Motorcycle Accident Attorney2023-02-27T14:54:31-08:00

Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas

If You’ve Been Injured In A Motorcycle Accident In Las Vegas, Help Begins Here

Motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Las Vegas, with the vast majority of victims under 30. Nationwide, motorcycle accidents injure nearly 90,000 people, and approximately 5,000 people die.

At Henness & Haight Injury Law, our team of motorcycle injury lawyers is acutely aware of the dangers that motorcycle enthusiasts face. Mark Henness owns motorcycles and has ridden for years. Our firm has personally handled cases of motorcyclists who were doing everything right while riding and were injured due to someone else’s negligence.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and you weren’t at fault, you need an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer on your side who has represented countless motorcyclists. When you hire our team of motorcycle attorneys, trust that we can help you file your injury claim and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. We are dedicated to providing motorcycle accident victims with quality legal representation.

Working with the motorcycle accident lawyers at Henness & Haight Injury Law gives you:

  • Years of experience on your side. We’ve represented motorcycle accident victims in Las Vegas, Nevada, for nearly twenty years, and our lawyers have been practicing law in Nevada for over 25 years. Learn more about our motorcycle accident attorneys.
  • Case reviews are free. We will listen to the facts and details of your case and advise you on the best course of action during our initial free case evaluation.
  • No payment unless you win. We work on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and you don’t have to pay unless we get a settlement or judgment for you.
  • Car accident lawyers trusted by 1000s. We have reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Lawyers.com. Read testimonials from our valued clients.
  • We have recovered millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims. We know how to figure out what your claim is worth and ensure you are paid fairly. Our results speak for themselves.

Not quite ready for a case review? No problem. Review this page for information about motorcycle accidents, what to do when you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, and how a motorcycle accident attorney can help. Help begins here. 

Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney

Do I Need A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Yes. Although motorcycle accidents where you were not at fault seem like a simple, straightforward process, there are situations where complexities may arise. It’s vital to have a motorcycle accident attorney on your side to address any problems that might occur and who will put your best interests first. 

When you’ve been in an accident, the driver who is at fault will have their insurance company investigating your claim and the details of the motorcycle accident. You want a motorcycle accident attorney to conduct their own investigation to preserve the facts and evidence you need to maintain your claim. 

As your motorcycle accident attorney, we will:

  • Interview anyone present who may have witnessed the behavior and driving of those involved.
  • Analyze medical records, police accident reports, and insurance investigation notes to construct a solid timeline and account of the events that transpired during and before the accident.
  • Consult with an accident reconstructionist who can recreate your accident and provide us with a detailed understanding of how it occurred.
  • Directly communicate with any insurance companies involved and negotiate for the best settlement on your behalf.

After we have completed our investigation, we should determine who is liable for your injuries. Then, we will develop a strategy to build a strong case on your behalf should we need to litigate. 

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve and need to aid in your recovery.

About Our Car Accident Attorneys

As a previous defense attorney, co-founder Michael D. Haight, has valuable insight into the tactics used by insurance companies when handling insurance claims after motorcycle accidents.

He has since been nationally recognized as “Top 100 Litigation Lawyer” by the American Society of Legal Advocates, a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by The National Trial Lawyers organization, and has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.

Mark G. Henness has been an attorney for 25 years and his entire career has been devoted to standing beside his clients and holding insurance companies accountable for his clients’ losses and suffering. Mark has expertise in all aspects of motorcycle crash injury cases including injury causation analysis, biomechanical trauma, and human anatomy. His peers often joke that Mark knows as much or more about the physics, science, and human anatomy surrounding motorcycle crash injuries as the doctors who care for Mark’s clients. There is no substitute for this level of knowledge and expertise as the insurance industry goes to great lengths to try and deny appropriate compensation based on junk science and untruthful positions. Whether it’s demonstrating to an insurance adjuster why certain compensation is owed or helping a jury to arrive at that conclusion, there is simply no substitute for this type of expertise. Mark’s motto is either the insurance will voluntarily pay, or he’ll make them pay.  

