Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Reno, Nevada, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a skilled Reno motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and even death, and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting and liberating experience, but unfortunately, accidents can happen. When a motorcycle accident occurs, it can lead to serious injuries and even death. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Reno, it’s important to seek legal help from a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. In this article, we will discuss how to find the right legal help in Reno.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Reno, NV

Statistics show that there is an increase in motorcycle accidents and deaths. In a recent year, 56 reported fatal motorcycle accidents occurred, with five occurring in Reno. Crash data also shows that in 2020, there were 57 accidents resulting in 58 deaths, and nine happened in Reno. 

Motorcycle accident victims suffer life-altering injuries and consequences from these accidents. Victims must focus on healing, while a Reno motorcycle accident lawyer focuses on getting justice through a compensation claim. Call Kidwell & Gallagher today.

Here’s what you need to know about motorcycle accidents and how a Reno motorcycle accident lawyer can help you:

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Driver negligence: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who fail to look for motorcycles on the road or who don’t give them enough space.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and other hazards on the road can be especially dangerous for motorcycles.
• Defective motorcycle parts: If a motorcycle has a defect that causes an accident, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can all make roads more dangerous for motorcycles.

What Are Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries, including:

• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Internal injuries

How Can a Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Reno, a skilled attorney can help you in the following ways:

• Investigating the cause of the accident: Your lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine who was at fault for the accident.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
• Representing you in court: If negotiations with the insurance company are not successful, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
• Handling paperwork and legal procedures: Filing a claim for a motorcycle accident can be complex and time-consuming. A lawyer can handle all the paperwork and legal procedures for you, so you can focus on your recovery.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Law in Reno

Before we dive into how to find the right lawyer, it’s important to understand motorcycle accident law in Reno. In Nevada, motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. However, due to the nature of motorcycles, accidents involving motorcycles can be more severe than accidents involving other vehicles. Nevada law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets and have liability insurance.

Outlining The Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motor vehicle accidents are avoidable, and motorcycle accidents are no exception. Most of the time, these accidents are avoidable, yet they become more common as years pass. When an accident occurs, it is due to negligence, typically from the other driver. Motorcyclists do their part by getting a Class M license that requires they know about bike safety and Nevada traffic laws. 

Distractions

Drivers have many distractions in their vehicles and therefore are prone to participating in negligent actions instead of paying attention to the road. Since motorcycles are smaller, drivers are not looking for them and can strike them while reaching for something in the back seat or texting.

Speeding 

Drivers love to speed, but that is an unsafe and illegal maneuver and prevents drivers from stopping when approaching other vehicles and hazards. Driving too fast for the conditions is another factor in causing motorcycle accidents. If it rains, drivers must adjust their speeds to ensure they do not endanger anyone else. 

Intoxication

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs drivers’ reaction times and decision-making. When they approach a motorcycle, they might not see it until it’s too late. Sometimes drivers confuse motorcycles for something else and drive away from the scene. 

Right of Way 

Motorcyclists have the right to use the road and merge into traffic appropriately. Other drivers do not want to share the road and will become aggressive toward motorcyclists making it challenging for them to ride safely. Drivers must share the road safely with motorcycles and other vehicles, which leads to tragedy when they do not. 

Following Too Closely 

Drivers hate sharing the road with motorcycles and will often try to get them off the road by using aggressive actions. They will follow too closely, hoping the motorcyclists leave, but what happens if they cause an accident? The motorcycle will brake or slow down, and the tailing driver cannot stop and rear-ends the bike. 

Switching Lanes 

It is necessary to switch lanes to get off an exit or to an upcoming shopping center, but it is also a leading cause of accidents. Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and look for motorcycles, especially during warm weather. Some vehicles come with lane-switching alerts, but they do not always capture motorcycles, and drivers ignore them when they cannot see a vehicle. Motorcyclists are blindsided when a car switching lanes strikes them. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Life-Changing 

Many motorcycle accidents result in death, but those that do not have serious injuries that last a lifetime. Motorcycles have few protections when in an accident, which often results in more significant injuries to motorcyclists. There is also the potential for secondary injuries from striking the pavement. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Victims’ bodies will contort, twist, and wrench causing spinal cord trauma. Any damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis in different areas of the body. Some victims never walk again. Spinal cord injuries are some of the worst because you cannot reverse paralysis and must learn new ways to accomplish tasks.  

Internal Organ Damage

Sometimes riders strike objects on the road, which can also damage their internal organs. Broken ribs can cause a puncture to a lung or other organ. These injuries require surgery and can result in trouble breathing. 

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries lead to cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges for the rest of the person’s life. These injuries also require lifelong medical care, including therapy and surgery. 

Traumatic Amputations 

Losing a limb is life-altering. Unfortunately, doctors have to make these difficult decisions to save a person’s life. Failure to amputate a limb in the moment can result in deadly consequences. Victims can lose an arm, leg, or another body part. These injuries come with prosthetics, psychological care, and surgeries. 

