Our legal team at Southwest Injury Law represents people involved in motor vehicle collisions in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. We make it our goal to seek maximum compensation for our clients. With the assistance of our experienced auto accident attorneys, injured parties can obtain the financial recovery they need and deserve. Let us guide you through the process and help you rebuild your life after a traumatic car wreck. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at our Las Vegas office.
What Factors Affect the Value of a Car Wreck Case?
The potential value of a bodily injury claim for a car wreck will depend on the extent of injuries and the facts surrounding the incident. Considerable factors include:
- Liability and Evidence: Strong evidence and clear liability may strengthen an injury case and increase the chance of a favorable outcome. If a claim has insufficient evidence or liability is disputed or unclear, it may potentially reduce the value of the case.
- Partial Fault: Under the modified comparative negligence law in Nevada, an injured party may recover a portion of their losses even if they share fault for the incident. This is possible so long as they are not deemed over 50 percent responsible for the car wreck.
- Injury Severity: The more serious the injuries, the more likely the need for extensive treatment, a lengthy recovery time, and the greater the impact on the claimant’s quality of life. Testimony from a medical expert may be needed to prove the severity of the injury and need for ongoing treatment.
- Earning Capacity: Serious or catastrophic injuries from a crash that leave individuals disabled have a greater value as claimants may be entitled to the value of diminished earning potential. Expert witness testimony may be necessary to establish the value of reduced earning capacity.
- Defendant’s Actions: If the opposing party’s actions were egregious leading up to the incident, such as excessive speeding or driving while intoxicated, the plaintiff may have grounds to seek punitive damages from the defendant.
- Liability Coverage Limits: Losses are generally reimbursed through an auto insurance policy. If the at-fault party has inadequate or no insurance, this can limit the amount of financial recovery. That is why it is important to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to seeking the best result possible for clients we represent in Las Vegas car accident cases. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation or submitting an online contact form today.
What Auto Insurance Coverage Should I Have in Nevada?
Understanding auto insurance coverage and additional options is important for any driver in Las Vegas. It is recommended for motorists to carry the following insurance add-ons:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Also referred to as UM/UIM, this protection steps in when an at-fault party causes an accident and has insufficient or no liability insurance. UM/UIM protection provides a safety net, covering medical bills, wage loss, and other related losses up to the limits of the policy. Our law office recommends that Vegas area drivers should have carry at least $100,000/$300,000 of this protection.
- Medical Payments Coverage: MedPay can help cover medical bills for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision for the driver and passengers involved in the incident. Medical payments coverage is helpful in that it provides coverage regardless of fault for a car wreck. It generally covers hospital stays, imaging, surgery, primary care provider visits, and other treatment.
Can You Recover Punitive Damages in a Traffic Collision?
Under NRS 42.005, punitive damages may be sought from a negligent motorist as a way of punishing them for their egregious conduct that led to the incident causing bodily harm. Examples include:
- Excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages exist to serve as a punishment for the at-fault party instead of compensating the claimant for their losses.
How Long Do You Have to File an Injury Case After a Crash in Nevada?
Nevada’s statute of limitations allows two years for a claimant to file a personal injury case in civil court. The statute of limitations is tolled for minor claimants. In other words, an injured party who was a minor at the time of the incident has two years from the date of their 18th birthday to file. Cases against the government are subject to a shorter time limit of six months from the date of loss. For more information, contact an experienced auto accident attorney serving Las Vegas today.
Reasons You May Need a Las Vegas Auto Accident Attorney
Having a personal injury lawyer handle your Las Vegas car accident case means you will have an advocate to support you throughout the legal process. You should consider reaching out to an experienced attorney near you if any of the following conditions apply:
- Liability for the motor vehicle collision is unclear
- The traffic collision involved a motorcycle rider, bicyclist, or pedestrian
- The police report lacks important information or is inconclusive regarding fault
- The incident caused a significant impact resulting in traumatic injuries or a fatality
- The car wreck occurred in a construction zone, school zone, or other area where there is a protected speed zone
Why Choose Southwest Injury Law to Handle Your Car Accident Case
- Our firm owner and personal injury attorney, Luis Ayon, has been securing maximum compensation for injured parties in Clark County and across the state of Nevada.
- We are a boutique personal injury law firm that offers personalized attention to each and every client, ensuring dedicated support and compassionate guidance throughout their case.
- Our law office operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we cover all upfront costs associated with the case and our clients will not owe any attorney’s fees if and until we secure compensation.
- We are prepared to take cases to trial if necessary and have the resources to work with medical experts to help substantiate accident-related injuries in court, always prioritizing the best interests of our clients throughout the legal process.
Contact Our Las Vegas Auto Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, contact Southwest Injury Law today. Our skilled auto accident attorneys can help you obtain the best result possible. Call (702) 600-3200 for a free consultation at our Las Vegas office. We serve clients in Clark County and across Nevada.