What Forms of Compensation Can I Recover?

When motorcycle riders are injured in crashes caused by the negligence of a driver or another party, they are entitled to compensation for all of the damages they have suffered, which could include:

Economic Damages

These are damages that have a defined monetary value, such as:

  • Surgeries
  • Appointments with doctors
  • X-rays
  • MRIs
  • CT scans
  • Blood work
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity
  • Transportation in an ambulance
  • Cost of travel to medical appointments
  • Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches and canes

If your motorcycle accident claim is successful, you will receive compensation for all past, current and future economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that do not create specific expenses, such as:

  • Emotional suffering
  • Physical pain
  • Loss of enjoyment of hobbies, exercise, and recreational activities
  • Loss of companionship when your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know how to accurately document these types of damages, even though they do not create bills or receipts, like economic damages. We will advise you on how to keep a personal account of the emotional issues caused by your injuries so you have a better chance of recovering fair compensation for non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

Under Nevada Revised Statute 42.005, you are entitled to punitive damages only in situations where there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice.

The purpose of punitive damages is to make an example of and punish the defendant for his or her conduct, not to compensate the plaintiff for damages he or she suffered.

At Henness & Haight, we are committed to fighting for all of the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle crash. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know how to compile strong evidence in support of the compensation you deserve.

Does State Law Limit Compensation?

Nevada does not place a limit on economic or non-economic damages following motorcycle accidents. That means there is no limit to the amount of money you can recover in your motorcycle crash claim.

The amount of compensation you recover will depend greatly on the strength of your case and the evidence you and your attorney present.

However, if you are entitled to punitive damages, they will be limited by state law. Punitive damages cannot exceed:

  • Three times the amount of compensatory damages if you receive $100,000 or more
  • $300,000 if you receive less than $100,000 in compensatory damages

There are exceptions to these rules though. For instance, these limitations do not apply to claims involving:

  • Manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of defective products
  • Defendants accused of emitting, disposing, or spilling of toxic, radioactive, or hazardous materials or waste

These exceptions would apply if your motorcycle crash was caused by defective parts on your motorcycle or by a spill on the roadway.

Why Hire Our Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?

Our attorneys have seen firsthand the devastating injuries that can result from a motorcycle crash, including:

  • Loss of limbs
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken bones

We know serious injuries such as these require significant medical treatment that can last for several years or even for the rest of your life. Mounting medical bills and other expenses can be overwhelming, and a fair settlement from an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit can mean the difference between financial ruin and moving on with your life.

Backed by years of experience fighting for the rights of the injured against insurance companies, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers have the skills, resources, and determination to help you recover what is rightfully owed to you.

We know the techniques insurance companies will use to downplay your injuries and minimize your claim, and we are willing to take a case to court to make sure you receive a fair settlement or verdict.

From your very first communication with our office, our personal injury lawyers will treat you as family while we build a robust case that can stand up to the intense scrutiny of the insurance company and its team of attorneys. We conduct our own investigation of the accident by:

  • Reviewing police reports
  • Gathering witness statements
  • Speaking with medical and accident experts
  • Investigating the other driver’s record
  • Recreating the accident
  • Reviewing your medical records
  • Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf

Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know you want nothing more than to get back to your everyday life after your motorcycle accident. That is why we handle all of the details of your case and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. We will keep you informed of the process and will answer all of your questions and phone calls as quickly as possible.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle

Although every case is different and the circumstances surrounding an accident can vary greatly, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience handling a wide variety of motorcycle accident cases. We are well-versed in Nevada motorcycle laws and know how to use them to the benefit of our clients.

