Boulder City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

What to Do Right After Your Boulder City Motorcycle Accident

The first hours after your crash are overwhelming, but a few critical steps can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Get Medical Help, Even If You Feel “Fine” Adrenaline masks pain. What feels like minor soreness can be internal bleeding or a spine injury. Whether you go to Boulder City Hospital or get transported to a Las Vegas trauma center, create a medical record from day one. Insurance companies use any delay in treatment as “proof” you weren’t really hurt.

Document What You Can If you’re able, take photos of everything—your bike, the other vehicle, the road, your injuries, your torn gear. Get contact information from witnesses. But don’t risk further injury trying to be thorough. Your health comes first.

Handle Officials and Insurance Carefully Be polite with police but stick to facts. Don’t guess about speed or distance. Never say “I’m fine” or “It was my fault.” When your insurance company calls, report the basic facts only. Don’t give a recorded statement without talking to an attorney first.

Save Everything Keep your damaged helmet, torn jacket, and broken parts. Don’t repair your bike yet. These items tell the story of impact force and can counter claims that you weren’t hurt badly.

Nevada’s Specific Requirement: If police don’t come to the scene and someone was injured or there’s significant property damage, you must file Form SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days. Missing this deadline can suspend your license.

Can You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Before diving into complex legal details, let’s answer the fundamental question: Do you have a case worth pursuing?

Ask yourself three questions:

1. Did another driver’s actions contribute to your accident? This includes drivers who turned left in front of you, merged into your lane, rear-ended you, or violated any traffic law leading to the crash.
2. Did you suffer injuries that required medical treatment? Everything from road rash needing wound care to broken bones, head injuries, or back problems counts. The severity matters less than the fact that you needed medical care.
3. Has it been less than two years since your accident? Nevada’s statute of limitations gives you two years to file a claim, though evidence disappears much faster.

If you answered yes to all three, you likely have a valid claim—even if you think you might have been partially at fault. Nevada law allows recovery as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible for the crash.

Common Situations That Create Valid Claims:

• Driver turned left across your path claiming they “didn’t see you”
• Vehicle merged into your lane forcing you off the road
• Driver was texting, impaired, or violating traffic laws
• Poor road maintenance created hazardous conditions
• Vehicle defect contributed to the crash

 

Understanding Your Rights as a Boulder City Motorcycle Accident Victim

Nevada law protects motorcyclists more than insurance companies want you to know. Understanding these protections helps you fight back against common tactics used to deny or minimize your claim.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Deserve Compensation

Nevada’s “modified comparative negligence” law means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you weren’t MORE than 50% responsible. Here’s how it actually works:

If you were going 5 mph over the speed limit when someone turned left in front of you, you might be found 10% at fault. With $100,000 in damages, you’d still recover $90,000. The other driver can’t escape responsibility just because you weren’t perfect.

Insurance adjusters will exaggerate any small mistake to push your fault percentage higher. They’ll claim you were “speeding excessively” without evidence or say you “must have been” in their blind spot. Don’t accept their version of events.

Helmet Laws and Your Injury Claim

Yes, Nevada requires DOT-approved helmets. No, not wearing one doesn’t destroy your entire case. While it may affect compensation for head injuries, it doesn’t excuse the driver who hit you. You can still recover fully for:

• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Road rash and scarring
• Internal injuries
• Lost wages and bike damage
• Pain and suffering from non-head injuries

What If the Other Driver is From Arizona?

Boulder City sees many accidents involving Arizona drivers headed to Hoover Dam or Las Vegas. This can complicate your claim since:

• Arizona has different insurance minimums
• Their insurance may try to apply Arizona law
• They might claim jurisdiction confusion to delay your case

Jack Bernstein understands how to prevent out-of-state insurance companies from using these tactics to avoid paying Nevada victims fairly.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Motorcycle Claims (And How We Fight Back)

Insurance companies treat motorcycle accidents differently than car crashes—and not in your favor. They start with the assumption that you were reckless, then work backwards to justify paying you less. Understanding their tactics helps you protect yourself.

