When Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada?
You just had the most fabulous meal on the Strip, and now you’re off to Fremont Street for some classic cocktails and maybe hit a few slot machines. All of a sudden, a car crashes into you! Now, your evening plans are looking a little different.
Getting in an automobile accident is common, but never fun—especially if you’re driving through the busy streets of Las Vegas. Whether you’re a resident or an out-of-towner, you might want to consider hiring a car accident attorney to navigate the road that lies ahead.
Here are some things to consider when deciding if you need a Car accident lawyer – Las Vegas auto accident attorney.
What is a Car Accident Lawyer?
A Las Vegas auto accident attorney is a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate paperwork, the Nevada legal system, car accident insurance claims, and possibly help you recover any losses resulting from your accident. These losses can include lost wages, medical bills, medical expenses for serious injuries, property damage, and car repairs. A Las Vegas auto accident attorney can make the difference between receiving maximum compensation and losing money.
Since laws vary from state to state, it is important to hire a Las Vegas car accident lawyer or legal team that is well versed in Nevada’s specific laws in addition to national transportation laws.
Many law offices offer free case evaluations so you have an idea of what to expect before choosing a personal injury law firm.
State of Nevada Auto Laws
If you’re a local and find yourself in a car accident, you might need a refresher on what laws are specific to your state. And if you’re a tourist visiting Las Vegas for a quick weekend getaway, but need to cut the vacation short due to a car accident, here are some Nevada specific auto laws to be aware of.
NRS 484E.010 – Duty to stop at the scene of a crash involving death or personal injury; penalty.
- By law, any driver involved in a car crash that caused bodily injury or death must stop their vehicle. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $5,000 and jail time of up to 20 years.
NRS 484E.020 – Duty to stop at the scene of a crash involving damage to vehicle or property; duty to move the vehicle under certain circumstances.
- If your car is creating a hazard or obstructing traffic, it is your legal obligation to safely move the vehicle out of the way.
NRS 484E.030 – Duty to give information and render aid.
- It is your legal obligation to give your name, address, and vehicle registration number of the vehicle involved in the car wreck. If requested by the person you injured or by police, you’re required to give your driver’s license. If anyone was injured in the crash, you are also legally obligated to help them get medical attention.
NRS 484E.040 – Duty upon damaging unattended vehicle or other property.
- If your crash involved damage to an unattended vehicle or property you are required by Nevada law to notify the owner of the damaged vehicle or property. You must give them your name and address, or leave a written note with your information.
NRS 484E.050 – Immediate notice to a police officer of a crash involving an unattended vehicle or other property.
- If you are well enough to do so, you are required to notify the police or Nevada Highway Patrol of the crash. If you are not well enough, then the other driver is legally obligated to give notice.
NRS 41.141 – Comparative negligence
- If you were partially at fault, this law allows the car accident victim in a personal injury case to recover a percentage of the plaintiff’s damages as long as one or more defendants were at least 50% responsible for the injury or motor vehicle accident.
NRS 11.190 – Periods of limitation
- Due to Nevada’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury, wrongful death or product liability claims, or else the judge will dismiss the claim regardless of its merits. The plaintiffs have three years to recover for property damage.
Auto Accidents that Might Require a Car Accident Attorney
Accidents involving injuries
Serious injuries like brain injury can mean endless medical expenses, permanent loss of wages, and lots of rehabilitation. This can be costly, and hard to manage. But an injury attorney can help you navigate through the bills and paperwork.
Even if you think you’re fine, injuries like neck pain, can sneak up on you and so can those medical bills. A car accident attorney can help you get maximum compensation for your accident claim that will help cover these costs.
Now that you know the complexities that can arise due to car accidents, not the least of which are potential injuries, it’s important if you have been a victim in a car crash in the Las Vegas area, to immediately discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000. Our team offers the experience and expertise you need when you’ve faced a life-changing event such as this. Schedule your Free Consultation today.
Cases where fault is contested
If the other motorist denies they were at fault, a personal injury lawyer can help prove your case. They will know what evidence you need, what paperwork you need to file, and the deadlines you need to meet.
Distracted driving
Driving while using talking or texting on your cell phone, navigating GPS, or changing radio stations are one of the most common causes of car accidents.
Driving under the influence
Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous and, unfortunately, common in major metropolitan areas like Las Vegas. Between 2012 and 2016, almost 400 people lost their lives due to impaired driving crashes in Nevada.
Drunk driving accidents are preventable. The driver who chose to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs was acting illegally – these are DUI offenses. Because the injuries caused by drunk drivers are usually serious, our drunk driver accident attorneys will aggressively seek maximum compensation for the victims.
Insurance company negotiations
The other driver’s insurance company might want you to make a statement or sign paperwork that could put you at risk of receiving far less in your accident claim. A North Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help protect your rights while negotiating with insurance companies.
Products liability lawsuit
If your accident was the result of defective products, either in the design or manufacturing of the vehicle, then you might want to hire a lawyer to sue the car manufacturer. Proving a defect can be difficult and requires expert analysis.
Motorcycle accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014 motorcyclists were killed at a rate 27 times higher than motorists and passengers in other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, which can result in high medical expenses.
A personal injury lawyer who has experience handling motorcycle accidents can make sure you receive fair compensation to cover these costs. Anthem Injury Lawyers is experienced in handling complex motorcycle accident cases. Our law firm has established relationships with the best expert specialists, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals who are important to helping us build your winning case.
While much of this post has discussed automobile accidents and how our team of car accident lawyers can represent you, if you’ve been the victim in a motorcycle accident, you need specialized legal help. Again, Anthem Injury Lawyers is your best choice. Due to our experience, you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Call us today – your initial consultation is free. Discuss your case with Las Vegas personal injury attorneys who know how to help you: call now, (702) 857-6000.
Experienced Las Vegas Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada, you should speak to a licensed Nevada personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your car accident case.
We offer free case evaluations. Our office is conveniently located in Henderson. We work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip. Contact us today for a free consultation at (702) 857-6000.