Through a thorough review of your claim, we can determine exactly what caused your accident and how to best pursue the appropriate amount of compensation for your losses, damages and injuries. Some of the leading causes of accidents we have helped clients recover from include:

  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Failing to look for and see a motorcycle
  • Swerving in front of a motorcyclist
  • Driving under the influence
  • Road hazards, like potholes or poorly maintained roadways
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Misjudging a motorcyclist’s speed and distance
  • Failure to check a blind spot before changing lanes
  • Left-turn crashes

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and you think someone else is at fault, there are certain steps you should take to improve your chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

Go to the Hospital

In some cases, you will have no choice but to go to the hospital. If your injuries were serious enough, an ambulance will probably come to the scene and transport you to the hospital.

However, if you or someone else does not call an ambulance, you should seek medical treatment anyway. You could be injured even if you are not in a lot of pain or you do not have visible signs of an injury. It is common for the body to release adrenalin and cortisol into the bloodstream after an accident, and these chemicals can mask pain and other symptoms of an injury.

You need to be examined by a qualified medical professional to discover all of your injuries and if they are related to the accident.

Request Copies of Your Medical Records

Before you leave the doctor’s office or hospital, ask about obtaining copies of your medical records. You may be able to get this information before you leave.

Medical records are one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. This information will be one of the primary justifications for your insurance claim or personal injury case.

File an Insurance Claim Right Away

Like many other states, Nevada uses a fault or tort-liability system for insurance claims after motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes.

This means that you can file an insurance claim with your insurer or the insurance company of the at-fault driver. However, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for compensating you for the injuries and property damage you sustained in the crash. This means that your insurance company will seek reimbursements from the other driver’s insurance company.

You should file as soon as possible as the insurance company may have a deadline for submitting a claim. If you miss the deadline, you might miss your opportunity to recover insurance compensation.

Watch What You Say

You have to be careful what you say when filing an insurance claim, even if you are speaking to a representative of your insurance company. TV commercials try to make people think their insurance companies are on their side, but the reality is that insurers are looking for any opportunity to devalue or deny your claim.

You should stick to the facts of your claim, such as:

  • Date, time and location of the accident
  • Basic description of what happened
  • Noting that you have or are planning to seek medical treatment

Do not state specifics about your injuries, leave that to qualified medical professionals and the information they put in your medical records.

Do not offer your opinions on the crash, including whether or not your actions played a role in the crash or the injuries you suffered. This is best left to the police report about the accident.

Know When to Say No

Keep in mind, you are under no legal obligation to answer the insurance adjuster’s questions. If you are asked a question and you do not know or are unsure of the answer, or you think that answering the question would hurt your claim, tell the adjuster that you decline to answer at this time.

It is better to say nothing than to say something that is untrue. If the adjuster finds out that you lied, it could hurt your chances of recovering fair compensation.

You should also decline to be recorded when you first contact the adjuster. You may have to do this at some point in the future in the claims process, but at that point, you can have a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer advise you on what to say.

Contact a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Injury cases can easily become complicated, which is why it is vital that injury victims and their families seek legal counsel from a reputable Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer immediately following an accident. The sooner an attorney can begin building your case, the better your chances are of securing the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled.

Your Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you every step of the way, from talking to the insurance adjuster to negotiating compensation.

Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claims in Nevada

All Nevada motorists, including motorcyclists, are required to have certain levels of car insurance coverage. This way, if the driver causes an accident, his or her insurance coverage can provide compensation for injuries and property damage suffered by the other driver or motorcyclist.

The minimum car insurance requirements in Nevada are:

  • Bodily injury coverage – Drivers need a minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
  • Property damage – Drivers must have at least $10,000 per accident.

Unfortunately, the driver who caused your motorcycle accident might not have insurance. That is why it is a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage in your own insurance policy. It will provide compensation for all medical costs for you and your passengers if the other driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover all of your costs.

The Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm will carefully review your situation to determine if we can obtain all of the compensation you need from an insurance claim. If not, we have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Crash Lawsuit?

There is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nevada, including motorcycle accident claims. The statute sets a deadline for filing a claim and if you miss the deadline, you will not be able to file a lawsuit.

Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. This might seem like a long time, but it can pass a lot faster than you think.

Some of the two years will be taken up by pursuing an insurance claim. While some insurance claims can be resolved relatively quickly, others could take several months or more, particularly if you are severely injured and it takes a while for doctors to fully assess the scope of your medical issues.