The “Reckless Rider” Playbook

From the moment you file a claim, you’re not just another accident victim—you’re a “biker.” Insurance adjusters are trained to exploit stereotypes:

“You must have been speeding.” Without any evidence, they’ll claim excessive speed caused your injuries. We counter with actual accident reconstruction showing the other driver’s negligence caused the crash, regardless of whether you were going 45 or 50 mph.

“Motorcyclists take unnecessary risks.” They’ll comb through your social media for any photo of you enjoying riding, then argue you’re a thrill-seeker who caused your own injuries. Your love of motorcycling doesn’t give someone permission to hit you.

“Your gear wasn’t adequate.” Wearing jeans instead of riding pants? They’ll claim that’s why your road rash is severe. We focus on the negligent driver who caused you to hit the pavement in the first place.

Their Favorite Tactics Against Injured Riders

The Quick Cash Offer Within days, sometimes hours, they’ll dangle a check. “Let’s just settle this quickly so you can move on.” That offer is calculated to seem generous while you’re desperate, but it’s always a fraction of your case’s true value. Once you sign, you can never ask for more—even when surgery bills arrive months later.

The Recorded Statement Trap “We just need to hear what happened in your own words.” Every word gets twisted. You say “I was going about 40” and it becomes “admits to speeding.” You mention you “came out of nowhere” describing the impact, and suddenly you’ve admitted to being hard to see.

Medical Record Mining Did you hurt your back five years ago? They’ll claim your current spine injury is “pre-existing.” Ever mention anxiety to a doctor? Now your PTSD from the crash doesn’t count. We know how to prove your current injuries resulted from this crash, not ancient history.

How Jack Bernstein Levels the Playing Field

No More Direct Contact. Once you hire us, insurance adjusters can’t call you anymore. No more pressure, no more tricks, no more recorded statements. Everything goes through our office.

Evidence That Crushes Bias. While they’re making assumptions, we’re gathering proof. Witness statements that you were riding safely. Physical evidence showing the other driver’s clear negligence. Expert testimony about motorcycle visibility and dynamics.

Real Claim Valuation. They offer $15,000 for a broken leg? We document the surgery, physical therapy, missed work, permanent limitations, and pain you’ll endure. Suddenly that broken leg is worth $75,000 or more. They know we’ll prove it in court if needed.

Trial-Ready Reputation. Insurance companies keep lists of attorneys who actually go to trial versus those who always settle. Jack’s 40-year reputation for taking cases to verdict means they offer more to avoid court.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries: Understanding the Real Impact

Motorcycle accidents cause unique injuries that impact your life in ways insurance companies try to minimize. Understanding the real consequences helps you fight for appropriate compensation.

Road Rash: More Than “Just Scrapes”

When insurance adjusters dismiss road rash as minor, they’re hoping you don’t know better. Severe road rash means:

• Debridement procedures that feel like torture
• Risk of infection requiring weeks of wound care
• Skin grafts that leave permanent scarring
• Nerve damage causing lifelong sensitivity

Some road rash victims have described changing bandages as “the worst pain in their life.” That’s not minor.

Broken Bones: The Hidden Costs

A broken femur isn’t just six weeks in a cast. It often means:

• Surgery with plates and screws
• Months of physical therapy
• Permanent weather-related pain
• Changed gait affecting your back and hips
• Inability to ride or enjoy active hobbies

The insurance company sees “fractured leg – healed.” We see a lifetime of limitations.

Head and Spine Injuries: Life-Changing Damage

Even with helmet use, riders suffer concussions and traumatic brain injuries causing:

• Memory and concentration problems
• Personality changes that strain relationships
• Chronic headaches and dizziness
• Inability to return to skilled work

Spinal injuries might not mean paralysis but still cause:

• Chronic pain requiring lifetime management
• Limited mobility affecting every daily activity
• Depression from lost independence
• Astronomical medical costs

The Psychological Wounds They Ignore

PTSD from motorcycle accidents is real. The terror of seeing a car turn into your path, the sound of impact, the feeling of losing control—these traumas don’t show up on X-rays but devastate lives. Anxiety about riding again, driving panic attacks, nightmares that disrupt sleep for months. We make sure these invisible injuries get visible compensation.

