If you have been injured in a car accident, you will be facing medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Obtaining the right car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is crucial to getting the best possible settlement for your case.
Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Shook & Stone have over 150 years of combined experience representing car accident victims in Las Vegas, NV. We understand the ins and outs of insurance companies and how they operate. Insurance companies are not on your side and will do everything they can to deny or minimize your claim.
The Importance of a Skilled Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
You have the right to fair compensation when someone else causes your injuries and losses. Yet, insurance companies will not pay you fairly unless you prove your losses to them. Often, working with a Las Vegas car accident attorney is the most important step you can take so that the insurance company takes your claim seriously.
You need an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer on your side who knows how to deal with the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
No matter where you are in the state of Nevada, our team of traffic collision lawyers can help with your case. We have had clients from North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Reno, Elko, Spring Valley, and more. Our attorneys at Shook & Stone use our knowledge and experience to help you get maximum compensation.
Why You Should Choose Shook & Stone
Nevada requires all drivers to maintain insurance to protect others on the road. As an at-fault state, victims can file a claim against the at-fault party to recover damages. But the process is complex. Here are the reasons why you should choose our firm when injured in a car accident:
- No Fee Unless We Win Your Car Accident Case: Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge no upfront costs or hourly fees for our services. We only collect a fee if we help you recover compensation through a settlement or jury verdict.
- Caring & Compassion: We believe in treating our clients with compassion and care. Our staff will always treat you with respect. We understand what you are going through and will do everything we can to help you get through this difficult time.
- We Keep You Updated: You Will Be Updated on Your Case Progress – We believe in keeping our clients informed about the status of their cases. We will keep you updated at every step of the process and return your calls promptly.
- Voted the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas: We understand how stressful and difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for our clients.
We have been voted the best car accident lawyer in Las Vegas by our peers and clients. We understand Nevada car accident laws, and we know how to get results for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.
Common Types of Car Wrecks We Handle
In Las Vegas, NV, car crashes happen every day. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to major collisions that result in serious injuries or even death. Some of the most common types of car accidents we handle include:
- Head–On Collisions: These accidents often occur on highways when one driver crosses the center line and collides with oncoming traffic. These head-on collisions are often very serious and can result in fatalities, so call a Las Vegas head-on collision lawyer.
- Rear–End Collisions: These accidents commonly happen in stop-and-go traffic or when one driver is following another too closely. Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash and other serious injuries, and a Las Vegas rear-end collision lawyer can help.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover car accidents in Las Vegas often happen when a driver loses control of their vehicle, and it rolls over. These accidents can be caused by defective tires or other mechanical problems. Rollover accidents are often very serious and can result in fatalities.
- Side–Impact Collisions: These accidents occur when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Side-impact collisions are also known as T-bone car accidents in Las Vegas. These types of accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to the occupants of the vehicle that was struck, and a Las Vegas catastrophic injury lawyer can be of assistance.
When you are hurt in a car accident, what you do after that accident matters. Call 911 for immediate help and get the medical care you need. Write down what you remember, and get the other driver’s contact information and any witnesses’ contact information. At that point, it is time to get medical care at the emergency room and call us.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents
There are many factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle collision in Las Vegas. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving can include talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, fiddling with the stereo, or anything else that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. Talk to a Las Vegas distracted driving car accident lawyer.
- Speeding: Speed is a factor in many car accidents. Speeding makes it harder for a driver to control their vehicle and increases stopping distance.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to make poor decisions and are more likely to be involved in an accident. A Las Vegas drunk driving car accident lawyer is here for you.
- Fatigued Driving: Fatigued driving is a significant problem on the roads today. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes and get into an accident.
- Defective Car Parts: Defective car parts can also contribute to car accidents. Tires, brakes, and steering systems are just a few of the parts that can fail and cause an accident. A Las Vegas defective products lawyer can assist with your claim.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving is a type of dangerous driving that involves disregarding the safety of others on the road. Reckless driving can take many forms, including speeding, racing, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and more.
- Failing to Yield Right of Way: Failing to yield the right of way is a common cause of car accidents in Las Vegas. It occurs when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another driver, resulting in an accident.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs:Running red lights or stop signs is another common cause of car accidents. It occurs when a driver fails to stop at a red light or stop sign, resulting in an accident.
- Weather: Unfortunately, car accidents involving bad weather in Las Vegas are also common. Slick roads and poor visibility can make it hard for drivers to see and avoid hazards, leading to accidents.
- Road Rage: Road rage is a type of aggressive driving that involves angry or violent behavior on the road. Road rage can take many forms, including honking, gesturing, tailgating, and more.
