Clark County Motorcycle Injury: What Riders Need to Know After a Crash

Motorcycle accidents in Clark County often leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and a long road to recovery. Unlike drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists have very little protection when they’re struck—and that means the consequences are almost always severe. From busy Las Vegas intersections to high-speed highways cutting through Henderson and beyond, riders face serious risks every day.

In 2024, Clark County saw a surge in motorcycle-related crashes, many of which resulted in critical injuries or fatalities. According to data from the Nevada Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities increased by over 20% compared to the previous year. Most of these accidents were caused by careless drivers who failed to yield, merged without checking blind spots, or were simply distracted behind the wheel.

At Jerez Law, we’ve seen how motorcycle crashes change lives. Victims are often left dealing with massive medical bills, time off work, insurance delays, and long-term recovery. That’s where we come in. We help injured riders and their families fight back—building strong claims and demanding full compensation for everything they’ve lost. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Clark County, you’re not alone—and we’re ready to help.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Clark County

Motorcyclists face a wide range of hazards on the road—many of which come from drivers who don’t see them, don’t respect their space, or don’t follow traffic laws. Below are the most common types of motorcycle accidents we see across Clark County, including Las Vegas, Henderson, and unincorporated areas.

Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents

This is one of the most frequent and dangerous motorcycle crash types. A vehicle turns left in front of a rider—usually at an intersection—cutting off the motorcycle’s path. These crashes are high-impact and often leave little room for riders to react.

Common causes and situations in left-turn accidents:

• Drivers misjudging a rider’s speed or distance when turning
• Crashes at major intersections like Flamingo & Eastern or Boulder Hwy & Sahara
• Lack of left-turn arrows or signals at busy two-way intersections
• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming motorcycles

Unsafe Lane Change Collisions

Drivers often miss motorcycles when changing lanes, especially on highways or multi-lane roads. Even a slight nudge from a larger vehicle can send a rider sliding or flying off the bike.

Common causes and situations in lane-change collisions:

• Motorists not checking blind spots during lane changes
• Distracted drivers swerving into the motorcycle’s lane
• Tight merging areas on I-15, US-95, and the 215 Beltway
• Failure to signal before merging or weaving through traffic

Rear-End Collisions Involving Motorcycles

A motorcyclist stopped at a red light or stop sign is hit from behind. Even low-speed impacts can be devastating because the rider may be thrown forward or crushed between vehicles.

Common causes and situations in rear-end collisions:

• Distracted or speeding drivers not braking in time
• Sudden stops in traffic near resorts or busy tourist corridors
• Riders stopped in poorly lit areas or behind larger vehicles
• Follow-too-close behavior on congested roads like Tropicana or Maryland Pkwy

Dooring Accidents and Close-Proximity Crashes

Dooring happens when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an approaching motorcycle. These crashes are common in urban areas and along roadside parking zones.

Common causes and situations in dooring and proximity crashes:

• Drivers parked along Fremont Street, Water Street, or The Strip opening doors without checking
• Riders lane-splitting near rows of parked cars
• Poor visibility or nighttime conditions reducing driver awareness
• Sudden passenger exits in rideshare pickup zones

Road Hazard–Related Crashes

Motorcycles are highly sensitive to uneven surfaces, debris, or slippery roads. A small pothole that wouldn’t affect a car can cause a rider to lose control entirely.

Common causes and situations in road hazard crashes:

• Gravel, sand, or spilled fluids on roads near construction zones
• Uneven pavement on backroads and older routes in East Las Vegas or North LV
• Potholes or poorly patched roadwork during summer maintenance
• Hazardous storm runoff or oil slicks after first rainfall

High-Speed Crashes and Freeway Merging Accidents

High-speed collisions on freeways often happen during merging or sudden lane shifts. These are among the deadliest motorcycle crashes due to the speeds involved and violent impacts.

Common causes and situations in high-speed and merging crashes:

• Cars merging without checking for smaller vehicles on I-215, I-515, or I-15
• Riders clipped at high speeds during lane changes
• Rear-end crashes at 60+ mph in fast-moving traffic
• Multiple vehicles veering or braking at once during rush hour

Intersection T-Bone or Cross-Traffic Accidents

These occur when a rider is hit broadside by a vehicle running a red light or failing to stop at a sign. Motorcyclists hit from the side have almost no buffer for impact.

