When you are driving around Reno, you might see motorcyclists with their license plates flipped over, turned to the side, or covered by their seats. Why do so many motorcyclists do this?
There are a few reasons why a motorcyclist might flip or otherwise conceal a plate. First, in the internet age, people do not want others to photograph their bikes and post their license plates online. Another reason might be that the motorcyclist is hiding their plates from law enforcement, as the plates might be fraudulent or they might be doing something else wrong.
In any case, motorcyclists should always have completely visible and valid license plates on their bikes. When they do not, how might this affect your situation if you are in an accident involving a motorcycle? Discuss your accident and options with amotorycycle accident attorney in Reno right away.
If the Motorcyclist with Flipped Plates Hits Your Car
If a motorcyclist is negligent and crashes into your car, they should be responsible for all the damage and injuries that result. If the motorcycle has a flipped plate, you need to take steps to get the correct and complete information.
You will need to ask the motorcyclist for their plate number and insurance information. If they have false plates (which is why they were hidden), they might try to avoid giving you their information.
You do not want to confront a motorcyclist if they are refusing to give you their information. Call 911 so law enforcement officers arrive at the scene. They can obtain the motorcyclist’s information for you so you do not risk a difficult confrontation.
If a Car Hits Your Motorcycle with Flipped Plates
If you are a motorcyclist who suffers injuries in an accident, your rights to compensation should not be affected by having your plates flipped. A negligent driver who hit you should be responsible for covering your losses, including your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Always seek help from a motorcycle accident attorney if you were hurt by another driver. The driver and their insurance company might try to use your violation of license plate laws to avoid liability for your losses. However, this violation did not contribute to the accident, so it should not affect your rights to compensation.
The insurance claims process can be challenging, whether you were in a car or on a motorcycle when someone hit you. You always want to seek help from an injury attorney who can represent you and your rights to insurers.
A Reno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Kidwell & Gallagher, we represent people injured in both car and motorcycle accidents. We fight for the rights of accident victims, even in complicated situations. Insurance companies will try anything to avoid paying the full amount on claims, so they can challenge a claim that involves flipped plates or similar issues. Contact us today so we can evaluate your rights and begin handling the legal process for you.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
- With more than 21 years of experience in complex litigation cases in Nevada.
- In 2018, the State Bar of Nevada selected Mr. Kidwell as one of the five co-founding board members.
- Mr. Kidwell has lobbied and testified before the Nevada Legislature on behalf of the Nevada Justice.
