When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to have an experienced Reno car accident lawyer on your side. The legal team at our firm has years of experience handling car accident cases in and throughout Nevada. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a car crash, contact Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Your dedicated Reno personal injury lawyer is available 24/7 to review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Potential Damages in a Reno Car Accident Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a car wreck, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The types of compensation that you may be entitled to recover include:
- Medical expenses – You may be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment and care. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – You may be able to recover the wages that you lost as a result of the accident. This includes the wages that you would have earned if you had not been injured.
- Pain and suffering – You may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering that you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Property damage – You may also be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing any property that was damaged in the accident.
If a loved one has been killed in a car accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact your car accident lawyer in Reno now to learn more about what losses you may be entitled to compensation for.
When Punitive Damages May Apply in a Nevada Car Accident Case
Most compensation in a car accident claim is designed to repay you for what you lost. But in rare cases, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the other driver for extreme misconduct.
These damages are not automatic and are only awarded when the defendant’s actions go beyond negligence and involve reckless or intentional harm, per NRS § 42.005.
Examples may include drunk driving, street racing, or intentionally causing a crash during an act of road rage. In these cases, punitive damages serve as both a penalty and a warning to others. The statute sets specific limits on how much can be awarded, but the presence of this claim can increase the stakes.
If your case involves a driver whose behavior showed clear disregard for your safety, we can evaluate whether punitive damages may be available as part of your recovery.
What You Should Do if You Are in a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call The Police
The police will document the accident and create a report. This report can be used as evidence in your case.
3. Take Photos
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries.
4. Get Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information.
5. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Law Firm
An experienced car accident law firm in Reno will protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases. Your Reno car accident attorney will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident representatives.
When You Should Contact a Car Accident Law Firm
If you have been involved in a car crash, you should contact an experienced Reno car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and collecting evidence to build your case.
Our firm has considerable experience handling all types of automobile accident cases. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced legal representatives.
The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents
There are many factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle collision. However, some factors are more common than others. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are more likely to cause an accident.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another leading cause of car accidents. If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
Speeding
Speeding is a major contributing factor to car accidents. Drivers who are speeding are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause an accident.
Weather
Bad weather can also contribute to car accidents. Rain, snow, and ice can make the roads slick and dangerous.
Mechanical Defects
In some cases, car accidents are caused by mechanical defects. If a defective part has caused your accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
We have experience handling all types of auto collision cases. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable Reno car accident team.
The Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a common neck injury that occurs in car accidents. Whiplash is caused by the sudden jolting motion of the head and neck.
- Broken bones – Motor vehicle crashes can cause broken bones in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head injuries – Head injuries, such as concussions, are also common in car accidents.
- Back injuries – Back injuries, such as herniated discs, can occur in car accidents.
- Soft tissue injuries – Car collisions can also cause soft tissue injuries, such as bruises and strains.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you should contact an experienced legal professional as soon as possible. Your Reno catastrophic injury lawyer at our firm has extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases.
We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Time Limit on Making a Car Accident Injury Claim or Lawsuit in Nevada
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should be aware that there is a time limit on making a claim or filing a lawsuit. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident per NRS § 11.190(4)(e).
This means that if you do not file a claim or lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, you will be barred from doing so.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations may be different if the accident involved a government entity. For example, if the accident involved a municipal bus, the claim must be filed within one year, as described under NRS § 41.036(2).
How to Prove Negligence in a Reno Traffic Collision Claim or Lawsuit
To recover damages in a car accident claim or lawsuit, your car accident attorney in Reno will need to prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness.
To prove negligence, we will need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your accident and injuries.
Duty Of Care
The first element that we will need to prove is that the other driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a duty to drive safely and avoid causing accidents.
Breach Of Duty
The second element that we will need to prove is that the other driver breached their duty of care. This means that they did something that a reasonable driver would not have done, or they failed to do something that a reasonable driver would have done.
Causation
The third element that we will need to prove is causation. This means that you will need to show that the other driver’s breach of duty caused your accident and injuries.
Damages
The fourth element that we will need to prove is damages. This means that you will need to show that you suffered some type of loss or injury as a result of the accident.
What Types of Evidence Help Prove Negligence
Photos from the scene, dash cam video, and cell phone records can all support your version of what happened. Police reports, skid mark analysis, and vehicle damage patterns also help clarify the sequence of events.