Evidence That Wins Boulder City Motorcycle Cases

Strong evidence overcomes bias. Here’s what actually makes the difference between a lowball offer and fair compensation.

Physical Evidence That Tells Your Story

Your Motorcycle Speaks Volumes. Damage patterns prove impact angle and force. A crushed left side shows the car turned into you. Bent forks indicate front-end impact. We preserve your bike exactly as it was to counter their version of events.

Gear Tells the Truth. Your shredded jacket and cracked helmet show the violence of impact better than words. Scratches on boots prove which way you slid. Blood patterns indicate injury severity. Never throw anything away.

The Scene Holds Secrets. Skid marks show who braked and when. Gouge marks in pavement indicate impact points. Debris patterns reveal vehicle paths. Even if you couldn’t document it immediately, we can often reconstruct crucial evidence.

Documentation That Insurance Companies Can’t Ignore

Medical Records Build Your Case. Every appointment matters. Emergency room visits prove immediate trauma. Follow-up care shows ongoing problems. Physical therapy records demonstrate your fight to recover. Gaps in treatment become ammunition against you—stay consistent.

Your Pain Journal Makes It Real. Daily notes about pain levels, missed activities, and emotional struggles transform “soft tissue injury” into a human story. “Couldn’t sleep due to back pain” repeated 50 times shows chronic suffering. “Missed daughter’s soccer game – couldn’t sit that long” proves life impact.

Witness Statements Trump Assumptions. Neutral observers who saw safe riding and negligent driving destroy bias-based defenses. Even passengers in other cars who say “that motorcycle had nowhere to go” support your case. We find these witnesses while memories remain fresh.

Expert Testimony That Seals the Deal

Accident reconstruction specialists who understand motorcycle dynamics prove what really happened. Medical experts who explain why your injuries cause permanent limitations. Vocational experts who calculate lost earning capacity. When insurance companies see we’ve built an trial-ready case with expert support, settlement offers multiply.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

After 40 years representing injured riders, we’ve seen how small mistakes can cost thousands in compensation. Here’s what to avoid:

At the Scene Mistakes

“I’m okay” or “It wasn’t that bad.” Adrenaline lies. What feels like minor soreness becomes debilitating pain once shock wears off. These statements get quoted endlessly by insurance companies. Stick to “I need to be checked by a doctor.”

Apologizing or admitting any fault. “Sorry” becomes an admission of guilt. “I should have seen you” becomes accepting blame. Even “I was going pretty fast” gets twisted into reckless driving. Let investigators determine fault—just exchange information.

Not calling police for “minor” accidents. Without an official report, it becomes your word against theirs. The other driver’s story changes once they realize their insurance rates might increase. Always get police documentation.

Post-Accident Mistakes

Giving recorded statements without an attorney. That friendly adjuster asking about your accident? They’re building a case against you. Every detail gets analyzed for ways to reduce your claim. “I hit the brakes hard” becomes “admits to losing control.”

Posting on social media. That photo of you standing at your nephew’s birthday party becomes “evidence” you’re not really injured. Privacy settings don’t matter—insurance companies find these posts. Stay off social media entirely during your claim.

Accepting the first settlement offer. It arrives when bills are scariest, designed to look generous. Six months later when you need surgery, you can’t go back for more. One signature eliminates your rights forever.

Downplaying injuries to doctors. Being tough hurts your case. “It’s not that bad” in medical records becomes proof you weren’t seriously injured. Be honest about pain levels and limitations.

The Biggest Mistake: Waiting Too Long

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Security footage gets deleted. That sharp pain you ignored becomes a herniated disc requiring surgery—but now they claim it’s unrelated to the accident. The sooner you protect your rights, the stronger your case becomes.

Why Boulder City Motorcycle Accident Victims Choose Jack Bernstein

Experience That Makes a Difference

Forty years focusing on personal injury law means we’ve seen every insurance company tactic, every type of motorcycle accident, every excuse used to blame riders. But it’s not about impressive past verdicts—it’s about applying decades of knowledge to get you results today.

