Highway Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas
Shook & Stone - Las Vegas Highway Accident Injury Attorneys
Personal Injury
Las Vegas Highway Accident Injury Attorney
At Shook & Stone, our Nevada personal injury attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience in helping clients recover compensation for injuries and damages incurred in Nevada highway accidents.
If you have been injured in a Nevada car accident, call our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with one of our experienced injury lawyers.
Nevada Highway Car Accidents
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that in 2012, there were a total of 270,479 vehicle crashes reported. That’s an average of 754 car accidents per day!
What Should You Do if You are in a Car Accident on Nevada Highway?
In Nevada, the driver of a vehicle is required to stop and give their name and address to any other driver involved in an accident; or if no one else was involved, to the nearest police officer.
Nevada car accident victims should politely assert a claim for compensation by requesting that other drivers and/or insurance companies provide you with information regarding the accident.
As a Nevada personal injury attorney, I have handled many Nevada car accident cases; and the most important thing you can do is hire an experienced injury lawyer to protect your legal rights in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
The Most Common Causes of Nevada Highway Accidents
The following is a partial list of some of the most common causes of car accidents in Nevada:
- Distracted driving;
- Texting while driving;
- Speeding;
- Drunk Drivers (DWI / OWI);
- Whether conditions;
- Reckless driving; and
- Vehicle defects;
Injured Victims Should Never Ignore Their Car Accidents!
First, seek medical care immediately if you are injured.
Next, gather information and evidence on damages incurred including photos of the accident scene.
Finally, don’t talk to insurance companies or anyone else about the accident without first consulting with your attorney at Shook & Stone.
Insurance Claim After a Nevada Auto Accident Immediately following a motor vehicle crash in Nevada, you should get all names and insurance information from the other drivers involved. You should then report your injury accident to the police within 24 hours of the crash, if possible. If you are unable to contact the police immediately after an accident in Nevada, you should still file a written report with your local DMV office as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after your crash occurred.
If you are involved in a collision involving serious injury or death, your Nevada car accident attorney will tell you the time frame for filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance.
Obtain the names and addresses of other drivers, witnesses or police officers involved in the accident.
If you are not able to collect the information due to your injuries, have a family member or friend get this information for you.
Notify your insurance company, agent and/or representative if possible. And be sure to have them write down who you spoke with. If they do not want to bother, politely decline their assistance because many companies do not pay out claims until they receive notice and verification of any Nevada car accident.
If you are unable to contact your insurance agent or do not have insurance, seek medical care as soon as possible unless the injuries seem minor. Do not be afraid that doctors will report it to the police or DMV; they only report accidents if victims show serious signs of injury.
You may also require an independent Nevada car accident investigation to determine fault. Hire a private investigator, as they are experienced in how the police and DMV will handle your claim.
Car Crash and Automobile Accidents on Nevada Highways
Nevada Cities Reporting Most Car Crashes and Accidents
Nevada Highway Accident Statistics for 2010
- 766 resulted in a fatality
- 5,421 were reported as injury accidents
- 2,694 were suspected DUI/DWI crashes
Nevada is a national leader in rural highway fatalities per 100 million miles driven. In fact, Nevada is number one when it comes to fatal rural accidents based on that yardstick. The statistics also imply that Nevada’s roads are less safe for both drivers and pedestrians than many other states.
Nevada has a higher rate of fatal accidents than the nation as a whole. Nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 there were 10.6 traffic fatalities out of every 100 million miles driven; in Nevada that number was 17.4 deaths between 100 million road miles traveled.
Statistics also show that most Nevada car accidents take place in the Las Vegas area. The Clark County Department of Public Safety reports that way more crashes occur on roads in and around Las Vegas than anywhere else in the state.
How to Make a Car Accident Report
- Name;
- Address and Phone Number;
- Driver License Number;
- Insurance Company Name;
- Policy Number;
- Information about driver's vehicle (year/make/model);
- Vehicle registration information for both vehicles
What Types of Compensation are there for Car Accident Injuries?
- past and future medical bills;
- lost wages;
- loss of earning capacity;
- property damage
- damages associated with your physical impairment (e.g., pain, disfigurement/scarring, loss of a limb);
- emotional distress such as depression and anxiety;
- disfigurement, scarring, or related;
- pain and suffering;
Medical Expenses from Nevada Highway Accidents
Each personal injury case is different, but being in a car accident can add up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the injuries. One of our Nevada personal injury attorneys will help you get a clear assessment of your accident-related medical bills based on the extent and nature of the injuries you have suffered.
Medical bills are expensive, and for accident victims who need ongoing treatment can add up to millions. You deserve to be compensated for all your medical expenses from an accident. Beyond your immediate medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for any long-term treatment and rehabilitation that could extend years into the future.
Common Injuries in Highway Accidents
Car accidents, auto accidents, and highway accidents can all leave serious injuries and great bodily injury including:
Broken bones and dislocations – The most common injuries associated with a Nevada car wreck or fender-bender. This is due to the force of impact when your body moves forward at a high rate of speed against an immovable structure like a steering wheel, dashboard or windshield.
Head injuries – These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injury (TBI) depending on the severity of the impact.
Heart injuries – The heart is a muscle, and if it’s hit with great force, serious injury can occur including broken or fractured ribs and punctured lungs.
Spinal cord injuries – A blow to the head or sudden jolt to your body that causes your spinal column to be injured can lead to paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries can cause a number of different conditions including:
- loss of sensory function;
- loss of bowel/bladder control;
- pain in your legs, feet or torso;
Burn injuries – When you are involved in an accident and the vehicle catches fire, significant burn injuries can occur. Burn injury cases are highly complex due to the nature of third-degree burns that are deep tissue and often require skin grafting procedures.
