no one’s on your side?

At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we understand that motorcycle riders often face unfair bias—and we know how to break through it to get real results. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have a deep understanding of the unique laws, injuries, and insurance issues that affect bikers, and we’ve secured millions for clients facing life-changing injuries.

We’ll stand up to the insurance companies, fight for every dollar you deserve, and make sure your voice is heard. Don’t settle for less – Let our award-winning team help you get Ladah Money™.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Conclusion

Motorcycle accidents can raise a lot of questions—especially when you’re trying to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Understanding the basics, from fault and compensation to timelines and legal options, empowers you to make informed decisions. While every case is different, these FAQs cover many of the common concerns riders in Las Vegas face after a crash.

If you still have questions or need guidance tailored to your situation, the team at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is here to help. 

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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