What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Nevada
A motorcycle accident can flip your life upside down in seconds. Between the shock, the pain, and the chaos of the scene, it's hard to know what to do next. But the actions you take in the hours and days after a crash in Nevada can have a major impact on your health — and on any injury claim you may want to file later.
This guide walks you through each step, plain and simple.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. If you can move, get yourself and anyone else out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights if possible and set up flares or warning signals if you have them.
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Nevada law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $750. A police report also creates an official record — something insurance companies and courts rely on heavily.
When officers arrive, tell them factually what happened. Do not guess, speculate, or apologize. Apologies can be used as admissions of fault later.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention Right Away
This is non-negotiable. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, or spinal damage. You may feel fine at the scene and wake up the next morning unable to move.
Go to an emergency room or urgent care center the same day, even if you feel okay. Tell the medical team about every symptom, no matter how small.
From a legal standpoint, a gap between the accident and your first medical visit gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren't caused by the crash. Early documentation protects you.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene.
- Photos and video: Capture your motorcycle, all other vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Driver information: Get the name, license number, insurance company, and policy number of every other driver involved.
- Witness contact info: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
- Weather and road conditions: Note if there were potholes, poor lighting, or debris on the road — these details can matter.
Also write down your own account of what happened as soon as you can. Memory fades fast after trauma.
Step 4: Understand Nevada's Fault Rules and Your Rights
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident — as long as you were 50% or less at fault. However, your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
This is why how the accident is documented matters so much. Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist. Having strong evidence, witness statements, and a police report helps counter that.
Nevada's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident (NRS 11.190). Missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to sue. Don't wait.
Step 5: Be Careful with Insurance Companies
You are required to notify your own insurance company about the accident. But be cautious about what you say — to any insurer.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
- Do not accept a quick settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages.
- Do not post about the accident on social media. Adjusters look.
Early settlement offers often look attractive but can be far less than what your claim is actually worth once all medical bills and lost wages are counted.
Step 6: Talk to a Nevada Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations — and motorcycle accident cases can be complex. Insurers know motorcyclists are often blamed unfairly, and they use that to their advantage.
An attorney can help you:
- Investigate the crash and preserve evidence
- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and pain and suffering
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn't offered
Most motorcycle injury lawyers in Nevada work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Nevada?
In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada (NRS 11.190). Claims against a government entity may have a shorter notice deadline — sometimes as little as 90 days. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your timeline.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet? Does that affect my claim?
Nevada law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets (NRS 486.231). Not wearing one doesn't automatically bar your claim, but the other side may argue it contributed to your head or facial injuries. Under Nevada's comparative negligence rules, this could reduce your compensation. An attorney can help you navigate this.
What damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Nevada?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills (past and future), lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The exact amount depends on the facts of your case. Nevada does not currently cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, but specific circumstances vary — confirm details with your attorney.
Do I need a police report to make a claim?
You don't legally need one to file a claim, but it helps enormously. A police report is an independent, official account of the accident. Without it, it becomes your word against the other driver's. If officers didn't respond to your scene, you can file a report yourself with the Nevada DMV.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Nevada requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but some don't. If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. Check your policy — this is one reason UM coverage is so important for motorcyclists.
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