This is why it is very important to contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help manage your insurance claim and be prepared to file a lawsuit if your insurance claim is unsuccessful or does not provide all of the forms of compensation that you need.

If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers will make sure your claim is filed on time.

What if I was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

There are a lot of accidents in which the victim was partially at fault. That is why most states have comparative negligence laws to address these situations.

In Nevada, you can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault for the accident is not greater than the combined negligence of the defendant or defendants. This is often referred to as the 51 percent rule.

You can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51 percent. If your percentage of fault is 51 percent or more, you will be barred from receiving compensation.

If your percentage of fault is below 51 percent, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. In other words, a claimant who is 25 percent at fault, would receive only $75,000 of a $100,000 settlement.

The Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm are well-versed in the state’s comparative negligence law. We will help ensure it is applied fairly in your claim so you receive the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident FAQ’s

What if my motorcycle is totaled?2021-08-24T13:43:13-07:00

Under Nevada law, when the cost of the repairs exceeds more than 80% of the value of your motorcycle, it will be declared a “total loss.” The insurance company would then assign a value to your motorcycle. Many times you will feel that the value is too low. We are obviously not in the motorcycle business, but we are happy to help you fight to get fair value. In those instances, please provide us with receipts showing any recent modifications or repairs, like new tires. Also, any research you can do showing what your make, model, and year retails for in Las Vegas would be helpful. If you have full coverage, it’s always best to have both insurance companies inspect and assess your vehicle’s value. It is surprising how often insurance companies will come up with significantly different values so it is best to have options.

If your motorcycle is declared a “total loss” you would also have the option of retaining the vehicle for “salvage.” This means you would be given a check for the vehicle’s value, less what the insurance company could get if it sold it to a wrecking yard. This option is best for mechanically inclined people, or those who want to “part it out.”  Remember, that under this option, your vehicle’s title will by law be converted to a “salvage title” so that you cannot then fix it and then sell it to some unsuspecting buyer. Again, no matter what your circumstances are, remember we are here to help. 

How do I get my motorcycle repaired?2021-08-24T13:42:00-07:00

If this case involves property damage to a vehicle you own, then you generally have two options to get your motorcycle repaired:

  1. Request that the insurance company for the at-fault driver pays for the repairs. Once the at-fault insurance company officially accepts responsibility for the collision, it will allow you to take your vehicle to the insurance-approved repair shop of your choice. It will then cover the cost of the repairs, as well as any reasonable rental expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.  Be aware though that all insurance companies are different: some will set up a direct bill for any rental car while others will make you pay for it upfront and then require you to submit bills for reimbursement. Also, be aware that insurance companies will never reimburse you for the extra insurance that all rental car companies try to persuade you to take; or
  2. Request YOUR insurance company to do the repairs and get reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company. This option though is only available if you have collision coverage. If you feel more comfortable with your own insurance company doing the repairs, you can have your insurance company pay for your vehicle to be repaired at the repair shop of your choice, along with any rental car expenses (assuming you have rental coverage). In most cases, you will need to pay your deductible to initiate the repairs. Just to get your business some repair shops will be willing to waive any up-front deductible. The deductible would then be reimbursed or paid once your insurance company recovers it from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Your motorcycle accident attorney will assist you with either option as necessary.

Is there anything I need to let my motorcycle accident attorney know about?2021-08-24T13:40:55-07:00

Please remember to keep your motorcycle accident attorney informed of any of the following:

  1. Current treatment status
  2. Change in address or telephone number
  3. Change in place of employment
  4. Names of all treating physicians, hospitals, and facilities
  5. The date a physician releases/discharges you from their care
  6. Any other facts which you feel may be important to your case
Do I need to let you know if I am considering filing bankruptcy?2022-02-24T10:44:09-08:00

Yes. If you have a pending bankruptcy case or plan on filing bankruptcy, please contact us immediately. Bankruptcy can negatively affect your claim because it could become an asset for the bankruptcy trustee, who will then make all of the decisions regarding the settlement. And it could also affect how much you can recover personally, no matter how big your case, because there is a bankruptcy cap. Your failure to report a pending personal injury claim to the Bankruptcy Court could also result in severe sanctions against you, including the dismissal of your bankruptcy case as well as criminal charges. So your car accident attorney must be informed so that we may take appropriate steps to protect your interests. This can include helping you find a proper bankruptcy attorney who will not talk you into filing so that they can make a fee.

