Can a Bad Driving Record Ruin Your Car Accident Claim?
Your driving record contains important information that may be used as a factor in determining the cost of your auto insurance policy. Additionally, if you have been deemed at fault in multiple car accidents, have one or more DUIs on your record, or have received numerous traffic citations for speeding and other violations, your driving record may be used by another driver’s insurance company to reduce or even deny your damages claims after a car accident.
If you were in a car accident that another driver caused and you are concerned that your driving record may lead to a reduction in your claim, consult with an experienced Nevada personal injury attorney right away. Your attorney can provide guidance through the situation, advise you on whether to share your driving record with the other driver’s insurance company and fight for you if an insurance adjuster tries to place blame on you for the accident because of your driving history.
Should I Disclose My Driving Record To My Attorney?
Your communication with your attorney is privileged, which means that they are obligated by law to keep most of your conversations and information confidential through attorney-client privilege. This legal protection helps your attorney gain a better understanding of you as a person, the situation, and your claim so that they can build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
It’s imperative to be open with your Las Vegas personal injury attorney. Always disclose information to your attorney regarding your case or accident as soon as possible so that your attorney can be prepared to represent you. Informing your attorney in advance will help him or her be prepared to defend you, and handle situations to your advantage. Don’t hide a bad driving record from your attorney; give them all the information they need so that they can work on your behalf.
Will I Be Required to Disclose My Driving Record When I File a Claim?
Whether you’ll be legally required to disclose your driving record to an insurance company will depend on what stage of the claim you are in. If you are working to negotiate a settlement with the liable driver’s insurance company, you probably will not need to disclose any information that is not related to the collision and your injuries and damages that resulted.
However, suppose your attempt at an insurance settlement has been unsuccessful and you move forward with a lawsuit to seek compensation after your accident. In that case, you may be required to disclose your driving record and other information in the discovery process that happens during a lawsuit. Your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will guide you through this process, helping you to understand what to expect each step of the way as you seek compensation.
Can My Driving Record Affect My Accident Claim?
If you’ve been driving for several years or longer, it’s very likely that you have been involved in an accident at some point or received at least one ticket for speeding or a parking violation. When you file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company, the adjuster may try to argue that your injuries came from a previous accident, which would mean they would not be liable. Although it’s more difficult to prove a case when you have pre-existing injuries from another accident, it’s still possible. If you have injuries from a previous accident that were aggravated by a new accident, your Las Vegas truck accident injury lawyer will work on your behalf to achieve full compensation.
In other cases, the insurance adjuster may try to claim that your prior accidents and traffic violations are proof of a history of negligent driving and therefore you must be at least partially at fault for the new accident. They may try to reduce their settlement offer or evade liability by blaming your driving record. In these cases, your attorney will represent you and fight for full compensation.
If you have a more serious history on your driving record, such as a DUI or driving with a suspended license, the case may be more difficult to argue, but you still have the right to pursue compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. Our Las Vegas auto injury law firm is ready to review every legal option and build a strong case to help you obtain the compensation you need for recovery, regardless of your driving history.
Call Benson & Bingham Today For Help After An Accident
If your driving record is being used against you to decrease the value of your auto injury claim after an accident in Nevada, you need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you fight back. You need the experts at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, a respected law firm with a reputation for success after car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Since 2003, we have settled over $500 million for our clients through our legal expertise and dedication to providing a personalized experience for each client. Let our attorneys help you pursue the compensation you need after an accident. Contact us today to schedule your confidential, obligation-free consultation!