Number of motorcycle accident deaths rises in Nevada

Number of motorcycle accident deaths rises in Nevada
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • May 16, 2014
There was good news and bad news for Nevada motorcyclists in recent traffic safety reports. Nationwide, the number of deaths in motorcycle accidents declined in 2013 by 7 percent from the year before, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The small drop is significant because the number increases most years. This drop marks only the second year that the number has declined since 1997. Researchers cautioned that the decline may be largely due to the fact that much of the country experienced poor weather for much of last year, leading to fewer American motorcyclists on the roads.

And now for the really bad news: Nevada was apparently one of 13 states listed in the Governors Highway Safety Association report that experienced an increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities. In fact, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, the 53 motorcyclists killed on the state’s roadways last year represented an increase of 39 percent over 2012.

The authorities often remind motorcyclists to be careful on Nevada roads. What doesn’t get stated often enough is that many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers of other vehicles. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve collisions with another type of vehicle. The majority of these occur when a car or truck driver fails to yield or violates the motorcyclist’s right of way.

Because they are so much more exposed than other people on the road, motorcyclists’ injuries in an accident are likely to be severe. When these injuries are due to another negligent driver, the injured or their families may be compensated for medical expenses and other damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

Nevada attorneys with experience in motorcycle accident lawsuits can help the injured or their families to understand how the process works. Because the injuries are likely to be severe, the expenses caused by these accidents are likely to be extremely high. A lawsuit can help the injured or their families to cope.

Source: CBS News, ” Motorcycle accidents claiming fewer American lives ,” Robert Preidt, May 6, 2014