
Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Renowned Trial Attorneys Serving Northern Nevada Since 1998

A careless motorist can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. When a car or truck driver fails to signal a turn, obey the speed limit, or compensate for dangerous conditions, the consequences are often severe for motorcyclists, who face serious injuries and disability after a crash.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. can help you fight to hold the negligent driver responsible for his or her actions. Our Reno motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injured bikers throughout Northern Nevada—we know the unique challenges you face and are prepared to use our 100+ years of combined experience and access to considerable resources to help you in your recovery. We take no fee unless we win your case. Schedule your free legal consultation as soon as possible!
Call (775) 227-2280 or contact us online to speak with our Reno motorcycle accident lawyers during a free case consultation.
Proving Fault in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
As in other types of personal injury cases, proving fault is critical to the success of your motorcycle accident claim. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence rules, you will need to prove that another person or party was at least 51% at fault for the accident/incident that caused your injuries. If you were partially to blame but less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation for your damages. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. So, if a jury decides that you were 20% at fault for the accident, you can only recover up to 80% of the total recovery that you would have otherwise been able to secure if the jury determined that you were not at fault whatsoever for the accident.
Nevada's comparative negligence law is designed to ensure fairness and proportionality in awarding damages. This system allows motorcyclists to pursue rightful compensation even if they share some fault, thereby focusing on the core issue of negligence by the other party involved. It’s crucial to gather evidence, including witness statements and accident reconstructions, to effectively demonstrate the other driver’s primary responsibility. Our legal team is adept at compiling comprehensive evidence to build a strong case.
Establishing fault typically involves proving that another motorist was negligent and that this led to the accident. Examples of motorist negligence include:
- Distracted driving, including texting & driving
- Violating traffic laws or rules of the road
- Speeding, including excessive speeding
- Reckless and/or aggressive driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights
- Making unsafe or illegal lane changes or turns
- Passing unlawfully
These are just some examples of driver negligence, but there are many others. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face an uphill battle when it comes to proving another motorist’s negligence, as they often must fight against the unfair yet nevertheless persistent misconception that motorcyclists are risky, unsafe drivers. Our firm can help you fight back against these stereotypes and work to convince the insurance company and/or the jury of the other motorist’s negligence.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Most people involved in motorcycle accidents come away with serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bone fractures in the legs are the most common type of injury to come from a motorcycle accident, with injuries to the head and chest being less common but more severe.
The Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents Include:
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken ribs
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Damaged organs
- Broken limbs
- Fatalities
While these injuries can be immediately devastating, they often carry long-term implications that require extensive rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments. Our team works with medical professionals to ensure you receive appropriate care and documentation, which is essential for supporting your claim. Understanding the full scope of your injuries allows us to seek comprehensive compensation that addresses not only immediate medical costs but also long-term impacts such as ongoing therapy, medication needs, and modifications to your living environment.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage Can Aid Crash Victims
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., we know that motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, ranging from traumatic brain injuries and broken bones to spinal cord injuries and severe burns. However, Nevada only requires drivers to have $15,000 per claimant in insurance coverage. This means the at-fault party often does not have enough coverage to pay for the cost of such catastrophic injuries.
If the costs associated with your injuries exceed $15,000, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Reno can help you pursue an underinsured motorist claim through your own insurance company. We highly recommend that every driver carry underinsured motorist coverage and medical payment coverage.
However, if you don’t have underinsured motorist coverage or any other source of reimbursement, we will determine whether the at-fault party has any property or other personal assets that we can utilize to satisfy a judgment. For instance, the at-fault driver may not have adequate insurance, but he or she may own several houses free and clear. We can seek a judgment and go after that property in order to provide for your massive medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding the complexities of insurance policies is critical. Many victims are unaware of the potential for underinsured motorist coverage claims or how to effectively navigate the claims process. Our attorneys guide you through each step, ensuring all paperwork is meticulously completed and submitted, and will negotiate persistently with insurance companies to achieve the best possible outcome, reflecting the true costs and repercussions of your injuries.
