Car accidents are common in Nevada, including Las Vegas. This is why the state implemented car accident laws to protect victims.
If you want to make the most of these laws after an accident, enlist the help of a car wreck lawyer. Doing this is the best way to ensure a successful outcome if you file a personal injury case.
Whether you were in a fender bender or a serious crash, knowing what the law requires can help you move forward.
Here is what your lawyer wants you to know when pursuing legal action.
Nevada Follows Modified Comparative Negligence Rules
Nevada car accident laws are built around legal principles meant to balance the rights of everyone who uses the roads.
The state’s modified comparative negligence rule is a prime example of this. You can recover damages if you are partly at fault for an accident. If you are more than 50% to blame, you may be unable to recover anything.
Should your percentage of fault be less than 50%, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. So, if your percentage is 30%, your settlement will also be 30% reduced.
This law concept focuses on understanding the degree of fault applicable to each accident. It also ensures that victims understand the type of evidence that will be presented if their case goes to court.
Nevada Requires Mandatory Insurance
Under Nevada law, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. This insurance can help cover your expenses after a car accident, including medical bills.
However, you must understand your policy limits and your insurance coverage. Too many disputes arise after accidents because drivers do not know what their policies cover. This often results in extensive delays or denials of compensation claims.
You Must Report an Accident and Get the Proper Documentation Together
If the accident caused you injury or severe property damage, it must be reported to the police. The official police report is key evidence to your legal case.
You also need to get other documentation and evidence to support your claim. This includes photos of the scene and your injuries. You should also get written accounts from eyewitnesses.
Nevada’s Traffic and Safety Laws
Nevada has both accident-specific laws and traffic and safety regulations. They all play a big role in how accident cases are judged.
If one or both drivers violate a traffic law, determining fault will make it more difficult. Common violations include DUI, speeding, and running a red light.
Courts will inevitably consider these factors when deciding on liability and the appropriate amount of compensation.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After an Accident
Chances are you will not know what to do after an accident. Even if you exchanged information with the other driver and took photos of the accident scene, you may not know how to proceed.
If you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, they will help you gather more evidence to support your claim.
Your lawyer will actively look for surveillance footage and speak to witnesses. They will get all the information they need and file an official claim.
This means you will have a well-prepared case to present to an insurance company or court.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Your lawyer will also speak to the relevant insurance company on your behalf. Insurers are, unfortunately, known for trying to reduce or deny payouts.
If you have a skilled lawyer on your side, they can counter the various tactics insurers use and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Moreover, if your lawyer handles all the discussions with the insurer, it gives you more time to focus on getting well again.
Determining Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a personal injury case is not always straightforward. This is especially apparent under the comparative negligence rule.
The more experienced your lawyer is, the easier it is for them to highlight each party’s responsibility. This is very important in cases where multiple factors caused the accident. These may include both traffic violations and environmental conditions.
Guiding You Through the Claims Process
From filing the initial claim to representing you in court (if necessary), your lawyer will guide you through each step of the legal process. Furthermore, your lawyer will ensure your case is filed well before legal deadlines.
In most cases, having professional legal representation results in a successful outcome.
Your Lawyer Wants to Help You
When you hire a reputable lawyer, they will do their best to help you. This means you must work with your lawyer to file your claim. You can change a challenging, traumatic ordeal into a rightful compensation claim.
