At Cogburn Law, we pursue justice for people seriously injured in car accidents. Driver error, faulty vehicles, poor maintenance, dangerous road conditions, and many other factors contribute to crashes on Nevada roads each year. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer is here to help you navigate the procedures in the aftermath of an accident and, ultimately, receive the compensation you deserve.
Nevada Car Accident Resources:
- What can a car accident lawyer do for me?
- How much does a Las Vegas car accident lawyer charge?
- What type of compensation can I receive from my car accident?
- What is the statute of limitations in Nevada car accidents?
- What are the Nevada car insurance requirements?
- What happens if a driver with no insurance causes an accident?
- What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
- How do I request/obtain an accident report in Nevada?
- What should I do after a car accident in Las Vegas?
- Las Vegas Car Accident Statistics
- What are the most dangerous intersections in Las Vegas, NV?
- What are the most common reasons for car accidents in Nevada?
- What are the most common injuries resulting from Nevada car accidents?
- How can I avoid losing my car accident case?
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Do For Me?
A Car Accident Lawyer can help victims of an auto injury build a personal injury case & help you get compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, car repairs, & emotional distress damages. It is a sad fact that many victims of car accidents fail to seek legal representation. In cases of serious injury or loss of life, it is imperative that your case is managed carefully and correctly by an experienced Las Vegas accident lawyer. On your own, working directly with an insurance company leaves you at their mercy. The insurance company represents the negligent driver – not you, or your family. Their goal is typically to settle the case as quickly as possible, for the lowest dollar amount they can negotiate. The compensation recovered may be far, far lower than you could have achieved with the help of an accident lawyer at Cogburn Law.
Our experienced trial lawyers never waver in our commitment to protecting the rights of our clients and assisting them to pursue a just level of compensation. This means determining who is the responsible party, communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, conducting settlement negotiations, carrying out complex legal processes, and making sure insurance companies don’t take advantage of clients. Trusting professionals with your car accident case can safeguard your future after a serious personal injury accident.
How Much Does A Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Car accident lawyers generally charge a contingency fee for their services. At Cogburn Law, we don’t charge an exorbitant lawyer fee. We only charge fees if we win a case and obtain monetary awards for our clients, this is called a contingency fee. Rather than charge an hourly rate that is payable by the client as the services are rendered, a personal injury lawyer waits to be paid from the settlement or verdict proceeds of a case. While the exact percentage can range from lawyer to lawyer, in Nevada the typical fee for a personal injury case is 33 1/3% for pre-litigation – or any work performed on a case prior to filing a civil lawsuit.
What Type of Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Various types of damages can be pursued in a car accident injury case, based upon the condition of the victim. An accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help you obtain specific types of damages in a settlement or at trial, termed economic and non-economic damages for a range of losses. They include:
- Medical coverage: The compensation awarded can cover up to 100% of your crash-related medical bills and care costs, including future medical bills for an ongoing or permanent disability.
- Lost wages: You could recover compensation for financial loss or missing work while out due to sickness or injury from your accident.
- Pain and suffering, including loss of life: Nevada courts will asses your physical pain and suffering – including emotional distress and mental anguish – relating to your accident and place a monetary amount on it.
- Property damage: You are eligible to recover damages in the amount that covers the cost of vehicle or property repair or replacements.
- Punitive damages: If the defendant acted in a negligent, malicious or intentional way, the courts could award punitive damages that include jail time or community service.
The amount you receive for your car accident claim depends on a number of factors including the seriousness of injuries and damages, as well as the skill of your lawyer. Hiring a Las Vegas car accident lawyer from Cogburn Law can give you a leg up during negotiations.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Nevada Car Accidents?
Under Nevada statute NRS 11.010, which outlines the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim, you have just two years from the time of an injury in which to file a claim. You must file a claim before the statute of limitations for a car accident expires to reserve your right to receive compensation. With rare exceptions, missing this deadline means losing your right to file. Vital evidence must be gathered and preserved, including the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and witnesses to the incident must be interviewed. As time passes this process becomes more difficult, and critical evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses become difficult to find.
The process of filing a car accident claim or lawsuit should be initiated as soon as possible after the accident. At Cogburn Law, a dedicated Las Vegas car accident lawyer will help you fight for justice and full compensation for your injuries. We urge you to reach out to us as early as possible.
What are the Nevada Car Insurance Requirements?
Nevada laws require that automobile liability insurance policies carry minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons on any one accident
- $20,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
However, with big tourist hubs like Las Vegas and Reno, it is not uncommon for Nevada drivers to interact with out-of-state drivers that have different car accident insurance laws. Being involved in a car accident with an out-of-state driver can put you at risk as they may be underinsured.