- Inexperienced Driver: Inexperienced drivers, like teenagers, are more likely to be involved in car accidents than experienced drivers. This is because teen drivers often lack the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the roads safely.
We gather evidence in numerous forms, including witness statements, vehicle logs, photos, videos of the incident, and medical expert testimony. Our attorneys handle the entire evidence-collection process, drawing on resources such as experienced accident reconstructionists and expert medical professionals.
High Risk Areas for Accidents in Las Vegas
The most common causes of car accidents in Las Vegas are preventable, such as reckless driving, distraction, and impairment from alcohol or drugs. The following are some of the most common and dangerous areas for these accidents to happen throughout the city:
- Flamingo Road and Rainbow Boulevard: This intersection is the most likely for accidents in the region. It has heavy traffic, and many drivers do not know where they are going because they are from out of town. Reckless driving often means running lights or failing to yield the right of way.
- Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard: This intersection is a high-volume area, especially during peak construction. Drivers weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating each other often cause collisions.
- Charleston Boulevard and Lamb Boulevard: This busy commercial area has complex turning lanes and heavy commuter traffic. Everyone travels at high speeds.
Our Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you if you are in an accident in any of these or other areas of the city and surrounding area. Do not simply settle your case. Instead, fight for fair compensation by requesting a free consultation and case review with our team first.
Common Types of Injuries in Car Crashes
There are many different types of injuries that can occur in car crashes, but some of the most common include:
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury that occurs when the head is abruptly jerked forward or backward.
- Head injuries: These can range from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries, so be sure to talk to a Las Vegas traumatic brain injury lawyer.
- Back injuries: These can range from minor strains and sprains to herniated discs and spinal cord injuries. A Las Vegas spinal cord injury lawyer can answer all of your questions.
- Broken bones: Many car accidents result in broken bones.
- Abrasions, cuts, scrapes: These are commonly referred to as “road rash” and can be very painful.
- Internal Bleeding: This is a serious type of injury that can occur when the force of the accident causes organs to rupture or bleed.
- PTSD: Many people who are involved in car accidents suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Note that the type of car accident can also play a role in the injuries you have. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyer works with victims of all types of accidents, including T-bone, distracted driving, and rear-end accidents. You can also reach out to us for side-impact, head-on collisions, and more. If you were hurt and have any of these injuries, let us work for you.
What to Do After You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident
After a car crash, adrenaline can kick in and cloud your thinking. It is important to try to think as clearly as possible to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps and not forgetting anything that may be important later:
- Stop: Never leave the scene of an accident, even if you think it is minor.
- Check for injuries: Once you have made sure you and your passengers aren’t seriously injured, assess the damage to your vehicle.
- Move to a safe location: If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot. This will help to ensure that no one is injured by oncoming traffic.
- Call the police: Always call the police after an accident, even if it seems like a minor fender bender. The police will create a report, which can be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Collect information: Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information. Also collect contact information for any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- Collect evidence: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses. This evidence can be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Keep all of your records: Be sure to keep copies of any medical bills, police reports, insurance claims, or other records related to the accident. These will be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Speak with an attorney. An experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Know Nevada Accident Laws
Nevada car accident laws (NRS: CHAPTER 484E – CRASHES AND REPORTS OF CRASHES) require all drivers to stop at the scene of the crash immediately. You must exchange information with the other drivers involved if there are injuries or property damage. In situations where there is an injury or death, it is a felony to leave the scene of the accident.
In addition, drivers must report the accident to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days unless a police officer came to the scene to investigate if there is $750 or more in apparent damage to the vehicle or property or if the accident resulted in an injury or death to a person.
Nevada is an at-fault state. That means the person causing the crash must pay for the damages to others, including physical, emotional, and financial impact resulting from the incident. The victim is responsible for documenting those losses and filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes section 11.190, you must file a lawsuit for any losses within two years of the date of the injury. If you wait beyond this timeframe, you cannot seek compensation for any wrongful acts or negligence.
You can seek property damage claims for up to three years from the date of the accident. Additionally, Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Nevada Revised Statutes section 41.141, which means you can file a claim for your percentage of losses even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
How to File a Police Report in Las Vegas
If you have been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, you can file a police report online or in person. To file a report online, go to the website of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and click on the “File a Report” link. You will need to provide your contact information, the location of the accident, and a description of what happened.
To file a report in person, go to any Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department substation or the Records Bureau at 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. You will need to fill out a “Traffic Accident Report” form and pay a $6 fee.
How You Can Get a Copy of the Police Report
Yes, you can get a copy of the police report for a car accident in Las Vegas. To get a copy of the report, go to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department website and click the “Request Copies of Reports” link to request report copies from LVMPD. You will need to provide your contact information and the report number. A copy of the report costs $6.