Do insurance companies watch me that closely?2022-02-24T10:43:02-08:00

Yes! In addition to monitoring your social media feeds, insurance companies have even stooped to putting people under video surveillance. Increasingly, insurance companies have begun secretly videotaping legitimately injured people, especially when the injuries are serious in nature. What the insurance company hopes to accomplish is obtaining footage which could incriminate or place at issue the validity of your injuries. 

Typically, these investigators will park across the street from your place of residence, in parking lots while you shop, outside your office, and they will even follow you to the gym to watch while you exercise. These videos can be very damaging to your claim, mainly because they will not show you later lying on the couch resting and in pain after whatever strenuous activity you just undertook. Instead, they will only show you bending, squatting, or lifting. Therefore, be very aware whenever you are engaging in any physical activity that there is a possibility you could be under surveillance and adjust your activity level accordingly.

Can I post about my motorcycle accident or my injuries on social media?2021-08-24T13:38:11-07:00

No! Please do not post anything about your accident on any social media platforms, including TWITTER, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, SNAPCHAT, TIKTOK, etc., as the posts will most certainly be taken out of context. Remember to be extremely careful with any information regarding yourself that you might wish to post on these websites, including photographs and biographical information, as this is information becomes part of the public domain which then can be used against you by insurance companies and their adjusters and attorneys. We have seen it happen again and again.  When in doubt, do not post anything; or contact our office for guidance.

Will I have to go to court?2022-02-24T10:41:04-08:00

Probably not. The vast majority, about 90% of our car accident personal injury cases, settle without us needing to file a lawsuit. And of that 10%, only about 1 in 100 go all the way to trial. Instead, they settle somewhere along the way. However, our firm has an entire litigation department ready to litigate if the insurance company is not fair. And a lawsuit is sometimes the only way to convince an insurance company to do what’s right. Rest assured that we will not file a lawsuit without meeting with you first to weigh the pros and cons and get your permission to do so.

But what if I can’t afford to take work off even though I’m injured?2021-08-24T13:34:07-07:00

For most of our clients, the bills keep coming each month no matter what. So if you have no choice but to continue to work to pay your bills, just be mindful of your surroundings and don’t do anything too strenuous that could worsen your injuries or that could paint you in a bad light, just in case you are being watched. And if you do need to keep working, but working makes you feel worse, please make sure to tell your doctor so they can document your situation. 

So I can recover my lost pay after my motorcycle accident?2021-08-27T14:42:01-07:00

Yes! If you miss any time from work due to your injuries from the motorcycle accident, please ask your doctor to provide you with a written work excuse/ restriction notice and provide us with copies any notices you are given. Also, please provide your motorcycle accident attorney with the name and address of your employer and supervisor, along with copies of all paycheck stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation that will help us verify your lost wages.

What types of compensation can I get from my motorcycle accident claim?2021-08-24T08:48:26-07:00

We recover compensation that includes your medical bills, pain and suffering, wage loss, out-of-pocket expenses, and in certain cases, future medical bills. In cases involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death, we also will also ask for lost future earnings.

I received a document in the mail regarding my motorcycle accident case, should I sign it?2021-08-24T08:47:58-07:00

No. Please do not sign any documents and/or checks sent to you with regard to your motorcycle accident without first consulting with your motorcycle accident attorney. We will take it from there.

