You probably have several questions if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, NV. Luckily, you don’t have to figure out the answers to them alone.
The team at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to provide the guidance and legal support you need. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping personal injury victims. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients throughout Nevada.
Now, we can guide you through the car accident claims process and obtain the financial recovery you deserve. Contact our law firm online or call us at (702) 222-9999 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Las Vegas, NV?
Adjusters are employees of the insurance company. They aren’t your advocate, and they’re not going to offer you a settlement that represents the full value of your claim. If they do, it will be after many rounds of negotiations or because you have legal representation.
The point is that insurance agents are always trying to limit their financial exposure. If you’re dealing with accident-related injuries, it can be difficult to keep up. Let a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer do this heavy lifting so you can focus on your healing and well-being.
If you hire De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers after a crash in Las Vegas, NV, we’ll assist by:
- Thoroughly explaining your rights under Nevada law so that you can make informed decisions
- Investigating all facets of your collision and gathering crucial information and evidence
- Calculating the fair value of your financial and non-financial losses
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance agents and others on your behalf
- Working toward a fair car accident settlement
- Representing you in the courtroom and at trial if we cannot settle the case for what it’s worth
You don’t have to accept an agent’s first offer. It’s better to receive advice on whether it’s a good deal, or else you risk walking away with much less than you deserve. We can evaluate your case and provide guidance, so schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas, Nevada?
You have certain obligations under Nevada law that you must fulfill in the event of a crash.
- First and foremost, you must stop your vehicle at or near the accident scene. If your car obstructs traffic or creates a hazard, move it to a safer location (if you can).
- You should then exchange information with other involved parties, including your insurance, name, address, and vehicle registration information.
- It’s advisable to call 911, especially if the collision resulted in injury, death, or apparent property damage of over $750. You should also involve the police if you struck an unattended vehicle or structure. The responding officers will create an accident report containing vital details. If they don’t respond, you may have an obligation to report the traffic crash to the DMV within ten days.
- If you can, document the crash scene. Take detailed photos and videos of relevant information, such as property damage, skid marks, debris, and traffic conditions. Obtain information from any eyewitnesses who stopped at the scene.
- If you aren’t transported to the nearest hospital, seek prompt medical attention. This is an important step, even if you aren’t sure if you’re injured. Some injuries may present symptoms later or be difficult to detect without medical intervention. Plus, your medical record will prove a link between the accident and your injuries.
One thing you shouldn’t do after a crash is admit fault. Don’t apologize at the scene or say things like “I’m fine.” Doing so may be used against you later.
You should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas to discuss your motor vehicle accident and options for compensation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get in a Las Vegas Car Accident Claim?
Las Vegas car accident victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages under Nevada law.
Economic damages are monetary losses that represent the financial impact of your crash, such as:
- Medical bills for ambulance services, ER visits, hospital expenses, and healthcare
- Future medical expenses if you need ongoing treatment
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses for travel, childcare, or in-home assistance
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle and/or personal belongings
Unlike economic losses, non-economic damages don’t come with a statement, receipt, or bill.
They’re personal to each injury victim’s experience and could include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Physical impairment or disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD
In addition to these compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate for your specific losses, a Nevada court may award punitive damages. To receive these, you must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant consciously disregarded your safety when they caused the crash. For example, they were engaged in illegal street racing (constituting reckless driving), leading to your severe injuries.
Can I Still Receive Damages If I Was Partly At Fault for My Nevada Car Accident?
Many traffic accidents have more than one person to blame – including the victim. That’s when Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law applies. All parties are assigned a percentage of fault. As the victim, you can still recover compensation, but only if your portion of responsibility is 50% or lower.
If you’re below this threshold, your damages will be reduced by your assigned blame. For example, say you were going over the speed limit when a distracted driver plowed into your vehicle. If you’re assigned 20% fault, the other party would owe 80% of your damages.
Who Could Be Liable For My Car Accident Damages?
Any party who contributes to your accident and injuries could be held liable for your damages. In some cases, that means multiple individuals could share financial responsibility.
Potential at-fault parties in a Las Vegas car accident case include:
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Motorcyclists
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Manufacturers of defective auto components
- Government entities (e.g., if road defects contributed to the collision)
It’s essential to identify every contributing factor that led to your crash. That way, each at-fault party can be pursued for compensation. Having multiple avenues for compensation gives you a greater chance of securing a fair financial recovery.
How Do I Prove My Car Accident Case in Las Vegas?
Most auto collisions result from driver error – or negligence.
The legal elements you must prove in a negligence claim include:
- The at-fault individual owed you a duty of care. For example, they had an obligation to drive safely and follow Nevada traffic regulations.
- They breached their duty by failing to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. They were texting while driving and ran a red light, for example.
- That breach of duty directly caused your traffic crash.
- You sustained damages as a result.
So, how do you actually prove these elements of negligence? You’ll need compelling evidence, such as:
- Surveillance footage of the crash
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Police report
- Cell phone records (to prove that the at-fault driver was texting while driving)
- Medical records
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness opinions, if necessary
- Physical evidence
Our Las Vegas auto accident attorneys can help you prove your case and get the fair compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?
Nevada’s statute of limitations provides a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. You’ll typically have to take legal action within two years of your car crash. If you fail to do so, you could lose your right under state law to hold the at-fault party responsible for your damages.
There could be exceptions to the two-year time frame. Thus, it’s essential to speak with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Las Vegas?
Most car accident lawyers in Las Vegas work on a contingency fee basis. Their payout is contingent on the outcome of your case. Therefore, you won’t owe any money upfront or out-of-pocket – and you’ll only pay attorney’s fees if your claim is successful.
The attorney’s fees are an agreed-upon percentage of your car accident settlement or jury award. They’re typically between 33–40%, but may vary.
This fee arrangement is beneficial for both parties. The client can “afford” quality legal representation. The attorney will only take your case if they think it will yield positive results, and they’ll work hard to get every penny you deserve.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation
An auto accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what’s to come. You don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Contact the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for compassionate guidance.
We offer a free, no-obligation case assessment. Call our law office today to schedule yours, and get on the road to recovery.