What happens if a driver with no insurance causes an accident?
Being involved in a car accident with a driver with no insurance can make your situation even more complicated. It is highly unlikely that you can win an auto accident claim against them. Why? Because it is likely this person cannot afford to pay the damages they owe you. But, there is something you can do to cover your losses. This is where Nevada uninsured and underinsured insurance comes in handy.
What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorists Insurance is an optional addition that can be part of your auto insurance policy that covers the losses of a car accident when the other driver is at fault and when they have inadequate insurance or none at all.
Uninsured motorist injury coverage covers damage to the people, including you, in your vehicle. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Underinsured motorist injury coverage covers you if the at-fault driver’s insurance limits do not cover your compensatory damages.
In the state of Nevada, both types of coverages are combined into a single policy. So if you purchased uninsured motorist coverage, you are immediately covered for the damages made by an under-insured motorist as well.
How Do I Request/Obtain an Accident Report in Nevada?
You need to contact the local Highway Patrol office where the accident occurred. Nevada Revised Statutes directs that any driver involved in a wreck must stop at an accident that involves damage to a vehicle or other property (NRS 484E.020), or a death or injury (NRS 484E.010). Drivers are also required to give information and render aid in accordance with NRS 484E.030. As of March 2014, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will no longer respond to minor, non-injury car accidents – meaning, if the total damage from a collision is under $750, and there are no injuries, Nevada’s state and local police officers will not respond to the accident scene.
If the police do not come to the scene of the accident, the driver of a vehicle involved in a car accident must report the crash if it resulted in:
- damage to a vehicle or other property over $750
- serious injury or death
The driver must report the accident immediately to the Nevada Highway Patrol and the failure to report the car accident may result in driver’s license suspension for up to one year.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas?
After a crash, assess your condition and that of your passengers. If you feel well enough to move, exit the vehicle and check on the area around you and the other driver. If your injuries are serious, remain calm and wait until emergency responders arrive. No matter the severity of the crash, it’s important to seek medical care as some injuries do not immediately manifest symptoms. Though you aren’t thinking of it immediately, a failure to seek medical attention can also indicate that your injuries are not as serious as you claim if your case ends up in the courtroom.
In Nevada, there are a series of laws put in place that require you to notify both police and your insurance providers of any car accident, no matter the size. While you wait for the police to arrive, assess the accident from your view. It’s a good idea to take photos of things like:
- The accident scene
- The damage to your vehicle
- The positions of the vehicles on the road
- Your Injuries
- The other persons’ information
Photos are an easy way to collect potentially valuable evidence and will be a useful tool when speaking with a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas or with your claims adjuster. The police will take statements from everyone involved and any witnesses. Answer the police officer’s questions honestly and concisely, but do not say anything that can be perceived as an admission of guilt. Even little things like “I’m sorry,” or “I didn’t see..” could unknowingly put you at fault.
Las Vegas Car Accident Statistics
The city of Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA. Along with an influx of visitors comes the consumption of alcohol – one of the biggest risks to driving in the area. Statistics issued by the Nevada Department of Public Safety reveal the staggering numbers of serious injuries and fatalities in Nevada.
Between 2012 and 2016:
- 396 people lost their lives
- 682 were seriously injured in impaired driving crashes
- 65% of impaired driving fatalities and serious injuries occurred in Clark County
- 56% of the impaired fatalities occurred between a single vehicle and a pedestrian
- 82% of the serious injuries & fatalities occurred on city roadways
Intersection-related collisions have been a particular area of emphasis for the state of Nevada. From 2012-2016, 301 people were killed and over 2,000 seriously injured in intersection-related crashes through the state, particularly in Clark County.
Intersection-Related Injuries and Fatalities: 2012-2016
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or died in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is vital that you reach out to a car accident lawyer at Cogburn Law for a consultation with a dedicated accident lawyer in Las Vegas. The actions we take in the early stages following a car accident can have a significant impact on the final outcome of your case.
What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas Sun has reported on the most dangerous streets and intersections in and around Las Vegas, all high traffic areas. These intersections have been the locations of countless collisions in which innocent people were seriously injured or died:
- Las Vegas Strip
- Lamb and Charleston boulevards
- Paradise Road and Tropicana Avenue
- Koval Lane and Tropicana Avenue
- Decatur Boulevard and Sahara Avenue
Factually, car accidents can occur on any roadway, at any time of day. Drunk driving is just one of a range of contributing factors. Texting & driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and unsafe lane changes are just a few of the negligent driving habits that result in innocent people suffering devastating, life-altering injuries. You can click to learn more about distracted driving. Protect yourself in the aftermath of the accident by reaching out to a Las Vegas accident lawyer today.