Witness statements can be powerful, especially when they support your account and come from people with no connection to either driver.
In more complex or high-value cases, expert witnesses may be required to strengthen your claim. Accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the scene to explain how the crash occurred.
Medical experts can confirm that your injuries are consistent with the type of collision you experienced. These experts help translate complex evidence into a clear explanation that supports your case.
Detailed, credible evidence gives you leverage during insurance negotiations or at trial. The stronger your proof, the more difficult it becomes for the other side to minimize fault or reduce your recovery.
Your Reno car accident attorney works quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears or is altered.
How Shared Fault Affects Your Compensation in Nevada
Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. As long as you are not more than 50 % responsible for the crash, you can still pursue a claim. Your compensation will be reduced based on your share of the blame.
Nevada’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
When fault is divided between drivers, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 25% at fault, you would receive $75,000.
This system gives accident victims a path to recovery, even in cases where mistakes were made by both sides.
Examples of shared fault may include:
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Texting while driving
- Making a left turn without a clear path
- Driving slightly over the speed limit
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Not checking blind spots before merging
- Rear-ending another driver while also being cut off
- Entering an intersection just as the light turned red
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Driving with limited visibility due to frost or debris
Insurance companies often use shared fault arguments to reduce or deny payouts. That is why early investigation and strong evidence are critical to preserving the value of your claim.
nder NRS § 484B.253, drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic. This rule often becomes a key point in shared fault disputes. We work to limit your percentage of fault and protect your right to full compensation.
Reno’s Most Dangerous Roads
With over 50,000 miles of roads, streets, and highways, the mountainous terrain can be a challenge for drivers in the Silver State. While Highway 50 in Nevada has been dubbed the loneliest road in America, it is not the most dangerous.
The following roads have been acknowledged as some of the most hazardous roads in Reno:
- Interstate 80 – I-80 sees an average of one fatal collision every two months. The majority of these accidents occur between exits 4 and 13.
- U.S. Highway 395 – US 395 is the most dangerous road in Reno, with an average of one fatal collision every month. The majority of these accidents occur between exits 47 and 55.
- Nevada State Route 341 – Nevada State Route 341 sees an average of one fatal collision every two months. The majority of these accidents occur between mile markers 0 and 3.
Dangerous Intersections – Where the Most Wrecks Happen in Reno
While highways and rural roads are more likely to see fatal collisions, the majority of accidents often occur at intersections in urban areas. This means the following intersections could be considered some of the most dangerous intersections in Reno:
- McCarran Boulevard and Mill Street – The majority of these accidents are rear-end collisions.
- Virginia Street and Second Street – The majority of these accidents are right-angle collisions.
- North McCarran Boulevard and East Plumb Lane – The majority of these accidents are rear-end collisions.
Knowing where the most dangerous intersections are is only half the battle. Collisions can happen anywhere, often when you least expect them.
Notable Mentions and Dangerous Intersections
Recent data highlights several intersections in Reno where collisions are especially frequent. While highways remain a common location for fatal crashes, these urban intersections consistently report high accident volumes and injury rates.
According to Traffic Crash Data, the following locations are among the most dangerous intersections in Reno:
- Keystone Avenue & West 4th Street – 44 crashes, 36 injuries.
- Virginia Street & 2nd Street – Frequently cited for high accident volume, particularly involving right-angle collisions.
- McCarran Boulevard & Mill Street – A known hotspot for rear-end crashes and frequent daily incidents.
- North McCarran Boulevard & East Plumb Lane – Often reported for regular rear-end accidents.
- Kietzke Lane & South Virginia Street – Heavy traffic volumes contribute to frequent collisions.
- I–580 & Moana Lane – High-speed merging and ramp traffic lead to regular crashes.
- I–80 & Galletti Way – Common location for highway-related accidents in east Reno.
- S. McCarran Blvd & E. Plumb Lane – Documented as a complex, high-volume intersection with multiple crash types.
Our car accident lawyers in Reno have extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases, including rear-end collisions. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers.
Call a Car Accident Attorney in Reno for Help Today
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not charge any upfront fees. We only collect a fee if we can recover compensation for you. If we do not recover compensation for you, then you will not owe us anything.
Our law firm also advances all of the costs associated with litigating your case. This means that you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. We will only be reimbursed for our costs if we are able to recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Reno. We will review your case and answer any questions that you may have.
We will also explain your legal options for making a car accident claim and help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you.
