Reno Motorcycle Accident

A Reno motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with severe injuries, costly medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. Unlike car or truck crashes, motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic harm because riders have little protection against impact. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash, Nevada law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

At CVBN Law, we understand the unique risks motorcyclists face on Reno roads. Our experienced attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure our clients receive the full and fair compensation they deserve. We know how to deal with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims, and we are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Reno motorcycle accident, contact CVBN Law today. We offer free consultations and are ready to evaluate your case. Call us at (725) 208-5202 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Reno

Motorcycle accidents in Reno frequently result from the reckless or inattentive actions of other drivers. Unlike passengers in cars, motorcyclists lack the protection of a metal frame, airbags, or seat belts, which makes even minor collisions potentially life-threatening. Understanding the leading causes of motorcycle crashes helps injured riders recognize who may be liable and why working with an experienced attorney is crucial. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many of these accidents stem from preventable behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.

At CVBN Law, we investigate every aspect of a Reno motorcycle accident to determine the exact cause. Our attorneys examine police reports, surveillance footage, and witness testimony while consulting public data from agencies like the Nevada Department of Transportation to identify hazardous road conditions that may have played a role. By building a comprehensive case, we ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Distracted Driving and Mobile Device Use

Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of motorcycle accidents in Reno. Drivers who glance at their phones to read a text, check social media, or adjust navigation systems are far less likely to see nearby motorcyclists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds while traveling at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking. On high-traffic roads like South Virginia Street and U.S. 395, this type of inattention can lead to catastrophic collisions.

Our legal team often reviews cell phone records and dashcam footage to prove that a distracted driver caused the crash. This evidence is critical when negotiating with insurance companies that attempt to downplay driver negligence. Public safety data from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety confirms that distracted driving remains a leading factor in traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is particularly hazardous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Drivers who text while behind the wheel fail to monitor the road, keep their hands on the steering wheel, or focus on their surroundings. For motorcyclists, who are harder to see due to their smaller profile, the consequences can be devastating. Reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicate that distracted drivers are less likely to yield to motorcycles or accurately gauge their speed, resulting in severe collisions.

Speeding and Reckless Driving in Reno

Speeding is another significant factor in motorcycle accidents. The NHTSA reports that speeding is involved in nearly one-third of all fatal traffic crashes nationwide. When a speeding vehicle collides with a motorcycle, the force of impact often causes catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. In Reno, high-speed accidents are common on stretches of I-80 and U.S. 395, where drivers frequently exceed posted limits or fail to slow down for adverse weather conditions.

Reckless driving behaviors, including tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals, further increase the risk to motorcyclists. Proving reckless driving often involves a thorough investigation of skid marks, traffic camera footage, and vehicle black box data. These steps help demonstrate the negligent actions of the at-fault driver.

Tailgating and Stopping Distance Issues

Motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, which means that tailgating is particularly dangerous. A driver following too closely may not have enough time to react if a motorcyclist slows or stops suddenly. This can lead to rear-end collisions that throw the rider onto the pavement. Public studies from the Federal Highway Administration emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe following distance to prevent these high-impact crashes.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents across Nevada. Impaired drivers have slower reflexes, impaired judgment, and reduced ability to notice or react to motorcyclists on the road. The Nevada Department of Public Safety reports that DUI-related crashes account for a large percentage of traffic fatalities statewide.

When a drunk driver causes a Reno motorcycle accident, victims may face devastating injuries such as fractures, severe burns, or traumatic brain injuries. Our attorneys work with toxicology experts and law enforcement to gather evidence of impairment, including field sobriety test results and blood alcohol content reports.

Nevada DUI Laws and Victims’ Rights

Nevada has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, including mandatory license suspensions, heavy fines, and possible jail time for offenders. Victims of drunk drivers may be entitled to additional compensation, such as punitive damages, which are designed to punish particularly reckless behavior. For more information on DUI penalties, the State Bar of Nevada provides resources that explain how DUI-related claims are handled under state law.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spot Collisions

Improper lane changes are another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Reno. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are often harder to spot in a driver’s blind spot. When drivers fail to check mirrors or signals before merging, they risk sideswiping or colliding with motorcyclists. The National Safety Council highlights that blind spot collisions frequently result in riders being thrown from their bikes, leading to severe or fatal injuries.

Highway Merging Hazards

Highway on-ramps and merging lanes are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. Drivers who fail to account for a rider’s speed or position when merging onto highways like I-80 can cause chain-reaction crashes. Our team at CVBN Law frequently collaborates with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how unsafe lane changes and merging errors contributed to an accident.

Poor Road Conditions and Hazardous Intersections

Road conditions play a major role in motorcycle safety. Potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement can cause a motorcyclist to lose control, particularly at high speeds. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, maintaining road surfaces is vital to reducing the number of crashes involving motorcycles.

Dangerous Intersections in Reno

Certain intersections in Reno, such as those along South Virginia Street and East Plumb Lane, are notorious for high accident rates due to poor visibility or inadequate traffic signals. Data from the Federal Highway Administration underscores the importance of intersection safety improvements to protect motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users. Our attorneys investigate whether improper road maintenance or faulty traffic signals contributed to a crash, which may open the door for claims against government entities or contractors.

Speak With a Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

A Reno motorcycle accident can leave you facing overwhelming challenges, from mounting medical expenses and lost wages to the emotional toll of recovery. Insurance companies are often more focused on protecting their bottom line than on compensating injured riders fairly. At CVBN Law, we are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery that accident victims deserve. Our attorneys understand Nevada’s motorcycle laws and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our legal team thoroughly investigates every detail of your case, gathering evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial specialists to calculate the full value of your claim. Whether you are dealing with a distracted driver, poor road conditions, or a complex insurance dispute, we have the experience and resources to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Reno motorcycle accident, now is the time to take action. We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (725) 208-5202 today or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation. Let CVBN Law be your trusted advocate as you seek justice and the compensation you need to move forward.