Common causes and situations in intersection crashes:

• Red-light runners at congested intersections like Rainbow & Sahara
• Drivers not seeing motorcycles approaching from cross-traffic
• Confusing intersections with flashing yellows or shared turn lanes
• Drivers who roll through stop signs without checking side streets

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups Involving Motorcycles

In congested traffic, one small collision can turn into a chain-reaction crash that sweeps up motorcyclists in the middle. These crashes are difficult to avoid and often lead to severe injuries.

Common causes and situations in multi-vehicle pileups:

• Stop-and-go freeway traffic causing chain collisions
• Sudden braking in high-speed zones causing cars to slam into each other
• Riders being thrown or run over during a secondary collision
• Vehicles swerving unexpectedly around disabled cars or traffic hazards

What Injuries Are Sustained After a Motorcycle Crash in Clark County?

Motorcyclists are incredibly exposed in a crash, and even low-speed collisions can cause severe trauma. Below are the most common types of injuries riders suffer in Clark County crashes—and why they deserve serious legal attention. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Even helmeted riders can suffer concussions or serious brain injuries during a crash. Sudden stops or ejection from the bike often lead to the head striking the pavement, vehicles, or roadside barriers.

TBI is often caused by:

• Left-turn accidents where a driver cuts off a motorcyclist at intersections like Eastern Ave or Sahara Ave
• High-speed crashes on roads like I-515 or the 215 Beltway where ejection occurs
• Unaware drivers rear-ending or side-swiping motorcycles in traffic
• Head impact with curbs, medians, or other hard surfaces after being thrown from the bike

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal injuries are catastrophic and often permanent. They frequently result from direct rear impacts or rollovers in high-speed crashes. Riders may lose partial or full mobility depending on where the spine is damaged.

How Spinal Cord injuries happen:

• Speeding vehicles slamming into motorcycles from behind at traffic lights
• Sudden swerves or lane changes forcing riders off the road and into fixed objects
• Being crushed between vehicles in congested freeway traffic
• Hard landings after being launched during rear-end or side-impact collisions

Broken Bones and Fractures

Motorcyclists often suffer multiple broken bones in one crash. The most common areas include legs, arms, shoulders, and ribs—especially when the rider is pinned or thrown.

How Broken Bone and Fracture injuries happen

• Being struck by vehicles turning left across the rider’s lane
• Collisions in narrow lanes or while splitting lanes where limbs hit other vehicles
• Side-impact crashes at intersections with limited visibility or poor signage
• Riders instinctively bracing for impact with their arms, leading to wrist and shoulder fractures

Road Rash and Skin Abrasions

Sliding across pavement after being thrown from a motorcycle causes painful abrasions known as road rash. These wounds range from superficial scrapes to deep tissue damage.

Why Road Rash injuries happen:

• High-speed ejections on highways and major arterials
• T-bone collisions in intersections that send the rider skidding across asphalt
• Getting sideswiped in parking lots or narrow city streets
• Loss of control due to road debris, gravel, or sharp turns in poorly maintained area.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

These injuries are dangerous because they may not be visible right away but can become life-threatening. Organ trauma and internal bleeding often require emergency surgery.

Often caused by:

• Blunt force trauma from being thrown into a vehicle or hard object
• Crushing forces when pinned under or between vehicles
• Handlebar impact to the abdomen in frontal collisions
• Hitting barriers or signage after veering off-road at high speed

Facial and Dental Injuries

When a helmet doesn’t fully cover the face—or isn’t worn—motorcycle accidents can cause serious trauma to the jaw, teeth, and eyes. These are often disfiguring and require extensive medical intervention.

Facial and Dental injuries are Often caused by:

• Face-first impact with pavement during low-side crashes
• Slamming into windshields or mirrors during side-swipes
• Falling forward off the bike during hard braking or sudden stops
• Incomplete helmet use (e.g., open-face helmets in high-impact collisions)

Amputations or Crushed Limbs

Severe crashes can result in the crushing of arms or legs between vehicles or against barriers. Some injuries require amputation or lead to lifelong use of prosthetics.

