An accident can occur even if you’re careful, and unfortunately, the same applies to accidents involving motorcycles. After the incident, it’s not unusual to feel uncertain about the steps you’ll take, including whether you should make a report and how long it should take.
If you or a person you know has suffered injuries or property damage after a motorcycle accident in Nevada, the time within which you should report and file for compensation must be as prescribed in the statute of limitations.
Learning how this legislation relates to your accident can impact your claim. That’s why it’s a priority to reach out to a reliable attorney from Pacific West Injury Law. They’ll collect the crucial elements of your case and help you get fairly compensated.
A Look into Nevada’s Statute of Limitations
Statute of limitations refers to the duration set by the state for reporting an accident and filing a lawsuit after another person’s actions cause physical injury or loss. In Nevada, motorcycle accident injuries are part of personal injury claims. So you must pursue the claim within two years.
Attempts to recover damages must be filed within this deadline. The statute of limitations for personal injuries commences on the incident date. If you do not file your claim within the timeframe of the statute of limitations, you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation for your injuries.
If a loved succumbed after a motorcycle accident, you have a deadline of two years to file a claim. Here, the statute of limitations starts on the date the deceased passes on. If the accident damages your vehicle, motorcycle, or any other personal property, there’s a different statute of limitations allowing you to file the claim three years from the accident date.
What Happens If I Exceed the Statute of Limitations?
Filing a claim after the expiration of the statute of limitations is typically unsuccessful. However, if you do so, the defendant may request the court dismiss your claim, and the judge or jury will likely grant.
That’s why you must begin the legal process as soon as possible. Whether the claim entails property damage, wrongful death, or personal injury, please consult with our experienced attorney, who will ensure proper handling of your claim within the set timelines. An experienced lawyer can file your claim quickly and accurately, ensuring that you meet the deadline and are able to fight for your right to compensation.
Car Accident Victims Who Are Minors
If a motorcycle accident caused injuries to a minor, state laws allow them to wait until they turn 18 to file for settlement. Once they reach the legal age, they have two years to take the necessary legal action. But parents may also seek court approval to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If the court approves their request, the minor loses their right to legal action when they turn 18.
When and How to File a Motorcycle Accident Report
Nevada has unique laws which define a motorist’s obligation after a motorcycle accident. Your obligation to file the report depends on the extent of property damage or whether the incident resulted in bodily harm or death. In some instances, you don’t’ have to report if police officers responded and issued their report.
But if the law requires you to report the incident and don’t do so, expect significant consequences. For instance, failing to do so as required by law could suspend your driving privileges for a year or until you follow the correct procedure. Furthermore, you risk facing misdemeanor charges if you knowingly submit false information in the report.
Sections 484E.070 and 484E.080 of Nevada’s Revised Statutes clearly define when and who you should report the accident.
When Should You Report the Accident?
The rider involved in the accident must report if the incident leads to:
- Bodily harm or death
- Damage to automobile or item worth over $750
- If you are in a county or city that requires a police report for accidents
How Do You Report a Motorcycle Accident?
You must report the incident within ten days by forwarding an electronic or written report to the Department of Public Safety. If there are any motorcycle damages, you should attach the estimated value of repairs or a total loss statement.
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What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Nevada?
You can recover damages in a motorcycle accident when you succeed in your litigation claim against the other party. The damages you can recover generally include the items that affect the victim in numerous ways. These are classified under special and general damages.
Special Damages
These are also called economic damages. They financially compensate a motorcycle accident victim for their out-of-pocket costs resulting from the incident and include the following:
- Past, current, and future healthcare costs
- Bike repair or replacement costs
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Loss of priceless or irreplaceable items
General Damages in Motorcycle Cases
Also called non-economic damages, these cover the non-monetary implications of the incident. They make up the most significant portion of personal injury lawsuits and may include:
- Pain and suffering (past, current, and future)
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Reduced quality of life
If your loved one passed on due to another party’s negligence due to a motorcycle accident, you could claim additional damages. These are covered in the Wrongful Death Statutes and may include:
- Loss of companionship and love
- Grief
- Loss of personal and household services
- Funeral and burial expenses
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Let an Expert Attorney Handle Your Case for You
If you, a family member, or a friend has been in a motorcycle accident, you’ll substantially impact the case by contacting an attorney immediately. A qualified personal injury attorney will secure your rights and handle the crucial aspects of the case while you seek medical care and recover. They’ll also leverage every legal opportunity to achieve a favorable case outcome and fair compensation in good time.
Besides their vast experience and excellent reputation, most offer free, no-obligation consultation. They’ll review your claim comprehensively and if it entitles legal action and compensation.
Contact Pacific West Injury Law for Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Our legal experts at Pacific West Injury Law treat all accepted claims with professionalism and dedication. They’ll handle your case efficiently and property to achieve the fairest possible case outcome. Our experienced personal injury lawyers serve on a contingency fee basis.
This means you won’t be charged upfront for the service you get. Instead, you’ll only pay if we successfully recover damages or achieve a fair outcome for your lawsuit. So try our free case evaluation today.