Head-on collisions pose enormous risks to the people and property involved. Those injured in front-end car accidents in Reno may be able to seek a financial award to reimburse them for their losses. As you prepare to embark on the legal process, you may want to reach out to a qualified motor vehicle collision attorney to guide you.
At Shook & Stone, we understand that those injured in head-to-head crashes can sustain immeasurable losses, such as having lifelong impairments because of the incident. Our seasoned lawyers provide pointed and compassionate advocacy to those impacted by these events. Because we understand that finances are often a concern after such a serious event, we offer free initial consultations.
How Long Do You Have To Bring a Legal Claim for a Crash?
Nevada Revised Statutes § 41.130 allows those hurt in roadway events caused by someone else to file a case in court. Under this law, people whose behavior contributes to a resulting crash may be held responsible for their actions. But injured parties (e.g., passengers, drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists) must assert their rights in court within a certain period of time after the incident occurs.
How long they have is based on the specific allegations they are making against the at-fault party. For example, under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190, people wishing to press charges for physical injuries or property damage to their vehicle may have two to three years to do so. However, injured individuals may have less time if the fault-carrying party is a member of the government, such as the United States Postal Service.
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.250, those involved in head-on collisions in Reno may have additional time to sue if they were under a legal disability when the incident occurred. Conditions the law considers to be a disability include being a minor or in the control of the State (e.g., in foster care). In that case, the window to file suit may not close until the disability ends (e.g., they turn 18).
Things to Be Aware of Regarding Your Settlement for a Head-On Collision
When you are harmed in a front-impact crash in Reno, some of the cascading effects may include having to spend time in the hospital, pause employment, or not having a working vehicle for days, weeks, or months. Pursuing a settlement can allow you to request compensation to cover these unfair costs. Some of what you might qualify for include the following:
- Money to address your mounting hospital bills
- Funds to reimburse you for repairing your car or having to buy a new one
- A financial award to supplement your docked pay during the healing process
- Money to acknowledge the pain, suffering, and inconvenience of being injured
Additionally, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 42.010 may allow you to receive exemplary (punitive) damages if the at-fault motorist was drunk at the time of the front-end crash. When calculating your settlement or weighing a proposal from the other party, be mindful of the comparative negligence laws found in Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141. At-fault parties may try to use these rules to shift the blame onto you and reduce your damages award.
Call Our Firm After a Front-End Auto Wreck in Reno
Being forced to bear the burden of this event can feel overwhelming and frustrating, something that is all the more compounded when you factor in the pain and suffering you may be experiencing. Filing a lawsuit can feel like an empowering way to help you fight for the resources to move forward. Instead of tackling the legal process on your own, consider the benefits of working with a well-practiced lawyer.
When you or a loved one are involved in a front-end car accident in Reno, contact Shook & Stone to discuss your legal options. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations. We understand your pain and could meet with you to learn about how we can help.