Amputations are often caused by:

• Being sandwiched between two cars in traffic pile-ups
• Legs getting trapped under the motorcycle after a rollove
• Collision with guardrails or steel poles on tight turns
• High-speed crashes involving delivery trucks or commercial vehicles

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Clark County?

Liability in motorcycle crashes can extend far beyond just the driver who hit you. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault, including commercial vehicle operators, road contractors, or even local government entities. Here are the most common examples of parties who may be held liable in Clark County motorcycle injury claims.

Driver Negligence

Drivers in Nevada are legally obligated to operate their vehicles in a way that keeps others safe, including motorcyclists. When they breach that duty—by speeding, drifting across lanes, or ignoring a rider’s right-of-way—they can be held legally liable for any injuries that result. Even a moment of inattention can have life-changing consequences for a motorcyclist.

Key points for driver negligence liability:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way can create full legal liability for the driver under NRS 484B.257
• Texting while driving is a violation of Nevada’s distracted driving laws (NRS 484B.165) and supports a negligence claim
• Driving under the influence (NRS 484C.110) exposes the driver to civil and criminal liability

Comparative Negligence

Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. If a motorcyclist is partially at fault—say, for speeding or lane splitting—their compensation will be reduced by their share of the blame. But as long as they’re less than 51% responsible, they may still recover damages.

Key points for comparative negligence liability:

• Motorcyclists found partially liable (under 50%) can still collect damages under NRS 41.141
• A rider 25% at fault would receive 75% of their total compensation
• If liability exceeds 50%, the rider may be barred from financial recovery

Employer Liability

When a driver causes an accident while on the job—such as delivering packages or driving a company vehicle—their employer can also be held liable. This is known as vicarious liability, and it holds businesses accountable for the actions of their employees during work-related duties. It can lead to greater compensation due to commercial insurance policies.

Key points for employer liability (vicarious liability):

• Employers are liable for crashes caused by employees acting within the scope of their job
• Delivery companies like UPS or Amazon can be named as defendants in addition to the driver
• Lack of driver training or negligent hiring strengthens employer liability

Government Liability

If a crash happens because of poor road design, faded markings, or dangerous potholes, the city or state may be responsible. In these cases, the government entity that maintains the road may be held liable for failing to provide safe driving conditions. Filing a claim against a public agency involves special rules and tight deadlines.

Key points for government liability:

• Clark County or the Nevada Department of Transportation may be liable for known hazards or neglected repairs
• Claims must follow Nevada’s tort claims process (NRS 41.031 – 41.039)
• Documentation of previous complaints or delayed repairs can strengthen the claim

Product Liability

When a crash is caused or worsened by faulty equipment—like defective brakes, tires, or helmets—the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable. These cases fall under Nevada’s product liability laws and don’t require proof of negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm. Riders shouldn’t have to suffer for a failure in manufacturing or design.

Key points for product liability:

• Defective motorcycle parts may fall under Nevada’s strict liability rule (NRS 695E.090)
• Manufacturers can be held liable even if they weren’t aware of the defect
• Proof the defect caused or worsened the injury is essential for success

Types of Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident in Clark County

The financial and physical toll of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Compensation should cover not just your immediate medical bills, but your full recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. Below are the types of damages we fight to recover for every injured rider we represent.

Under Nevada law, injured riders are entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault party. These damages are meant to cover both your financial losses and your pain, suffering, and future limitations. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of compensation available in a Clark County motorcycle injury claim

Medical Expenses

Medical care is often the largest cost after a motorcycle accident. From ambulance transport to trauma surgery to ongoing physical therapy, your recovery may span months or even years—and insurance doesn’t always cover it all. We fight to make sure your current and future medical bills are fully compensated.

Compensation for medical expenses may include:

• Emergency room treatment following the crash
• Hospital stays, surgeries, and intensive care
• Ongoing physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Pain management and prescription medication
• Medical devices like crutches, braces, or wheelchairs
• Future procedures tied to the injury (e.g., spinal surgeries, skin grafts)

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If you had to miss work because of the crash—or can’t go back to your old job—you deserve to be paid for that lost income. Motorcycle accident injuries can prevent riders from working full-time, returning to high-skill positions, or ever working again.