Can I talk to anyone else about my motorcycle accident or my case?2021-08-24T08:47:19-07:00

It is best not to discuss your case with anyone except your doctors or motorcycle accident attorney. If you are contacted by anyone regarding your case, be friendly but immediately advise the caller that you have a motorcycle accident attorney who represents you. Then request his/her name and telephone number, and give them your motorcycle accident lawyer’s name and telephone number and ask them to contact them.

Should I talk to any insurance companies about my motorcycle accident if they call?2021-08-24T08:46:45-07:00

No! Do not talk to any insurance companies, even your own, unless getting prior approval from your motorcycle accident attorney.

Do I need to tell my doctors about any prior injuries?2022-02-24T10:34:16-08:00

Yes. Always be open and honest with your car accident lawyer and with your doctors about all prior injuries. It is better if your doctors know all about any prior injuries so they can be prepared to address them adequately. Our law office will do the same thing in our negotiations with the insurance company. For instance, prior injuries to a person’s neck or back can make them more susceptible to future injuries.

However, be certain to tell your doctors if any prior injuries were made WORSE because of your car accident. For example, “I had mild back pain before the car wreck, but now my back pain is major.” Also, try to differentiate your present pain symptoms from any you may have had in the past. For example, “I had intermittent dull back pain prior, and now my back pain is sharp and constant.” Or, “I had a prior accident that caused me neck pain, but after this car accident, I now also have low back pain.”

Should I tell my doctors that I have been involved in a motorcycle accident?2021-08-24T08:45:30-07:00

Yes! Please remember to always tell EVERY medical provider you see, even for non-accident-related care, about all of your physical injuries, symptoms, and complaints from head to toe that you believe may have been caused by the motorcycle accident. This is important because insurance companies and their lawyers will obtain copies of ALL of your medical records, including non-accident-related care. They will try to use the absence of any reference to the accident or your symptoms in these unrelated medical records to discredit you. Unfortunately, this tactic can be highly effective.

How long will my medical treatment last?2022-02-24T10:30:52-08:00

We encourage you to take full advantage of your treatment options and continue treating your injuries until you obtain a full recovery. Ideally, your medical treatment should last until you are just as healthy as before your car accident happened. Never rush the treatment process! Doing so will detriment your health and the value of your case. Insurance companies always assume you have fully recovered when you stop getting medical treatment.

What if I need recommendations for doctors?2022-02-24T10:30:22-08:00

We are happy to refer you to excellent doctors and specialists who can help you recover more quickly from your injuries and who can better document your pain and suffering. You need to know that not all doctors are equipped or even want to handle personal injury cases following a car accident. In fact, many “family doctors” will flat out refuse to see you if you have been involved in a personal injury-type case.  

Consequently, we often help our clients find medical professionals to fit their treatment needs. Over the years, we have vetted and established relationships with many qualified medical professionals and specialists adept at helping our personal injury clients.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?2021-08-24T08:43:33-07:00

While putting a value on a case is never an exact science, our experience has shown that there are five key factors to consider when assessing case value.  These are the:

  1. Amount of your medical bills;
  2. Severity and duration of your pain and suffering;
  3. Amount of any wage loss;
  4. Amount of your out-of-pocket expenses; and,
  5. Likelihood of future pain, suffering or medical expenses.

We won’t know the extent of these five factors when you are first injured.  As your case moves forward though we will gather all of the evidence needed to prove the extent of these five categories of damages. For example, generally speaking, the longer you treat, and the higher your medical bills, the more your case is worth.

How long will my motorcycle accident case take?2021-08-24T08:42:36-07:00

The time it will take for your case to resolve can vary depending on several factors such as:

  1. How long your medical treatment lasts;
  2. If the case has to go to court; and,
  3. What insurance company we are dealing with, among others.

We will never rush you through the treatment process because we want you to have every opportunity to obtain a full recovery from your injuries before we start negotiating with the insurance company. However, as a general rule, it typically takes anywhere from 3-5 months after your treatment ends to obtain a fair settlement.  But stopping your treatment too soon is a huge mistake, because this would negatively affect both your long-term health and the value of your case.

