Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer » Blog » Nevada Highway Accidents: Who’s Liable?

Nevada Highway Accidents: Who’s Liable?

What Steps Should You Take Following a Highway Accident In Nevada?

Suppose you’ve been involved in a highway accident in Las Vegas, especially one that resulted in injuries. In that case, it’s critical to understand the intricacies of negligence determination in these cases and how Nevada’s highway accident laws apply to your situation. Regardless of the accident type on the highway, these laws and Nevada’s auto insurance regulations are crucial in shaping your injury claim. Knowing these laws and the insurance system can greatly influence the amount of compensation you receive following a highway accident.

Woman on phone by damaged car, possibly contacting a Las Vegas car accident attorney.

Dealing with the legal complexities of a highway accident case in Nevada can be daunting if you’re on your own. Seeking the expertise of a Nevada personal injury lawyer can be immensely beneficial. These attorneys have a deep knowledge of Nevada’s laws and have a history of securing significant compensation for their clients. They are ready to provide you with the necessary assistance for your claim.

Key Steps To Follow For Highway Accident Response & Reporting

In case of a highway accident in Nevada, it’s important to comply with specific state laws:

  • Stop and Provide Aid: Nevada law mandates that you stop at the scene of the accident. You should provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured, which may include calling for medical help if necessary.
  • Exchange Information and Document the Scene: You are required to exchange personal and insurance information with the other involved parties. This includes names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. Nevada law also encourages documenting the accident scene, so take photos or videos if it’s safe to do so.
  • Report the Accident: In Nevada, any highway accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount must be reported. If law enforcement didn’t respond to the scene, you are required to file a report with the nearest police station or directly with the Nevada DMV within 10 days of the accident.

Following these steps ensures compliance with Nevada’s highway accident laws and can aid in any legal or insurance processes that follow.

Nevada’s Fault Law In Highway Accidents

In highway accidents in Nevada, the state adheres to a “fault” system, which is crucial for determining financial responsibility for all losses incurred, such as medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Under this system, the individual deemed at fault for causing the highway accident is liable for any resulting harm.
If you sustain injuries or other damages in a highway accident, you typically have several options:

  • File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: You can directly approach the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident to seek compensation.
  • Initiate a Personal Injury Lawsuit: If necessary, you can file a lawsuit in court against the driver who caused the accident.
  • Claim Through Your Own Insurance: If your policy covers the specific losses, you can file a claim with your insurance company.

For a clearer understanding of the steps to take following a highway accident in Nevada, consider contacting a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas. They can assist in investigating the accident to establish fault and handle all communications with the insurance companies involved.

Infographic highlighting why your airbag could fail to work

Navigating Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law In Highway Accidents

In Nevada, the handling of highway accident cases is guided by a “comparative negligence” system. This law plays a pivotal role when you’re seeking compensation for losses incurred in a highway accident. The principle behind this system is that you can recover damages as long as you are not predominantly responsible for the accident.

This concept, also known as “comparative fault” or “shared fault,” involves assessing the degree of fault of each party involved in the accident. If you are partially at fault, the compensation you’re entitled to will be adjusted based on your share of the responsibility.

For instance, if you are involved in a highway accident and found to have some degree of fault, your compensation will be proportionally reduced according to your level of responsibility. However, if you bear the majority of the fault for the accident, you might be ineligible for compensation.

Two cars after a collision, representing a potential case for a Las Vegas car accident attorney.

The comparative negligence rule is also crucial in how insurance companies assess accident claims. They often attempt to attribute a higher degree of fault to the victims to reduce the compensation amount. Therefore, having an attorney well-versed in Nevada’s highway accident laws can be essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive a fair assessment of your claim.

Statute Of Limitations For Highway Accidents In Nevada

In Nevada, there’s a critical time frame to be aware of if you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit following a highway accident. This time frame, known as the statute of limitations, is two years from the date of the accident. If this period elapses before you take legal action, you may lose your right to seek compensation for any losses incurred due to the accident.

It’s important not to delay in understanding your legal rights after a highway accident. Seeking advice from a lawyer promptly can ensure that you’re well-informed about your options and that any necessary legal actions are initiated within the allowed time frame. Contacting a lawyer for a free consultation can be a crucial step in protecting your rights and interests.

Highway Accident Auto Insurance Requirements

In Nevada, specific auto insurance coverage is mandated for all vehicle owners, particularly concerning highway accidents. The state requires the following minimum coverages:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: A minimum coverage of $25,000 is required for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident.
  • Total Bodily Injury Liability: If more than one person is injured or killed in a single accident, the coverage required increases to a minimum of $50,000.
  • Property Damage Liability: A minimum of $20,000 coverage is required for property damage.

This liability insurance is essential as it covers damages to others if you are found responsible for a highway accident. It’s important to note that this insurance does not cover your own injuries or property damage. However, you have the option to purchase coverage above these minimum levels for added protection.

Additionally, to safeguard against incidents involving uninsured drivers, you can opt for uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is particularly useful if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run situation, providing you with financial protection for damages or injuries sustained.

Consult With a Las Vegas Highway Accident Attorney Today

Have you sustained injuries in a highway accident in Las Vegas due to another’s negligence? Are you seeking clarity on how Nevada’s specific laws and insurance requirements pertain to your case? Let our experienced and empathetic highway accident attorneys assist you in navigating this complex legal landscape. At Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are dedicated to advocating for full financial compensation to address all your past, present, and future losses stemming from the accident.

Contact us now to arrange a complimentary and confidential consultation. During this meeting, we will address all your queries and outline your legal options in detail.

 


Summerlin Location

11441 Allerton Park Dr #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135

Phone: 702-684-6900

Fax: 702-382-9798

Downtown Location

626 S 10th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: 702-382-9797

Fax: 702-382-9798

Henderson Location

9230 S Eastern Ave #155
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Phone: 702-463-2900

Fax: 702-382-9798

Reno Location

1320 E Plumb Lane Ste A
Reno, NV 89502

Phone: 775-600-6000

Fax: 702-382-9798

Nevada Personal Injury Attorney

Joseph L. Benson II, and Ben J. Bingham, Personal Injury Attorneys

Free Consultation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.