Riding motorcycles means freedom, adventure and fun. It is no surprise motorcycle culture originated here in America given our penchant for optimism, independence, and individuality. Motorcycles are as much a part of the American identity as entrepreneurial innovation or the right to free speech. It is also no surprise that motorcycle culture originated in America given the beautiful landscape this country offers. Here in the American west, there are thousands of miles of amazing roadways to explore including the Pacific Coast Highway, various treks through the Sierra Nevadas, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park. However, protecting the American motorcycle experience becomes more difficult as motorcyclists enter urban roadways.
Motorists entering motorcyclists’ right of way is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This is because, due to their smaller size, motorcyclists are less visible than other motor vehicles. This is also because motorists do not always expect to see motorcycles given there are fewer motorcycles on the roadways than motor vehicles. Motorcyclists are also far more vulnerable than motorists because they are more exposed. Even given motorcyclists’ precarious situation, unfortunately, motorists do not always give the same consideration to motorcyclists as they do to other motor vehicles.
Sadly, the scenarios leading to motorcycle accidents repeat themselves. That the majority of these accidents are preventable through adoption of safe driving habits is troubling. The most dangerous recurring accident happens when motorists make a left turn across oncoming traffic without taking into account an approaching motorcycle. The next scenario happens when the motorist changes lanes without checking their blind spot. Finally, motorists often cause motorcycle accidents by following too close to the motorcycle in front of them. All of these types of accidents are preventable by 1) taking into account the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles, 2) paying close attention to motorcycles travelling near-by, and 3) travelling at least 3 seconds behind motor cycles ahead.
The fatality rates associated with these accidents is frightening. A motorcyclist is 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than a motorist. Further, per mile travelled, a motorcyclist is 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than a motorist. For each accident, the injury rate for a motorcyclist is twice that of a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle. Clearly the deadly nature of motorcycle collisions creates a heightened duty on motorists to watch for motorcycles and take special precautions when travelling with motorcycles on the roadways.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident as the result of the carelessness of another, contact us we can help. Our experienced team of legal professionals is familiar not only with Nevada’s motorcycle laws but also the standards of care motorists must follow when sharing the roadway with motorcycles. We will hold negligent motorists responsible for failing to give motorcyclists due regard. This is one way that we as a community can make the roads safer for motorcyclists and help preserve the great spirit of individualism and adventure embodied in the American motorcycle experience.
Half Price Lawyers
732 S. 6th Street Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89101
