Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Nevada
The Las Vegas car accident lawyer at Burris & Thomas, LLC has dedicated his practice to advocating for the most seriously injured accident victims. For more than 45 years, our team has provided the zealous legal representation needed to obtain just and fair legal compensation for our clients.
The Nevada road system features a mix of open desert highways and heavily trafficked metropolitan roads. Serious Las Vegas auto accidents resulting in major injuries can happen on any type of roadway, at any time. Nearly 19,000 injury crashes occur each year in the state of Nevada.
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!
Handling All Types of Car Accident Claims
Regardless of the type of car accident, any collision can have major financial, emotional, and physical impacts. You could be left with severe pain, extensive medical bills, and your ability to earn an income can be compromised. At Burris & Thomas, LLC, you will find a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas who can aggressively pursue justice for victims of numerous types of car accidents.
Our personal injury lawyers take auto accident cases involving, but not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Hit and run accidents
- Manufacturer defects
- Reckless driving
Common Car Accident Injuries
The aftermath of a serious car accident can reach far beyond the initial impact and can have lifelong effects. Injury victims have the right to pursue compensation not just for the injuries and losses they have suffered, but also for the future cost of care, pain and suffering, and lost earnings potential they will endure moving forward.
Our Las Vegas law firm is prepared to pursue compensation for some of the most catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Quadriplegia & paraplegia
- Wrongful death
- Loss of limbs
- Post-traumatic stress
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a collision in Las Vegas, acting quickly at the scene and afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and your recovery. Nevada law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage to local law enforcement. Immediately after a crash, move to a safe location if possible, and call 911 to request police and medical assistance. Let paramedics check you for injuries, even if you feel fine, as symptoms often appear later.
Gathering information at the scene is critical for your case. Exchange insurance and contact details with all drivers involved, and collect vehicle registration numbers and license plate information. If any witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic controls. These records can provide key evidence when negotiating with insurers or presenting your claim in court. Request a copy of the official police report once available, as this document can be a focal point for determining fault.
Be cautious when discussing the accident with insurance adjusters and do not sign any documents or give recorded statements without seeking legal advice. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to resolve claims quickly at a reduced payout. Choosing a law firm familiar with the Las Vegas court system ensures guidance on how to protect your rights and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with local insurance carriers and procedures.
Understanding Fault & Comparative Negligence in Nevada Car Accidents
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which affects how financial responsibility is divided when multiple parties share fault in a car accident. Under state law, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the collision. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 25% at fault, you can recover 75% of your damages. However, if you hold the majority of the fault, you may not recover compensation at all.
Liability can become complicated, especially in cases with multiple vehicles, challenging witness statements, or conflicting police reports. Insurance companies often dispute fault to minimize their payouts, using detailed accident reconstruction reports and evidence gathered at the scene. Hiring an attorney with experience navigating comparative fault in Las Vegas ensures your side of the story is presented clearly and persuasively. Knowledge of local intersections, road patterns, and tendencies in Clark County courts helps build a strong foundation for your case.
When negotiating with insurance adjusters or litigating in court, understanding Nevada’s comparative negligence law shapes strategy. A skilled legal advocate investigates the accident thoroughly, works with local experts when necessary, and challenges attempts to unfairly assign blame to the injured party. This approach gives you the best chance to recover the compensation you need to move forward from an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Case in Nevada?
If you file a personal injury claim in Nevada, you have two (2) years from the date of your car accident to file against the at-fault driver. For insurance disputes, the law provides six (6) years to file against your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Settle a Car Accident Case?
The time it takes to settle your car accident case depends on several factors, including:
- Whether fault is being contested
- The severity of the accident, such as minor impacts or major collisions
- The type of damages, for example, catastrophic injury or whiplash
About half the cases our attorneys handle settle within 30 to 60 days after we send a demand letter. For more substantial accident cases, if the insurance company does not offer a fair amount and we do not settle, the process takes longer.
- If a case is worth $50,000 or less, arbitration is scheduled about 4 to 6 months after filing a complaint. If a “short trial” follows, settlement can take another 3 to 4 months.
- If a case is worth $50,000 or more and proceeds in the “regular” court system, the period from complaint to trial is typically 16 to 24 months.
Most auto accident cases in Nevada do not proceed all the way to trial. Insurance companies usually settle before a trial, often after depositions and medical exams. Both parties may also agree to a settlement at any time before trial.
Can I Sue if the Other Driver Did Not Have Insurance?
If the other driver does not have insurance, you typically rely on your uninsured motorist coverage. If your insurance company fails to handle your claim properly, you may have grounds to file a suit against your insurer.
Can I Sue if the Other Driver Did Not Have a Driver’s License?
In many situations, you may need to use your uninsured motorist coverage. Individuals driving without a license often lack insurance, so you will use your own policy in these scenarios.
If your insurer refuses to honor a valid car accident claim, our law offices in Las Vegas can intervene on your behalf.
Can I Sue if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?
You can make a claim if another driver hits you and flees the scene. Who you file against depends on whether law enforcement identifies the at-fault driver. If you determine the driver’s identity, you can pursue their insurance or treat it like any other car accident. If the driver remains unknown, you may need to file a personal injury claim with your own insurance policy.
Can I Sue if the Other Car Was Stolen?
Those who steal cars do not take out insurance on a stolen vehicle, so you will most likely need to make a claim through your own insurance. Sometimes, car owners or insurers claim the car was driven without permission or stolen to avoid responsibility.
In these cases, our car accident lawyers can often prove the car was not truly stolen or, if it was, that your uninsured motorist coverage applies. Our auto accident attorneys will investigate your situation and help you choose the best course of action. Call today and learn how we can help you!
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