Seeking the Maximum Possible Compensation
We are dedicated to pursuing the maximum possible compensation on behalf of our victims. When you work with our law firm, our personal injury team will thoroughly investigate the accident and the long-term effects it will have on your life. Then, we will seek a resolution that fully compensates you for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you have suffered.
Depending on your unique situation, we may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Emergency medical care
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Future medical care costs
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Lost wages/income
- Lost future earnings/lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Property damage
- Counseling services
Every case is unique, and so is our approach. We delve into every detail, going beyond immediate loss to examine potential future challenges such as disability concerns or reduced life quality. This in-depth evaluation enables us to construct a compelling argument that addresses all aspects of your losses, ensuring the compensation reflects your actual experiences and needs.
In every case, we work to maximize our clients’ recoveries, whether through aggressive negotiations with the liable insurance company or by taking a case to trial.
Our Real Trial Lawyers Don’t Yield to Unfavorable Settlement Offers
An influx of high-volume, low-yield law firms, or “personal injury mills,” has insurance companies believing that they can get away with short-changing accident victims. They devalue many claims because they know that the victims’ attorneys are not willing to go to trial.
At our law firm, we actually try cases. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Reno have been recognized for their high level of legal skill by Martindale-Hubbell®, the National Trial Lawyers, and other prestigious national organizations. If the insurance company is offering far less than you could get at trial, we will take your case before the jury. You can count on us to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and harm.
Get a free case evaluation by calling us at (775) 227-2280. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Reno?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Reno, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and health immediately after the incident. First, ensure you move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and check for any injuries to yourself and others involved. Contact emergency services by calling 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent—it’s important for your health and for documenting injuries for insurance and legal purposes.
While waiting for help, collect as much information as possible from the scene, including the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved. Take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and damage to all vehicles. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as this could potentially be used against you later. Once you’ve seen a healthcare professional, contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. to discuss your case with an experienced Reno motorcycle accident attorney who can guide you on the next steps to take.
How Do Reno Courts Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims?
In Reno, motorcycle accident claims are typically handled in the district courts, where the legal process may involve both settlement negotiations and, if necessary, a trial. The court utilizes Nevada’s comparative negligence framework to determine liability, allowing plaintiffs to recover damages even if they hold partial fault, provided their fault is less than 50%. During the proceedings, both parties will present evidence to support their claims about fault and damages, often leading to negotiations on settlement offers.
It’s vital to engage with an attorney who has a deep understanding of Nevada motorcycle laws and courtroom procedures. At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., our attorneys are well-versed in local legal standards and procedures, offering clients skilled advocacy through all stages of the legal process, from filing claims to representing clients in front of a judge or jury. We seek to maximize your compensation and ensure that every piece of evidence is effectively presented to uphold your rights.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Accident Claims?
There are several widespread misconceptions about motorcycle accident claims that could hinder victim compensation if not addressed. A frequent misunderstanding is that motorcyclists are generally deemed at fault due to stereotypes about their driving habits. However, liability is determined by evaluating the specific circumstances of each accident, and evidence plays a crucial role in these determinations. It’s important to remember that well-documented evidence can challenge these biases.
Another misconception is that minor injuries don’t warrant legal action, but injuries often evolve over time, causing significant health issues and financial burdens. Consulting with an attorney ensures these injuries are assessed properly, and compensation reflects true impacts. Lastly, some believe that accepting the first insurance offer is the easiest path, but initial settlements often undervalue claims. At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., we advise clients to consult with us before accepting any offers, ensuring all negotiations reflect the full extent of their entitlements.


At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman, L.L.P., our attorneys offer the support and resources of a large firm, but with the focused attention and care of small firm.
Client Success Stories
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They got me the proper care
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Our experience with this firm was outstanding
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