Road Rash 

Motorcycle riders will often slide along the road, which causes their clothing to tear and their skin to get road rash. These injuries lead to infection and permanent scarring. Sometimes the wound is so deep that it results in permanent nerve damage. Some treatments include skin grafts, surgery, and more. 

Damages Available For Motorcycle Accidents 

From a claim, motorcycle accident victims can recover economic and non-economic damages for their losses. These damages and amounts will vary depending on individual factors, but they can include the following:

• Medical bills: current and future expenses for treating injuries from the accident. 
• Reduction in earning capacity: when your injuries impact your ability to work or earn money, you must include that in your compensation claim  
• Disability and disfigurement: permanent injuries that result in disability or disfigurement require lifelong compensation.  
• Chronic physical pain: pain impacts daily life, and the way it changes a person’s life must be considered when calculating damages.  
• Lost wages: time off work for medical treatment or appointments is vital for your healing, but it also results in lost wages and using vacation or sick pay you planned to use at a later date. 
• Depression and anxiety: psychological impacts can change a person’s life and cause them to stop doing the things they once loved. Depression can freeze a person’s life. Treatment is necessary to manage these conditions, which can extend for years.  
• Property damage: your motorcycle is likely undrivable and needs replacing, which is another damage you can seek through a compensation claim.  
• Out-of-pocket expenses: medications, cleaning services, rideshares, and gas money for friends are surprise expenses that many victims rarely consider but are part of a claim. Ensure you keep track of out-of-pocket expenses and provide them to your Reno motorcycle lawyer.  

Building Your Motorcycle Accident Claim 

A motorcycle accident brings physical, mental, and financial harm. Victims feel like they do not have options, but you do. You can take several actions to help build and strengthen your motorcycle accident claim. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Reno will handle the legal aspects, but you can also do your part, much of which you are already doing.

Medical Attention 

Along with getting immediate care, it is vital that motorcycle accident victims follow all treatment to the letter. Injuries are severe and require extensive treatment and restrictions. Medical attention provides two benefits. First, you are getting treatment for your injuries to recover and return to daily activities. The second benefit is it correlates the accident and your injuries with a paper trail. Motorcycle victims are already taking this step following an accident. 

Refrain From Making Statements 

The insurance company wants a recorded statement from victims to use to their advantage. If the insurance company contacts you, refer them to Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers. Refrain from making statements online or to friends regarding the collision since opposing counsel can use these statements as evidence. 

Never Apologize 

Apologizing is second nature in many instances, even when you have done nothing wrong. However, after a motorcycle accident, refrain from apologizing for anything. The insurance company uses apologies as an admission of fault. As you can imagine, admitting fault leads to complications in your claim. 

Backup Evidence 

You should make duplicates of any evidence in your possession. You should provide a copy to your Reno motorcycle accident lawyer, have one for yourself and make copies to store elsewhere. Many victims will email the evidence to the law office and copy themselves, so it is easily accessible when necessary. 

Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting For Victims 

After motorcycle accidents, victims are under extreme pressure and stress after an accident. Your life is entirely different, and the road to recovery is long. Many victims are emotionally distraught and have a challenging time considering the legal repercussions of an accident. It is vital to stay calm and contact Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers if you are in a motorcycle accident. We can review the circumstances of your accident and determine the best path forward for seeking relevant damages.

Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers

start your free consultation
(775) 323-2667

How Can a Reno Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

If you have been involved in a truck accident, an experienced Reno truck accident attorney can help you. While some people may think they have what it takes to represent themselves, these cases often lead to difficulties, such as proving who was liable for the accident. However, a trusted lawyer from Kidwell & Gallagher will break down every step of the process, explain the details of your case, collect the proper evidence, and stand beside you through all challenges that arise.

If you believe your accident occurred because of another person’s negligence, we will do everything to prove that the wrongdoer was negligent. These are the ways to do that:

• We must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care. Care usually must keep you and other drivers safe in a truck accident case.
• We must prove that the defendant breached this duty. This can be difficult to prove, but we will show that the defendant caused the wreck, meaning they failed to uphold their duty to keep you and other drivers safe.
• The breach caused your injuries. Next, we will need to prove that the defendant causing the accident led to your injuries. This may also be difficult, but our skilled attorneys will use photographs, video footage, witness statements, medical records, and police reports to prove this.
• The victim suffered damages. This means that you experienced damages from the accident and injuries. For example, you have accumulated medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and more.

Have You Been Involved in a Truck Accident in Reno? Contact Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers Today.

Truck accidents can lead to physical and emotional trauma, so you need to take time to heal and get your life back on track. Kidwell & Gallagher understands that your life may never be the same as it was before, but we believe fighting for your rights and ensuring that this does not happen to someone else will help you get the closure you need.Our Reno attorneys are familiar with truck accident cases and have helped many other clients going through tough times, just like you. We will take legal action against the defendant and ensure they understand the hardships and challenges they have caused you. If this sounds like a good fit, please fill out our contact form by clicking here. Once you submit it, a staff member will be in touch with you as quickly as possible. In the meantime, do not hesitate to think of any questions you would like to ask us during your free consultation.

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Craig W. Kidwell

Founding Attorney

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