When insurance companies see Jack Bernstein on a motorcycle case, they know:

• We understand motorcycle accidents require different strategies than car crashes
• We’ll invest in accident reconstruction to prove what really happened
• We’re prepared for trial, not desperate for quick settlements
• We’ve overcome “reckless rider” bias hundreds of times before

Personal Attention, Not a Case Number

Call most law firms and you’ll talk to an intake specialist, then a paralegal, then maybe a junior associate. When you call Jack Bernstein, you get Jack Bernstein. Your case strategy comes from someone with four decades of experience, not someone googling “motorcycle accident law” between meetings.

This means:

• Your questions get answered by the attorney handling your case
• Strategy decisions come from extensive experience, not guesswork
• You’re never passed around or forgotten
• When insurance companies want to negotiate, they talk to Jack

True No-Win, No-Fee Representation

“No fee unless we win” isn’t just a slogan—it’s how we’ve always operated. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all case costs. You don’t receive bills during your case. We only get paid from successful results.

This arrangement means our success depends on yours. We can’t afford to take weak cases or accept lowball settlements. Your recovery is our recovery.

Resources to Battle Billion-Dollar Insurance Companies

While you focus on healing, we marshal resources including:

• Accident reconstruction experts who specialize in motorcycle dynamics
• Medical specialists who understand riding injuries
• Investigators who preserve evidence before it disappears
• Trial attorneys ready to present your case to a jury

We match their resources with our own because that’s what it takes to win.

Boulder City Motorcycle Accident FAQs

“What if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?”

While lane splitting isn’t explicitly legal in Nevada, it doesn’t automatically make you at fault. If a driver changed lanes without looking and hit you, their negligence still caused the crash. We focus on proving the other driver’s actions caused the collision.

“The driver says they didn’t see me. Doesn’t that end my case?”

“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is an admission of negligence, not an excuse. Drivers have a legal duty to look for all vehicles before turning or changing lanes. This statement actually helps prove they failed in their responsibility to drive safely.

“I wasn’t wearing riding pants or a jacket. Will that hurt my case?”

Nevada only requires helmets, not full gear. While insurance companies will try to blame your injuries on lack of gear, we keep focus on the negligent driver who caused the crash. Your gear choices don’t give someone permission to hit you.

“What if the police report seems to blame me?”

Police reports aren’t the final word. Officers rarely have accident reconstruction training specific to motorcycles. We’ve successfully challenged incorrect reports by proving what physical evidence actually shows versus initial assumptions.

“How much is my case worth?”

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, impact on your life, and available insurance. Beware any attorney who throws out numbers without reviewing your specific situation. Honest evaluation takes careful analysis.

“What if I can’t afford to pay an attorney?”

You can afford Jack Bernstein because you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no monthly bills, no financial risk. We even advance case expenses. Quality representation shouldn’t depend on your bank account.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

Time Is Not On Your Side

While you’re reading this, insurance companies are working against you. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are forgetting details. The other driver is crafting their version of events. Every day you wait makes your case harder to prove and worth less money.

But you don’t have to face this alone.

What Happens During Your Free Consultation

When you meet with Jack, there’s no pressure and no obligation. Just answers.

During your consultation:

• Tell us what happened without worrying about legal terminology
• Get honest answers about your case’s strengths and challenges
• Understand what compensation you should actually expect
• Learn your options without confusing legal jargon
• Decide if we’re the right fit for you

Bring any documents you have—police reports, medical records, insurance papers—but don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We can help gather what’s needed.

Why Riders Trust Jack Bernstein

For four decades, Jack has stood up for injured motorcyclists when everyone else blamed them for riding. He understands that motorcycling isn’t about being reckless—it’s about freedom, enjoyment, and for many, a way of life that deserves respect.

When insurance companies see a biker, they see a target. When Jack sees a biker, he sees a client who deserves justice.

Take Action Now

Call (702) 213-7503 for your free consultation

Available evenings and weekends. Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you.

Don’t let insurance companies write the end of your story. You’ve been through enough. Let someone who understands fight for you while you focus on healing.

Because when it comes to protecting injured riders from insurance company games, Jack’s got your back.

The insurance company already has lawyers working against you. Isn’t it time you had someone fighting for you?

Call (702) 213-7534 now. The consultation is free. The peace of mind is priceless.