Nevada Car Accident Law

Importance of understanding Nevada Car Accident Laws

Whether you suffered whiplash from being rear-ended or hit by a texting driver, car accident cases are seldom straightforward. Insurance companies make money by shifting liability and undervaluing claims. When you’re hurting and confused, dealing with manipulative adjusters is the last thing you need. Instead, leverage the resources and knowledge of our Las Vegas car accident lawyers who always put clients first. Further, we are known for our integrity and unrivaled advocacy. Focus on your health and recovery while our team gets to work building a strong case on your behalf.

Time is of the essence when gathering evidence after a motor vehicle accident. Using eyewitness testimony, crash scene photos, cell phone records, available surveillance footage, and police reports, we can demonstrate if another driver or third party is liable for your injuries.

With our dedicated legal team on your side, you will not have to pay for another’s negligence or settle for less than you deserve.

Leading Causes of Nevada Car Accidents

From fender benders to life-threatening crashes, the following are the leading causes of car accidents in Nevada:

• Speeding
• Failure to yield right of way
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Road hazards
• Defective automotive parts
• Inclement weather/poor visibility

When you choose Valiente Mott to represent your car accident claim, you will quickly see that we treat our clients with respect as we employ calculated strategies to protect your interests.

Focus on Your Recovery After a Collision

It’s an unfortunate fact that car accidents produce severe injuries every day. But, no matter what type of injuries were sustained, you can depend on our Reno car accident lawyers to help you seek the medical care needed, regardless of your insurance coverage. Your health and well-being are what matters most. With steadfast legal representation and excellent medical care, you can have peace of mind and focus on rebuilding your life.

Our attorneys will outline the factors that will influence the amount of compensation you may receive for:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Loss of limb
• Paralysis
• Severe lacerations
• Organ damage

What to Do After a Car Accident in Nevada

The actions you take after a car accident can significantly impact the strength of your claim against negligent parties. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive
• If you or your passengers have been seriously harmed, have an ambulance dispatched right away
• Take photos of the vehicles involved, the damage to each, and the accident scene, including skid marks, street signs, and other pertinent features
• Obtain a copy of the police officer’s accident report
• Do not apologize to other drivers, as this can be misconstrued as admitting fault
• Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information from other drivers
• If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information
• If you decline transport to the hospital, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remember that adrenaline can mask the symptoms of underlying injuries
• Keep track of all records and expenses related to the accident
• Consult with a Nevada car accident attorney at Valiente Mott before making a statement to insurance adjusters

How Much is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of every car accident claim is different. It depends mainly on medical expenses, including long-term care, the extent of injuries, income loss, percentage of liability, and the level of disruption to your daily life. Injuries that result in permanent disability and interfere with one’s ability to work and earn a living will generally recover larger settlements or court awards.

While every case is unique, our Nevada car accident lawyers will seek to maximize your recovery for damages, including:

• Hospital and medical costs
• Loss of income and wages
• Pain and suffering
• Repairs or replacement for damaged property
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Loss of future earnings
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Nevada Accident Statistics

Until you get into a car accident in Nevada, the realities of the risks can seem distant or even inconsequential.

However, in order to be prepared, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the most common accidents so that you can be better prepared.

The state of Nevada saw a 6.4% increase in fatal car accidents recently, rising from 311 in 2017 to 331 in 2018. Some of the most common causes of fatal accidents are drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, driving without seat belts, speeding, and texting while driving.

And unfortunately, there are plenty of dangerous intersections in Las Vegas and the entire state that put people at risk.

Some of the examples of intersections in Las Vegas that have been known for pedestrian-related accidents, as well as car accidents, are as follows:

• West Sahara Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, which is a very wide intersection that’s difficult to cross and has a lot of traffic.
• East Charleston Boulevard and South Lamb Boulevard, where a lot of traffic meets from all directions, causing numerous crashes throughout the year.
• Boulder Highway and Sun Valley, which has all the ingredients for a high-risk intersection – high speeds, poorly lit crosswalk, and a lot of traffic.
• West Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, which is constantly congested and has incidents occur regularly.

To avoid accidents in these and other dangerous intersections and roads in Nevada, it’s important to be mindful, both as a pedestrian and as a driver.

Make sure to always be alert of your surroundings. Look carefully before entering an intersection or crossing the street (even if you have the right of way). If you do get into an accident, remember the most important duties and steps that we discussed in the other sections of this article. Finally, if you think you’ve been injured, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney.

Hit & Run Charges in Nevada

It’s never a good idea to run away from an accident scene, but unfortunately, it’s a fairly common occurrence.

But what could you be facing if you were part of a hit & run in the state of Nevada?

Well, the Hit & Run charges can be sorted into two main categories:

•       Misdemeanor hit & run
•       Category B felony hit & run

The misdemeanor hit & run occurs when people flee Nevada car accidents in which no one was injured or killed.

Depending on the damage that’s caused to property, the penalties include up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It also costs six demerit points to your driver’s license.

But when someone drives away from the crash site where someone was injured or killed, the repercussions are much more serious.

As a Category B felony, such a hit & run can be punished by 2-20 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. What’s more, a felony H&R is not eligible for probation, and could also result in the driver’s license being revoked.

 Legal Options After Causing or Being the Victim of a Car Accident in Nevada

On average, car accidents in Nevada are more dangerous than ever, so it’s important to know your options when you are part of one.

With that in mind, let’s look at your options when you’re the victim of an accident, as Nevada laws on car accidents can sometimes be tricky.

Usually, it’s best to contact a Las Vegas auto accident attorney, as they can help you make the best decisions in your situation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated.

In case you are the victim of the accident and suffer injuries, a competent and experienced lawyer could be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, covering your medical bills, lost earning capacity, and more.

Sometimes, you may not follow the right procedures after an accident simply because you were unaware of them, so it’s crucial to have someone on your side who is a licensed attorney.

Contact Valiente Motte for a Free Consultation

To explore your rights following a car accident in Nevada, contact the law firm of Valiente Mott for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys and support staff are available to answer questions 24/7.