Scarring or disfigurement – If you have scarring, it may not be possible to determine the cause, but a skilled Nevada personal injury attorney will help you fight for full compensation.
Broken Bones and Fractures – These types of injuries can happen because the force of impact in a car accident is so strong that your body will be thrown forward and then back into the seat, dashboard or steering wheel. The most common broken bones are those that occur in your neck, legs, arms and hands.
Closed head trauma – When you roll over a median or another driver’s car, you can suffer head injuries. Signs of closed head trauma are not always immediately visible, and it could be several days until the swelling starts to show on the outside of your skull. You might experience headaches for weeks or months after an accident, or even have a hard time concentrating because the injury made it difficult for your brain to function as it’s supposed to.
Whiplash, neck and back injuries – Looking behind you while driving and accidents can happen, even if it’s just a fender-bender. You need to be prepared for the jerking of your body during an accident by wearing a seat belt.
Facial injuries – If you’re involved in an accident and there is glass or another object flying around inside the vehicle, cuts on your face can be quick and deep.
Third-degree burns – When you are involved in an accident and the vehicle catches on fire, your clothes might catch on fire as well. It could take several weeks for these burns to heal, and surgery may even be necessary. The most common place for third-degree burn injuries is your neck, back, arms and legs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Accidents
Another type of injury from Nevada motor vehicle accidents is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The severity, extent and chronicity of such injuries can vary greatly.
A TBI can result from an accident due to sudden deceleration or a blow to the head, and can cause immediate temporary symptoms such as headaches, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea among other things. However, in some cases, the injury may not immediately present itself but rather emerge several hours later or even days and weeks later.
Delayed symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory loss and speech problems. Additionally, the injury could cause personality changes such as being more socially withdrawn or mood swings. In other instances, a TBI could trigger epileptic seizures that did not usually occur prior to the accident causing emotional distress for both the victim and his/her family.
Damages That Can be Recovered from a Nevada Car accident
Pain and suffering – This should be based on the nature of your injuries, what type of pain you are experiencing, and the amount of time it takes to heal.
Lost wages – With an injury from a Nevada car accident, you may have to miss work. If you are off work for an extended period of time, you should be compensated for the pay that you miss out on and your medical bills and lost wages during treatment.
Medical expenses – These injuries can be costly to treat right after the accident because medications and surgeries are expensive. Physical therapy – Depending on your injuries, it may take several weeks, months or even a year to recover.
Rehabilitation – Many people have to return for outpatient care after their initial treatment is over because of the severity of their injuries. Pain medications – These can be very expensive and are necessary if your pain continues when you begin medical treatments.
Property damage – When you’re in an accident, your car will have problems just like you do. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be totaled out. In that case, your insurance company will pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired or replaced. The expenses associated with this are also covered by your auto insurance policy under property damage.
Loss of wages – You will likely miss a week or more of work if you have been injured in an accident. If you were earning at least $23,600.00 per year before the injury, workers’ compensation is available to cover your lost wages during your recovery period.
Loss of Consortium – This is the loss of the love and affection you feel towards your partner due to the accident.
Personal Injury Compensation in Nevada
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages; Medical bills;
- Permanent scarring;
- Strain on family members;
- Discomfort from artificial limbs;
Personal Injury Claims and Car Accident Lawyers In Nevada
In order to have a successful personal injury claim, you will need the help of an attorney. An accident attorney can help you with your claim from the very beginning. He or she can gather evidence, negotiate a fair settlement and take your case to court if necessary.
Personal injury law is very complex. When you have spent thousands of dollars on medical bills and are still suffering from the effects of an accident, it is important to hire car accident lawyers who understand Nevada personal injury law and will work hard for you after your case has been opened. Before hiring any attorney, you should check their record with the state bar association and find out what other clients have said about him or her.
Nevada Statute of Limitation on Accidents
n Nevada you have two years to file a car accident claim for your car accident injuries. However, if you have an attorney and can prove gross neglect on the part of a defendant such as drunk driving or texting while driving, it may be possible to file suit within one year of the incident.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, call our personal injury attorneys today to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
A Word of Caution on Insurance Companies and Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies and insurance adjusters sometimes try to give you the run-around or lowball you with a settlement amount that is not enough to cover your medical bills, car repair costs or lost wages. If this happens, it is time to hire legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney who will negotiate on your behalf and go to trial in order to obtain a fair settlement for your case.
It has been shown that retaining a car accident lawyer for your car accident case will increase the amount of a settlement by 5x in car accident claims. When you need solid legal advice as a car accident victim, it only makes sense to take advantage of free consultations until you find the right auto accident law firm to handle you car crash.
Our accident attorney will work with you throughout every step of the process to get you the compensation that you deserve. That is why it is so important to seek out experienced auto accident attorneys who have done this before and know what they are doing in order to protect your best interest.
Highway Accidents and Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Shook & Stone is a well known Nevada Highway accident law firm dedicated to getting maximum compensation for victims of motor vehicle accidents. Our personal injury lawyers understand the laws of the Nevada and how they pertain to car accident victims.
If you would like to learn more about your rights after a serious Nevada car accident. Our trained injury attorneys provide the legal assistance you need to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Our Clients Say
Visit Our Office in Downtown Las Vegas
Shook & Stone
710 S 4th St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 570-0000
Visit Our Office in Southwest Las Vegas
Shook & Stone
9455 W Russell Rd Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
(702) 385-2220
