A motorcyclist was killed Thursday night in Reno when his motorcycle hit a guard rail along the side of the road on Interstate 80.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the accident took place on the westbound lanes near the Orchard exit. The rider, 55 year old Russell Morton was cruising in his 2010 Harley Davidson in the left lane at approximately 8:40 p.m. when he hit the rail.

He clipped the portion of the guardrail adjacent to the outer edge of the highway and was ejected from the bike. He hopelessly tumbled to a stop, sustaining a number of severe and ultimately fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Both lanes of the westbound I-80 were closed down to allow investigators to look over the scene and crews to clean up the scattered debris. The right lane was reopened about an hour and a half later, and the left lane was reopened about an hour after that.

At this time, police have no indicator as to what caused the bike to clip the guardrail. Officers are looking to determine if another vehicle influenced the motorcycle or if a loss of control or rider focus was the cause.

Witnesses to the accident are being encouraged to call the Reno Police’s Major Accident Investigation Team with any and all information that can be used to solve the mystery.

The operation of a motorcycle is a dangerous exercise. The dangers associated with driving on the open road are amplified when compared to their four wheeled vehicular brethren.

What would otherwise be a mild scrape and a loss of paint in a car can turn into a gravely harmful or fatal accident on a motorcycle. Riders need to take extra care to focus while operating their machines, as only the slightest lapses in focus can end in disaster.

If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident like this, you need help right now. The Law Office of Robert Koenig has the skill and experience necessary to help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. We are a group of professional Reno accident lawyers who are fully versed in all of Nevada’s state laws.

Our accident lawyers can help you pay off the financial burdens imparted upon you as a result of your accident by helping win settlement from all of the liable parties involved. We are more than capable of accurately representing all of your concerns and are willing to fight for your rights. Call us today for your free evaluation!