May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Nevada

Las Vegas drivers need to remember to share the road

Motorcyclists from across the country often travel to Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada. With its wide-open spaces and numerous events in Las Vegas geared for motorcyclists – including Las Vegas Bikefest in late September – it’s no wonder Nevada is a destination for so many bikers.

That’s why the state has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Like many states, Nevada understands the importance of motorcycle safety. This is partly due to the steady increase in the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the past decade in Nevada and nationwide. Hopefully, the more bikers and drivers know about motorcycle safety, the more prepared everyone will be on the road.

How common are motorcycle accidents in Nevada?

Even though states like Nevada have been promoting motorcycle safety for years, the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the state has steadily increased in the past decade. In 2020, a total of 58 people died in motorcycle accidents in Nevada, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That figure is about 40 percent higher than in 2011 when there were 41 motorcycle accident fatalities in the state.

Nationwide, motorcycle accident deaths have only gotten worse in the past decade. Between 2010 and 2019 in the U.S., the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents increased by about 11 percent, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Now, more than 5,000 people die in motorcycle accidents every year.

What causes motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents often occur because another driver did something they should not have been doing while behind the wheel. Examples of negligent driving that result in motorcycle accidents include:

Speeding.
Distracted driving, especially those who text and drive.
Failure to yield.
Running red lights or stop signs.
Tailgating.
Unsafe lane changes.
Illegal passing.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Fatigued driving.

How can drivers help keep motorcyclists safe?

If you're driving, it's important to remember that you don't own the road. As a motorist, you need to remain attentive while you're behind the wheel and watch out for motorcyclists. Some of the steps drivers can take to avoid a crash with a motorcycle include:

At an intersection, always look twice to make sure there are no motorcyclists coming the other way. This is especially important when drivers are making a left-hand turn.
When changing lanes, always check the rear-view mirror and side mirrors to see if there’s a motorcyclist in the other lane. You need to check your blind spots too, as motorcycles can be harder to see due to their low profile and smaller size.
If there’s a motorcyclist in front of you, make sure you give them enough room. Don’t tailgate. Motorcyclists sometimes need to make quick adjustments due to a pothole or other road hazards. Motorcycles also come to a stop a lot quicker than an average passenger vehicle. The less room you give a motorcyclist, the more likely it is that you will cause a rear-end crash.

Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas today

Motorcyclists often get blamed for crashes caused by other drivers, and insurance adjusters are always looking for reasons to devalue or deny claims by injured riders. That means you could miss out on the compensation you're entitled to and end up having to pay out of pocket for a motorcycle wreck that was not your fault.

That’s not right. That’s why you need an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer from Lasso Injury Law working for you and looking out for your best interests.

We know how to deal with the insurance company and will work tirelessly to get you the money you need to get your life back on track.

Learn more about your legal rights and options after a motorcycle accident and schedule a free consultation. There are no strings attached, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't pay us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.