Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Nevada
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, defined by its vibrant energy, world-class entertainment, and a constant flow of traffic. However, the same neon-lit streets that draw millions of visitors annually also see thousands of devastating collisions. If you’ve been injured on our roads, you need more than just legal advice; you need a dedicated Las Vegas car accident attorney who understands the local landscape.
At Burris & Thomas, LLC, we represent victims who have had their lives turned upside down by the negligence of others. Whether you were struck on the Las Vegas Strip, rear-ended in Summerlin, or involved in a high-speed collision on the I-15, our team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Get more than 45 years of experience on your side!
Injured in a car accident? Call our Las Vegas car accident attorney at Burris & Thomas, LLC today at (702) 529-3101 to schedule a free case evaluation!
Nevada Car Accident Laws
Navigating the legal aftermath of a crash requires a firm grasp of Nevada’s specific statutes. Understanding these laws is the first step toward a successful recovery.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: Nevada follows a "51% bar" rule. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- At-Fault Insurance State: Nevada is an "at-fault" state, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Victims typically file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
- Statute of Limitations: In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: Nevada law requires drivers to carry "25/50/20" coverage: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
Car Crash Hotspots in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the busiest traffic regions in Nevada, and certain areas experience a higher concentration of accidents due to congestion, speed, and tourist traffic. Common crash hotspots include:
- The Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Blvd)
- I-15 corridor through Clark County
- US-95 and Summerlin Parkway interchanges
- Flamingo Road and Sahara Avenue intersections
- Downtown Las Vegas grid streets
High traffic density, rideshare activity, and pedestrian crossings make these areas particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Car crashes in Las Vegas occur in many forms, each presenting unique legal and medical challenges. The most common types include:
- Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic
- T-bone or side-impact crashes at intersections
- Head-on collisions on high-speed roads
- Multi-vehicle pileups on highways
- Rideshare-related accidents involving Uber or Lyft
- Hit-and-run crashes
- DUI-related accidents
Each type of crash requires careful investigation to determine fault and build a strong compensation claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Most collisions in Las Vegas are caused by preventable driver behavior. Leading causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, or in-car distractions)
- Speeding on highways and surface streets
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Unsafe lane changes or tailgating
Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious or life-changing injuries.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can cause injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most frequently reported injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and burns
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Compensation Available for Injured Motorists
If you were injured in a Las Vegas car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving extreme negligence, such as DUI accidents, punitive damages may also be available.
Proving Liability
To win a car accident case in Las Vegas, you must prove that the other party was "negligent." This involves four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed that obligation (e.g., ran a red light or drove drunk).
- Causation: The driver’s breach directly caused the accident.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result.
Our legal team gathers evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage from Strip hotels, witness statements, and "black box" data from vehicles to build an airtight case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
While not required, hiring a Las Vegas car accident lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
You may still recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, depending on your policy.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life.
What should I do after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, report the crash, gather evidence if possible, and contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Today
If you have sustained serious injuries as a result of an auto accident that was the fault of a negligent driver, don't hesitate to retain an experienced car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV. Hospital bills, loss of wages, and treatment costs can quickly add up to a significant financial hardship.
Many personal injury claims have strict timetables they must adhere to retain their validity. Take immediate action to begin your car accident case! We work diligently to protect the rights of our clients and help them recover.
Contact us at (702) 529-3101 today to schedule a free case evaluation with our Las Vegas car accident lawyer!
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
-
How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
-
Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
-
What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