What are the Most Common Reasons for Car Accidents?
Driver distraction, drunk driving, reckless driving, and defective auto parts are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Nevada. Clark County has the highest number of fatalities of all Nevada Counties. In 2018 alone, there were 289 car accidents with 329 fatalities reported by the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS). While these statistics reveal shocking numbers of highway deaths, if your family member is one of those killed in a traffic accident, the devastation and loss last a lifetime.
- Driver distraction: In 2016, over 3,000 people died in the U.S. because of distracted driving. Nevada law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones behind the wheel to talk, text, or conduct other business, but this still remains one of the major causes of distracted driving. Click here to learn more about the most common causes of distracted driving.
- Drunk driving: Drunk drivers cannot react as quickly as sober drivers, and because of this poor judgment and lack of ability to control the vehicle, hundreds of people die or suffer an injury in a car accident related to consumption of alcohol. This is especially prominent in Las Vegas, as more and more tourist flood the Las Vegas Strip on the weekends.
- Reckless driving: Because Nevada is mostly desert, our roads and highways are ofter subjected to higher speed limits. This changes once you near any big city, but reckless driving often prevails. High speeds, ignoring road rules, passing too closely and running red lights are all involved in reckless driving accidents.
- Defective auto parts: New and smart technology in cars doesn’t always overpower human errors. Defective and dangerous breaks, tires, steering columns, ignitions, and other parts have all be subject to recalls in the past decade and can increase the odds of passengers suffering serious injuries.
- Dangerous roadways: Road construction happens everywhere and can cause delays and injury if not marked or paid attention to. In these cases, the city would be liable for your injuries if found negligent for failing to prevent accidents.
What are the Most Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents?
The most common injuries resulting from auto accidents include but are not limited to broke bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries. The injuries sustained in a car crash are related to the point of impact, the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, and the weight of the vehicles involved. The common types of car accident injuries include:
- Broken bones: Including legs, arms, hands, feet, elbow, knee, spine and neck
- Head injuries: Fractures, hematoma, hemorrhage, concussion, edema, diffuse axonal injury (damage to brain cells)
- Spinal cord injuries: Incomplete spinal cord injuries, complete spinal cord injuries, anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome, Brown-Sequard syndrome, tetraplegia, paraplegia, triplegia
- Traumatic brain injuries: Concussion, Coup & Contrecoup injuries, brain contusion, diffuse axonal injury, second impact syndrome, penetrating injury
- Crush injuries: crushed limbs, internal bleeding, bruising, compartment syndrome, fracture, nerve injuries, infections, severe wounds, lacerations
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, punctured lungs, internal bleeding, torn blood vessels
- Facial injuries: Lacerations, fractures, nasal damage, jaw damage, eye injuries, orbital fractures, maxillary fractures, jaw fractures
Wrongful Death
If a loved one has died in a car accident caused by another party, a wrongful death case can be filed to recover compensation. A wrongful death claim is the appropriate legal action when another party has engaged in reckless or negligent driving behavior, and in so doing, caused the death of another. Certain family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim, including the surviving spouse, domestic partner or children. In cases of a deceased person who was unmarried and had no children, the parents of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Some others may hold the right to file a claim. Understanding who holds the right to file can be more difficult than it seems, so consult with a Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer experienced in fatal car accident cases.
How Can I avoid Losing My Car Accident Case?
The first port of call when trying to avoid losing a car accident case is to consult with an experienced accident attorney, immediately. We state this because there are many pitfalls that an auto injury victim can fall into when trying to navigate the process of an injury lawsuit by themselves. Things like speaking to your claims adjuster, using social media, reporting to the police, gathering details from the other driver, and during settlement talks are just some of the obstacles that you need to overcome. Without an experienced auto injury lawyer to guide you along the way, many victims could have their case wrongfully dismissed from the start. If you want a complete guide on How To Win Your Auto Accident Case, enter your email below and we will send you it, free of charge.
Why Choose Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers?
A car accident victim deserves to be represented by counsel who has the experience to take the case to a jury for decision when needed. Our track record of achieving high-value jury awards and negotiated settlements has led to the receipt of many honors and awards. While we take pride in being recognized by our peers for our legal work, our belief is that beyond our legal experience, it is our personal dedication to the people we serve that matters above all.
If you or a family member was seriously injured in a car accident, or you lost a loved one, contact Las Vegas auto accident lawyer at Cogburn Law today for a free case consultation.