What if I was Partially at Fault for the Accident?2021-08-24T08:41:28-07:00

There are a lot of accidents in which the victim was partially at fault. That is why most states have comparative negligence laws to address these situations.

In Nevada, you can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault for the accident is not greater than the combined negligence of the defendant or defendants. This is often referred to as the 51 percent rule.

You can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51 percent. If your percentage of fault is 51 percent or more, you will be barred from receiving compensation.

If your percentage of fault is below 51 percent, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. In other words, a claimant who is 25 percent at fault would receive only $75,000 of a $100,000 settlement.

The Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm are well-versed in the state’s comparative negligence law. We will help ensure it is applied fairly in your claim to receive the compensation you deserve.

Complete a FREE case evaluation

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Crash Lawsuit?2021-08-24T08:40:31-07:00

There is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nevada, including motorcycle accident claims. The statute sets a deadline for filing a claim, and if you miss the deadline, you will not be able to file a lawsuit.

Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. This might seem like a long time, but it can pass a lot faster than you think.

Some of the two years will be taken up by pursuing an insurance claim. While some insurance claims can be resolved relatively quickly, others could take several months or more, particularly if you are severely injured, and it takes a while for doctors to fully assess the scope of your medical issues.

This is why it is very important to contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help manage your insurance claim and be prepared to file a lawsuit if your insurance claim is unsuccessful or does not provide all of the forms of compensation that you need.

If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers will make sure your claim is filed on time.

Complete a FREE case evaluation

Does State Law Limit Compensation?2021-08-24T08:39:25-07:00

Nevada does not place a limit on economic or non-economic damages following motorcycle accidents. That means there is no limit to the amount of money you can recover in your motorcycle crash claim.

The amount of compensation you recover will depend greatly on the strength of your case and the evidence you and your attorney present.

However, if you are entitled to punitive damages, they will be limited by state law. Punitive damages cannot exceed:

  • Three times the amount of compensatory damages if you receive $100,000 or more
  • $300,000 if you receive less than $100,000 in compensatory damages

There are exceptions to these rules, though. For instance, these limitations do not apply to claims involving:

  • Manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of defective products
  • Defendants accused of emitting, disposing, or spilling toxic, radioactive, or hazardous materials, or waste

These exceptions would apply if your motorcycle crash was caused by defective parts on your motorcycle or by a spill on the roadway.

Complete a FREE case evaluation

What Forms of Compensation Can I Recover?2021-08-24T13:59:58-07:00

When motorcycle riders are injured in crashes caused by the negligence of a driver or another party, they are entitled to compensation for all of the damages they have suffered, which could include:

Economic Damages

These are damages that have a defined monetary value, such as:

  • Surgeries
  • Appointments with doctors
  • X-rays
  • MRIs
  • CT scans
  • Blood work
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity
  • Transportation in an ambulance
  • Cost of travel to medical appointments
  • Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and canes

If your motorcycle accident claim is successful, you will receive compensation for all past, current, and future economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that do not create specific expenses, such as:

  • Emotional suffering
  • Physical pain
  • Loss of enjoyment of hobbies, exercise, and recreational activities
  • Loss of companionship when your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know how to accurately document these types of damages, even though they do not create bills or receipts, like economic damages. We will advise you on how to keep a personal account of the emotional issues caused by your injuries, so you have a better chance of recovering fair compensation for non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages often apply when someone is convicted of driving under the influence. There is NO CAP on punitive damages when someone is guilty of a DUI. 

Under Nevada Revised Statute 42.005, you are entitled to punitive damages only in situations where there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice.

The purpose of punitive damages is to make an example of and punish the defendant for his or her conduct, not to compensate the plaintiff for damages he or she suffered.

At Henness & Haight Injury Law, we are committed to fighting for all of the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle crash. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know how to compile strong evidence in support of the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After a motorcycle accident, do not risk walking away with too little compensation. Contact the Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers at Henness & Haight Injury Law immediately, and we will help you seek the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyers know the devastating effects of a crash and are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.

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