After a motorcycle crash, the questions pile up faster than the answers — and most of what you find online is written for car accidents, not riders. This page gives you straight answers to the questions Las Vegas motorcycle accident victims actually ask, from a firm that represents bikers, not insurance companies.
Glen Howard spent years defending insurers before he started fighting for injured riders, so these answers come from someone who knows how the other side builds a case against you. Every situation is different, so treat this as general guidance — and call us for answers specific to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a motorcycle accident?
Get to safety, get medical attention, and call the police so there’s an official report. If you’re able, photograph the scene, your bike, and your injuries, and get names and numbers from any witnesses before they leave. Then be careful what you say to anyone but the responding officer. We walk through the full sequence in what to do after a motorcycle accident, including the steps riders most often forget in the chaos.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster before I get a lawyer?
Be careful here. The adjuster who calls in the first days — even the friendly one from your own company — is gathering statements that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. You’re required to report the crash, but you’re not required to give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement, and doing either early often works against you. Riders are especially vulnerable to this, because adjusters lean on the assumption that the biker was at fault. It’s reasonable to tell them you’re getting legal advice first and to let a lawyer handle the conversation from there.
What if the crash was partly my fault?
You can still recover in Nevada, as long as you weren’t mostly to blame. The state uses a comparative-fault rule: if you’re found more than 50% at fault you can’t recover, and if your share is smaller, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. Insurers push hard to inflate a rider’s share, so this is worth taking seriously — see what happens when you’re partly at fault for a motorcycle crash for how it plays out.
Can a passenger on a motorcycle file a claim?
Yes. A passenger is almost never at fault for a crash, which often makes their claim more straightforward than the rider’s. A passenger can pursue compensation from whichever driver was negligent — that could be the other vehicle’s driver, the motorcycle operator, or both, depending on how the crash happened. Injuries to passengers are frequently serious, since they have even less control and protection than the person driving. If you were hurt as a passenger, you have the same right to medical care and compensation, and you don’t have to worry about “blaming” the rider to protect your own claim — that’s a legal question your lawyer sorts out.
I was visiting Las Vegas when I crashed — can I still file here?
Yes. If the crash happened in Nevada, your claim generally belongs in Nevada, no matter where you live or where your bike is registered. Las Vegas draws riders from across the country, and out-of-state visitors have the same right to pursue a claim as residents do. Nevada’s helmet rules and traffic laws applied to you the moment you rode here, and Nevada’s deadlines apply to your claim. A local firm can handle the case while you’re back home, so distance isn’t a reason to walk away from compensation you’re owed.
Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
This is one of the biggest worries riders have, and there are usually more options than people expect. Depending on your situation, bills may be covered by your health insurance, by medical-payments (MedPay) coverage on an auto policy, or by treating on a lien — where a provider agrees to wait for payment until your case resolves. You generally don’t have to go without care because the at-fault driver’s insurer hasn’t paid yet. A lawyer can help line up treatment and protect you from being pushed into a fast, low settlement just because the bills are stacking up.
How long do I have to file a claim in Nevada?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, and three years for property damage. Miss the deadline and the right to compensation is usually gone for good. The practical deadline is much sooner, though, because evidence like camera footage and witness memory fades within days. The full picture is in how long you have to file a motorcycle claim in Nevada.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
There’s no honest average, and you should be wary of any firm that throws out a number before reviewing your case — especially a low one. Value depends on how severe and lasting your injuries are, how clearly the other driver was at fault, the strength of your evidence, and how much insurance coverage is available. A serious injury with clear liability and solid proof is worth far more than a thin claim. The only real answer comes after a lawyer looks at your specific facts, which is exactly what a free consultation is for.
Do I need a lawyer, and how do I choose one?
For a minor crash with no injuries, maybe not. But motorcycle injuries tend to be serious and insurers tend to blame riders, so most injured bikers are better off with representation — and on contingency, it costs nothing up front. The key is choosing a lawyer with real motorcycle experience and a track record against anti-rider bias, not just a general practice. Our guide on how to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer gives you the questions to ask and the red flags to avoid.
How do I know if I even have a case?
If someone else’s negligence caused your crash and you were injured, you likely have a claim worth exploring. The honest way to find out is to have a lawyer review what happened — no guesswork, no pressure. A good firm will tell you plainly if you don’t have a case, too. That review is free, and it’s the fastest way to stop wondering and start protecting your rights.
Still Have Questions? Talk to a Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If your question isn’t here, or you want a real answer about your own crash instead of a general one, that’s what a free consultation is for. The sooner you ask, the more of your evidence and your options stay protected — and your motorcycle case is part of a broader motor vehicle accident claim we handle every day.
At Howard Injury Law, Glen Howard personally handles bodily injury cases, draws on years of insurance-defense experience to get ahead of the tactics used against riders, and works on a no-win, no-fee basis. Call our motorcycle accident attorneys in Las Vegas at (702) 331-5722 or request a free case review — tell us what happened, and we’ll tell you honestly where you stand.