Compensation for lost income may cover:

• Time off work during hospitalization and recovery
• Used-up PTO or sick leave due to injury
• Missed freelance gigs, commissions, or contract work
• Reduced ability to work in your former field (e.g., construction, trades)
• Future income loss for long-term or permanent disabilities

Pain and Suffering

This covers the physical and emotional toll the crash has taken on your life. Pain and suffering damages go beyond medical costs—they account for what you’ve been through and how your daily life has changed.

Pain and suffering compensation may include:

• Ongoing physical pain and discomfort
• Loss of mobility or independence
• Inability to enjoy hobbies or physical activity
• Sleep disruption or chronic fatigue caused by pain
• Increased difficulty performing everyday tasks

Emotional Distress and Mental Health Treatment

The trauma of a motorcycle crash doesn’t stop at the physical injuries. Many victims develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD—especially if the crash involved violent impact, permanent injury, or a fatality.

This type of compensation may cover:

• Counseling or therapy sessions for trauma recovery
• Psychiatric care or medication for PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Mental health treatment for panic attacks or sleep disorders
• Emotional distress from scarring, disability, or disfigurement
• Loss of confidence or social withdrawal tied to the injury

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

Some crashes result in permanent, life-altering injuries. These damages recognize the long-term impact on your ability to work, live independently, and enjoy life.

You may receive compensation for:

• Amputation or loss of use of a limb
• Traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage
• Chronic conditions that affect your movement or cognition
• Visible scarring or disfigurement from burns, road rash, or surgery
• Need for home modifications, medical aids, or lifelong care

Property Damage

Motorcycle accidents usually destroy the bike—and may damage your gear or personal belongings too. These costs are recoverable as part of your injury claim.

Property damage compensation may include:

• Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
• Damaged helmets, jackets, boots, and riding gear
• Cracked phone, smartwatch, or GPS
• Broken glasses, laptops, or work tools carried at the time
• Custom bike parts or aftermarket accessories

After a Motorcycle Accident in Clark County, You Deserve Real Help—Not Runaround

If you’ve been hit on your motorcycle in Clark County, you’re dealing with more than just injuries—you’re navigating pain, recovery, bills, and uncertainty. At Jerez Law, we understand what’s at stake. We don’t just handle your claim—we show up, build your case, and fight for full compensation. **No fees unless we win. No guesswork. No getting passed around.**

We’ve helped injured riders across Las Vegas, Henderson, and beyond get justice after motorcycle crashes—and we’re ready to help you. Reach out today to talk with a team that actually listens, explains your options, and gets to work fast.

Absolutely! Here’s your final “Why Contact Jerez Law After a Motorcycle Accident in Clark County” section—crafted in the same natural, grounded, and high-converting style we’ve used throughout the day. It reinforces urgency, empathy, and your firm’s local credibility.

Why Contact Jerez Law After a Motorcycle Accident in Clark County

After a motorcycle accident, you’re dealing with more than road rash and paperwork. You’re in pain, you’re out of work, and you’ve got insurance companies pushing lowball offers while you’re still trying to figure out how to sleep through the night. If you’re here, you probably already know you need help—you just want to make sure you’re talking to someone who gets it.

At Jerez Law, we’ve represented injured riders all across Clark County—from downtown Las Vegas to the backroads of Henderson. We’ve seen the damage these crashes do and how quick insurers are to shift blame onto the biker. That’s why we step in early, move fast, and don’t stop until we’ve put the full weight of your case on the table.

Here’s what working with us looks like:

• A free consultation with a real attorney who knows how these cases work
• Full investigation of the crash, including traffic cam footage, vehicle data, and rider testimony
• Clear communication—no legal speak, no ghosting, no runaround
• Local experience navigating Las Vegas Metro reports, county liability issues, and comparative fault laws
• No fees unless we win. No exceptions.

We don’t do billboards. We do results. You focus on recovery—we’ll handle the rest.

Talk to a real Clark County motorcycle accident lawyer today → Contact Jerez Law