What Happens After You Report a Car Accident to the Police
After you report a car accident to the police, they will investigate and may issue citations if they determine someone was at fault. The police report can be important evidence in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
How to Handle the Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
When dealing with insurance companies after an accident, they will want to make a statement. In fact, most insurance companies have stipulations and time limits in their policies that state you have a certain amount of time to report an accident. If you do not report the accident in a timely manner, you may be breaking the terms of your insurance policy or contract.
Let Us Talk to the Insurance Company Instead
There are several practical reasons not to give a statement to your insurance company quickly:
- The insurance adjuster is not your friend: An insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out. They are not concerned with making sure you are fully compensated for your injuries.
- You may not know the full extent of your injuries yet: Many car accident injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest themselves immediately. Give a statement to the insurance company before you know the full extent of your injuries. You may inadvertently say something that limits your ability to recover compensation later.
- You may not be aware of all the damages you have incurred: In addition to medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to compensation for property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is best to wait until you have a full understanding of all the damages you have incurred before giving a statement to the insurance company.
- The insurance company may use your statement against you: Anything you say in a statement can be used against you later. For example, if you say that you are not injured or that your injuries are not serious, the insurance company may use that statement to deny your claim or minimize the amount of compensation you receive.
Because insurance negotiations are so critical, we encourage you to speak to our Las Vegas car accident lawyer now before you file a claim. Our attorneys will use evidence to build your claim and then negotiate fiercely to protect it. Do not wait to contact our legal team now to start the negotiation process.
Settlement and Litigation Strategies We Use
Our car accident lawyer in Las Vegas has very specific skills in handling these complicated legal matters, including dealing with aggressive insurance companies. We know how to make them pay. We may use several settlement and litigation strategies to show the insurer you deserve to be paid for your losses:
- Evidence–based claims: This starts with completing a full investigation to document every detail possible about the accident. We file claims with clear evidence of your losses and fault, reducing the risk of unfair denials.
- Identify all parties at fault: In some Las Vegas car accidents, more than one person may be to blame, such as the vehicle owner, a commercial company, or the manufacturer. We identify all parties so we can apportion fault and help you recover more compensation.
- Negotiate fiercely: We do not let the insurance company simply deny your claim. We build a strong case for full compensation and negotiate in your best interests.
- File a lawsuit when necessary: Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers bring years of experience handling lawsuits. We stay with you through the entire process. Even if we file a lawsuit, we still aim to settle out of court in your favor.
- Go to trial when needed: In very limited cases, you may have to go to court. In these situations, we bring in expert witnesses and resources to support your case and claim. Our experienced trial attorneys always become your advocate and stay by your side until you win your case.
Victims facing serious injuries and complicated recoveries are likely to experience a more stressful time recovering fair compensation. To reduce that risk, hire our team. Let our decades of experience work in your favor to produce the best possible results. Contact us for a free case review.
What You Need to Know About Insurance Adjusters and Car Accidents
If you have been involved in an auto collision, one of the first things you will likely do is file a claim with your insurance company. Once you have filed a claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident and determine how much the insurance company should pay out.
While insurance adjusters are generally fair, remember they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize how much the insurance company has to pay out. As such, they may try to get you to say things that limit your ability to recover compensation. Be aware of the tactics insurance adjusters use and how to protect your rights. Some of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use include:
- Asking leading questions: Adjusters will often ask questions that are designed to lead you to say something that limits your ability to recover compensation. For example, they may ask, “Were you wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident?” to get you to say you were not wearing your seatbelt, which would limit your ability to recover compensation.
- Asking for a recorded statement: Adjusters will often try to get you to give a recorded statement. They may tell you the statement is “just for clarification” or will help them “expedite the claims process.” In reality, the adjuster is hoping that you will say something that limits your ability to recover compensation.
- Asking you to sign a release: Adjusters may try to get you to sign a release, which is a document that releases the insurance company from any further liability. Never sign a release without first consulting a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
- Making a lowball offer: Adjusters will often try to settle your claim for far less than it is worth. They may tell you the offer is “fair” or the “best they can do.” Do not accept an offer without first consulting with a qualified auto collision lawyer in Las Vegas.
Again, our legal team will always work with you to ensure fair compensation through aggressive negotiations. Our legal team knows the risks you are facing, and we will not let the insurance company hold you back. Let our Las Vegas car accident lawyer help you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Now
The skilled car accident attorneys at Shook & Stone can help you get your life back on track after a serious accident. We have the experience and resources to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your damages, and we’re not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Call us today to speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer for free.
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