Injured in a Las Vegas car wreck?
Whether you live in Las Vegas or are visiting, a car crash can disrupt your life in a matter of seconds. Some injuries require surgery, follow-up appointments or time away from work.
The medical bills can start adding up while your regular bills keep coming in. Keep copies of bills, insurer correspondence and any work restrictions so you can document what happened.
What to do at the scene
The first thing you should do after a car accident is see if anyone needs medical attention. If you, your passengers or anyone else involved in the crash are injured, call 911 right away and tell them you need an ambulance. Don’t try to move anyone who’s been injured unless they’re in immediate danger or you’re trained to do so.
If a drivable vehicle creates a hazard after a property-damage crash, move it when safe. Follow instructions from emergency responders and exchange the information required by Nevada law.
Get the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident along with any witnesses. Exchange insurance and contact information with others involved in the crash, but try not to talk about the accident.
Stick to the facts of what happened and say when you are uncertain about a detail. When police arrive, ask how to obtain a copy of the official accident report.
BE YOUR OWN REPORTER
If you can do so safely, photograph the vehicles, damage, road markings, signs and signals. Stay out of traffic and do not delay medical care to collect photographs.
Write down what details you can remember from the accident. For instance, the approximate time it happened, where it happened. Additionally, also add if weather or road conditions were a factor in the crash.
Seek appropriate medical care for your injuries and tell the clinician you were in a crash. Report new symptoms, including headache after a collision.
Notify your insurance company according to your policy and stick to what you observed.
What if another driver caused the crash?
An at-fault driver may be responsible for losses caused by their negligence. Your options can also depend on the evidence, any shared fault and the coverages available.
The Nevada Division of Insurance lists these minimum automobile liability coverage amounts:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident
- $20,000 for property damage
Medical payments coverage, if purchased, can help with qualifying medical expenses. Collision coverage can help with vehicle damage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply when an at-fault driver lacks adequate liability insurance. Each coverage is subject to the policy terms.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I FILE A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM?
An insurance adjuster may request records or make an offer. Ask whether an offer addresses vehicle repairs, bodily injury or both and what accepting it would settle.
If responsibility is disputed, keep the facts, witnesses and photos that help establish what happened. See how Nevada treats shared fault.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON PERSONAL INJURY IN NEVADA?
For ordinary negligence cases, NRS 11.190 generally provides two years for a personal injury action and three years for an action for injury to personal property. Specific laws, exceptions and when a claim accrues can affect the deadline. Do not rely on insurance discussions to protect a filing date.
IS NEVADA A COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE STATE?
Under NRS 41.141, a claimant can recover when their negligence is no greater than that of the party or parties from whom recovery is sought, with damages reduced by their percentage of negligence. For example, a $100,000 award reduced by 20 percent would leave $80,000 before other deductions.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT IN Nevada?
The amount of compensation you receive for your car accident will depend on the specific details of your case. If you were injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages from missed time at work, pain and suffering, and more.
HOW MUCH DOES A LAS VEGAS CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER COST?
Many injury attorneys use a contingency fee. Ask for a written agreement explaining percentages, expenses and what happens if there is no recovery. Read how personal injury lawyers get paid.
DO I NEED A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?
A lawyer can review the evidence, explain deadlines and discuss how disputed liability or multiple insurance policies might affect your decisions. Ask who would handle your case and how you would receive updates.
