Motorcycle Accident FAQs | Reno, Nevada
Riding through the Truckee Meadows, along US-395, or through downtown Reno shouldn't put your life at risk — but motorcycle accidents happen fast, and the aftermath can feel impossible to navigate alone. Medical bills stack up quickly, insurance adjusters call before you've even left the hospital, and you're left wondering what your rights actually are. At Bradley Drendel & Jeanney, one of Nevada's oldest personal injury firms serving Reno riders since 1957, we've spent nearly seven decades answering those exact questions. Below are the answers to the most common questions injured motorcyclists ask — and what they mean for your case.
Request Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Reno, NV
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Nevada?
Nevada's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you generally lose the right to pursue compensation entirely. Don't wait — evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and the sooner an attorney reviews your case, the stronger your claim will be.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, in most situations. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. An attorney can investigate the facts and work to minimize how much fault is attributed to you.
Do I have to accept the insurance company's first offer?
No. You are never obligated to accept any settlement offer. Insurance companies routinely make low initial offers, hoping injured riders will settle before fully understanding the extent of their losses. Bradley Drendel & Jeanney reviews every offer and advises clients on whether it reflects their actual damages — present and future.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. There may also be additional avenues for recovery depending on the circumstances, such as third-party liability from road conditions or defective equipment. An attorney can identify every available option.
What types of compensation can a motorcycle accident victim recover?
Injured riders in Reno may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses — hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages — income lost during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity — if injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage — repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Wrongful death damages — if a family member was killed in the crash
Why do Reno riders trust Bradley Drendel & Jeanney?
Founded in 1957, Bradley Drendel & Jeanney is one of the most established personal injury firms in Nevada. The firm has recovered significant verdicts and settlements for injured clients — including a $4,000,000 auto accident recovery and $90,000,000+ in a truck accident case — and is known throughout the Reno and Washoe County community for fighting back hard when insurance companies undervalue claims. Riders across Sparks, Midtown, and the greater Truckee Meadows have relied on this firm when it matters most.
What happens after I contact the firm?
You'll start with a free, no-obligation consultation. The attorneys will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options in plain language, and outline what the claims process looks like. If you decide to move forward, the firm handles the investigation, negotiation, and — if necessary — litigation before Washoe County courts, so you can focus on recovering.
Ready to Get Answers Specific to Your Case? Chat with a Lawyer Today.
You've read the FAQs — now get answers that are specific to you. Every motorcycle accident in Reno is different, and the details of your crash matter. Don't guess at your rights or settle for less than you deserve. Chat with a lawyer today by visiting our contact page or call us directly at 775-335-9999. Bradley Drendel & Jeanney offers free consultations, charges no fees unless you win, and has been fighting for injured Nevada riders for nearly seven decades. Your recovery starts with one conversation.
Free consultations. No fee unless we win your case
Personal injury areas of practice
The compensation you may be eligible for depends on the nature and extent of your case. Our attorneys handle
a wide range of claims and can help you understand your legal options and potential recovery.
Our winning record speaks for itself
$90,000,000+
Truck Accident
$5,935,000
Insurance Bad Faith
$4,000,000
Auto Accident
$9,982,383
Aviation Accident
$4,650,000
Premises Liability