Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Nevada? From Las Vegas boulevards to the open highways around Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Red Rock Canyon, Nevada offers great riding year-round. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are far more likely than drivers to be seriously hurt in a crash, and they often face unfair assumptions from insurance companies afterward.
This guide explains Nevada's motorcycle laws, how fault is decided, the deadlines for filing a claim, and the steps that protect your case.
What motorcycle laws apply in Nevada?
- Universal helmet law: Nevada requires all motorcycle riders and passengers, regardless of age, to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
- Eye protection: Riders must wear glasses, goggles, or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield that provides adequate protection.
- No lane splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles is not legal in Nevada.
- Motorcycle license: Riders must hold a Class M license or a motorcycle endorsement.
- Insurance: Motorcyclists must carry at least the same minimum liability coverage as other drivers: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.
What causes most motorcycle accidents?
- Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions
- Distracted or impaired drivers
- Rear-end crashes at red lights and in traffic
- Road hazards such as gravel, debris, and uneven pavement
How does fault work in a Nevada motorcycle accident?
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141). You can recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than the other parties' combined fault, so you can recover if you were 50 percent or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share of the blame. If you were 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover.
Insurers sometimes claim a rider was speeding, lane splitting, or not wearing a helmet. Not wearing a helmet can be a citation, and the insurer may try to use it to argue about the extent of head injuries. Strong evidence from the scene helps show what really caused the crash.
How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
- Personal injury lawsuits: generally two years from the date of the accident (NRS 11.190).
- Property damage claims for your motorcycle and gear: generally three years.
- Wrongful death claims: generally two years from the date of death.
Two years can pass quickly while you are recovering from serious injuries, so it is important to start the claim process early.
What insurance can help after a motorcycle crash?
Since Nevada is an at-fault state, the at-fault driver's liability insurance is usually the main source of compensation. Because minimum limits are low compared to the cost of serious injuries, your own policy may also matter:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if the driver had no insurance or too little
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage, if you purchased it on your motorcycle policy
- Health insurance, which may pay for treatment while your claim is pending
What should you do after a motorcycle accident?
- Call 911 and get medical care right away.
- Report the crash to police and get the report number. If police did not investigate and someone was hurt or damage exceeded $750, file an SR-1 report with the Nevada DMV within 10 days.
- Photograph your motorcycle, the other vehicle, the road, and your injuries.
- Keep your helmet and riding gear as evidence. Do not throw them away or repair them.
- Get witness names and phone numbers.
- Avoid posting about the crash on social media.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before getting advice.
What compensation can injured riders recover?
Injured motorcyclists in Nevada may recover medical expenses, surgery and rehabilitation costs, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, motorcycle repair or replacement, damaged gear, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Should you speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer?
If you were seriously injured, if the insurer is blaming you, or if the other driver's coverage is too low, speaking with a Nevada personal injury attorney who handles motorcycle cases may help. Most offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.
This article provides general information about Nevada law and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Speak with a licensed Nevada attorney about your specific situation.