Reno Head-On Collision Lawyer

Were you seriously hurt in a head-on car crash? Collisions of this nature can be very difficult to experience, given the gravity of the experience and the severity of the injuries that they cause. As overwhelmed as you may feel, know that you’re not alone.

Instead, let a Reno car accident lawyer represent you in the face of such a financially stressful and emotionally distressing time. At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we have 150 years of combined experience and counting. 

Since 1997, our attorneys have handled more than 30,000 cases and recovered over $1 billion in compensation. You can trust us to advocate for you as your Reno head-on collision lawyer. Think of us as your law firm for life—we are there for you.  

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Reno

When your Reno personal injury lawyer takes a look at the details of your case, the cause of the incident will be a major point of interest. Determining what caused the collision will help your attorney understand how to proceed with your case. 

While the cause of your injuries will depend on the specifics of your case, let’s take a general look at potential causes of head-on collisions:

• Distracted driving: A driver looking at a phone, GPS, or other distraction may drift into oncoming traffic.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment affects judgment calls, reaction times, and motor skills, all of which can increase the risk of drivers crossing over into opposing lanes and colliding with other vehicles. 
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving—particularly on rural roads—can result in drivers falling asleep behind the wheel and veering off course into oncoming lanes of traffic.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds—especially around curves or in poor weather conditions—can cause drivers to lose control and cause a head-on crash.
• Improper passing: Attempting to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road without a clear view of oncoming traffic is a common factor in rural Nevada collisions.
• Wrong-way driving: Entering a one-way road or getting on a freeway ramp in the wrong direction—often due to intoxication or unfamiliarity with the area—can lead to deadly head-on impacts.
• Weather and road conditions: Icy, wet, or poorly maintained roads can contribute to a loss of control for drivers, which increases the chances of getting into a collision. 

Determining Fault in Nevada Head-On Collisions

Nevada is an at-fault state. This means that the party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying damages. However, the process of determining who’s at fault comes down to proving liability, which is very important if you want to recover compensation. 

In many cases, fault for a head-on collision will lie with the driver who crossed into the opposing lane. However, establishing this isn’t always as straightforward as it may sound. In fact, liability can be shared among multiple parties. 

Here are some scenarios that may impact the process of determining liability in your case:

• Veering across the center line: This is a very common cause of head-on collisions, and it usually points to negligence at play. 
• Improper signage or road designs: If a poorly marked one-way street or a lack of signage contributed to the crash, a government entity could share fault for the collision.
• Defective vehicle parts: Tire blowouts or brake failures often point to manufacturer-related liability.
• Third–party drivers: In some cases, a third vehicle forces the initial driver to swerve into the wrong lane to avoid a collision, only to cause one in the process.

Nevada follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault. 

However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if an injured driver is found to be 35% responsible for the crash—perhaps as a result of speeding at the time of the collision—their total compensation will be reduced by 35%.

Statute of Limitations in Nevada

Nevada law places strict time limits when it comes to how long you have to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit following a head-on collision. Under Nevada law, the following deadlines are enforced: 

• Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the day the crash occurred   
• Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the person’s date of death

If a government entity is believed to be partially responsible—for example, due to poor road maintenance or defective signage—additional procedural requirements and shorter deadlines may apply under Nevada’s tort claims process. 

All in all, missing these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation entirely, regardless of the merits of your case. This is why it’s important to contact head-on collision lawyers in Reno as soon as possible. Doing so can help you protect your right to receive compensation. 

Contact Our Head-On Collision Law Firm in Reno

If you or someone you love was hurt in a head-on car crash, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. The aftermath of a collision like this can take a heavy toll on every part of your life, but you don’t have to go through this without legal support.

Instead, reach out to Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers. Our Reno head-on collision attorneys are ready to listen to your story, stand by your side, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to as the victim of the car accident. 

We know what it takes to handle cases like yours and protect your rights every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer—contact our Reno head-on collision lawyers today. The sooner we meet with you, the sooner we can start building a strong case and holding the liable parties accountable.