First, never take the attitude that any of your injuries are minor. Due to the immense forces and weight differential of you on your bike and any type of vehicle (cars, SUVs, or trucks), motorcycle accidents often result in you being severely injured. Often head, neck, or back injuries may not immediately show symptoms. It may be days, weeks, or months later that you know the extent and severity of your accident. For example, slight pain and tenderness in your neck and back may be a sign of much more possible severe neurological damage.

Many things can occur, such as limb amputations, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs). Without the proper medical diagnosis and care, these injuries can be life-threatening and can forever change your life.

Simply put, there are four vital and immediate steps for you to take following your accident. If you cannot do these, then try to get help at the scene.

These steps are:

o Immediately, you (or someone at the scene) must notify the police – Move your vehicle (or ask for help) to a safe area of the road. Then, you, or someone at the scene, should call the police. Let them know if there are any injuries, and make sure you provide as much accurate and detailed information as possible about your location and any potential injury (or damage) you may have. As soon as the authorities arrive, explain what occurred in as much detail as you can.

o Document your accident the best you, or witnesses, can – While waiting for the police or EMTs to arrive, you must make notes about anything that you can recall, take photos of the scene, etc.

o Write or dictate anything you can remember, such as:

o What you were doing when your accident occurred.
o The exact date and time.
o Your accident’s exact location.
o The contact information of any witnesses.
o Information about the other driver, such as their vehicle’s make and model, driver’s license number, etc.

o Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Do this as soon as possible, even if you believe you are not seriously hurt. But still, keep in mind you may not have the current mental clarity to make these decisions. Obtain copies of all your injury reports, as these can be essential if you must file an accident claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit.

o Notify Your Insurance Company – Do this as soon as you are able. You need to note that you’re not obligated to answer any questions or sign documents without your motorcycle accident lawyer present, as this could be highly detrimental to any claim you might have to make.

o Consult with a qualified Las Vegas motorcycle accident law firm – The types and severity of common motorcycle injuries could involve thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat and for you to recover. Consulting with an empathetic Las Vegas personal injury law firm will help ensure you and your family get the compensation you need to thrive.

What Are Things I Should Not Do After My Motorcycle Accident?

After you motorcycle accident, you may be dazed or hurt, but always try to avoid doing the following:

o Never admit fault at the scene – When it comes to determining fault in a motorcycle accident, very few are cut and dried or obvious. Invariably, these events are traumatic, and your perception of what happened commonly may not be entirely accurate, even if you believe that you were the one who caused it.

o Never agree to dismiss the accident or “forget about it” – If you don’t get an official report of what happened, you may be providing your insurance company a reason to deny covering the damage to your motorcycle, pay your medical bills, and much more.

o Never assume that you’re not injured – At first, you may feel excellent after your accident, and in many instances, begin to feel the pain associated with whiplash, neck, or back injuries later. It’s always in your best interests to assume that you might be hurt and get checked thoroughly by a medical professional.

It’s mandatory to note that when you speak with your insurance company, be careful what you say, and never sign any documents before consulting with your Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer. Unfortunately, all insurance companies will usually only pay what they must. However, your local Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer works for you and your family and will fight to make sure you obtain the compensation you require.

Is Nevada a No-Fault State Regarding Motorcycle Accidents?

Nevada is not a no-fault state. In Las Vegas, the person responsible for causing a traffic accident is the person that pays for the damages. If the other driver was negligent, their insurance company would normally pay. Contrarily, if you were at fault, you could be at odds with your own insurance company.

Many automobile drivers are surprised that, regarding motorcycle accidents, automobiles are usually at fault for collisions, not cyclists. A solid steel cage protects auto drivers while you are exposed to the elements, which often results in you receiving catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs.

So, especially in Nevada, the negotiating skills, expertise, and knowledge of your Las Vegas motorcycle lawyer are vital in determining the fault and amount of compensation needed for you to move forward from this commonly disastrous event successfully.

How Can a Las Vegas Motorcycle Lawyer Help Me After My Accident?

The most crucial benefit of working with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer is that they will oversee all the information gathering that needs to be done after an accident. This is vital as you need to be free to concentrate on what matters: healing, recovering, and moving your life forward.

Your lawyer will:

  • Investigate the scene of the accident.
  • Collect and preserve evidence documenting your injuries and damage to property.
  • Interview witnesses.
  • Depose law enforcement officers who filed your police report and responded to your accident.
  • Establish ties to professionals and experts who can strengthen your case.
  • Track all your recovery expenses, including existing medical costs, and estimate all future payments resulting from your accident such as lost wages and ongoing care.

There’s a great deal to be done, but the benefits to your health and your family’s future depend on it being carried out aggressively and with diligence.

I’ve Been In a Motorcycle Accident; How Should I Proceed?

If you’ve had an accident on your bike, then your entire life and that of your family could be affected for months or years. You may not be able to work, and the medical bills are mounting up.

The Las Vegas motorcycle lawyers at Precision Injury Law have a solid, winning history of helping Las Vegas families get through these dire times, and they will fight tirelessly to obtain the proper compensation you need and legally deserve. Consult with them first and move on to a financially stable and healthy future.