North Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer

What Are The Causes Of A Car Accident?

A car accident can occur due to any mistake on the road. The common causes include:

• Speeding: Driving beyond the speed limit is dangerous because it reduces a driver’s reaction time. A driver driving too fast may not have time to stop when needed, for instance, when there is an obstacle on the road, or traffic slows down.
• Distracted driving: Anything that takes a driver’s attention from driving is a distraction. This can be a visual distraction (something that takes a driver’s eyes off the road), manual/physical distraction (takes a driver’s hands off the wheel), and cognitive distraction (takes a driver’s mind away from driving). Examples of distractions include eating and driving, texting, talking on the phone, having a conversation with passengers, daydreaming, and adjusting audio or climate controls.
• Drowsy driving: Some drivers are too tired to stay alert, which affects their ability to drive. A drowsy driver may have trouble keeping their eyes open, or maintaining a consistent speed. Thus, they may swerve, miss road signs or turns, constantly accelerate and brake, or run off the road.
• Drunk driving: Several factors contribute to people driving drunk. These include not knowing how impaired they are, a false sense of confidence due to impairment of judgment, lack of access to alternative transportation, feeling invincible, and social pressure. A drunk driver has impaired judgment, slow reaction time, and poor coordination — all aspects that can cause an accident.
• Adverse weather: Harsh weather, such as heavy rains or snow, can cause a car accident by reducing road traction, which makes it hard for drivers to control their cars. However, a driver may still be held liable when poor weather contributes to an accident if they fail to take reasonable precautions like increasing to a safe following distance.

Other causes of car accidents are poor road conditions, night driving, poor maintenance, and reckless driving.

Do You Need A Lawyer When Involved In A Car Accident?

Working with an auto accident attorney in North Las Vegas when involved in a car accident is crucial in receiving just compensation. Car accident claims need solid evidence. You need to prove the other party owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty of care, their action directly caused your injuries, and you suffered damages. Proving these four elements without an attorney can be challenging. 

Additionally, you need to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to receive a fair settlement. Excellent skills are needed when negotiating with insurance adjusters, as they are well-trained.

Our car accident attorneys are experienced in personal injury laws and negotiating with insurance companies. We will use our expertise to ensure you receive a settlement that covers all the damages you suffer.

When Should You Call An Attorney After A Car Accident?

It’s important to call an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. This ensures that you preserve evidence, and are guided on what to do. 

It’s not uncommon for people with minor injuries to avoid calling a lawyer, believing they can handle the matter by themselves. However, an injury that seems minor may become severe. 

Consequently, the damages you incur due to an accident may become significant with time. If you hadn’t gathered evidence to support your claim, it may be challenging for you to receive the compensation you deserve.

Should You Speak With The Other Insurance Company?

You might receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company to gather more information about the accident. They may want you to provide details their policyholder may have missed when reporting the incident. 

It’s generally not recommended to talk to the insurer, as you may say something that can negatively impact your claim, especially if they ask for a recorded statement.

You need to report the accident to your insurance provider to be guided on how to interact with the other insurer if they contact you. Your insurer may advise you to only give basic information, such as your name and contact details, and to decline to give a recorded statement.

Can The Other Driver Dispute Liability?

While you may have thought the events that led to the accident were clear enough to show the other driver was at fault, you may receive contradicting information from their insurer. They may state they are not at fault, which is, in most instances, the case, as it’s what insurance companies advise their policyholders. 

This is why you need evidence to support your claim. Take photos of the accident scene (the position of the vehicles, damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and road debris). You should also take pictures of your injuries, and obtain witnesses’ contact information and statements. The more solid your evidence is, the easier it can be for you to link the negligent actions of the other driver to the accident.

How Will You Be Compensated If The Other Driver Is Uninsured?

What can you do if the other driver informs you they are uninsured when exchanging information after a car accident? How will you recover the damages you incur in such an instance?

If you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, you should still get their name and contact information, and gather crucial evidence for documentation purposes. Since they are not insured, you might need to file a claim with your insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) policy.

If you sustain an injury caused by a driver whose insurance policy can’t cover the full extent of the damages you suffer, you can be compensated by your insurance company by filing a claim under your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. 

What Damages Can You Claim?

In a car accident claim, you can recover economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and disfigurement. In extreme cases, you may be able to claim punitive damages.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Car Accident Claim In Nevada?

Any action to recover damages for injuries to a person caused by another party’s neglect has a statute of limitation of two years in Nevada. You need to bring action against the other party within two years from the date of the accident. Hence, it’s vital to get legal guidance to act soon. 

Some people delay filing a claim because their injury was minor at the time of the accident, only to worsen later, or they are unaware of the statute of limitations. When you work with a personal injury attorney, they will ensure you navigate the legal procedures and paperwork to file your case on time, protecting your eligibility for compensation.

Why Choose Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys? 

Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, has decades of experience protecting the rights of victims injured in car accidents. We have handed over fifty thousand settlement checks. We will fight for you to maximize your compensation.

Additionally, we will ensure you stay informed about your case. Keeping clients in the dark can affect their experience. So, we aim to provide frequent updates and answer any questions. Our team will offer help in every step of your case, including assisting you in getting a reliable doctor, and obtaining a rental car until your vehicle is repaired or replaced.

Call our North Las Vegas personal injury law firm to understand your legal options after sustaining an injury in a car accident.