4 FAQs about Filing a Car Accident Claim in Las Vegas

In the wake of a serious road wreck, it’s expected that you will have countless questions running through your mind. After all, picking up the pieces in the wake of a collision is almost always a confusing, stressful, and exhausting experience.

Fortunately, getting some direction in these trying times can give you the clarity and insights you need to start making informed decisions about your future. Most personal injury lawyers will be willing to meet with you as part of a free consultation to answer your most pressing questions, but you won’t have to wait until that first meeting to clear up some of the uncertainty surrounding your situation.

In this article, we answer a few of the most common questions claimants have in the aftermath of an accident:

1. What Should I Do Immediately after a Car Wreck?

After a wreck, your number one priority should always be your health. As such, if you weren’t treated at the scene or rushed to the emergency room, you should book a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible—even if your injuries don’t seem serious. There’s always a chance you suffered a severe impact injury that isn’t showing symptoms yet, so a prompt diagnosis will help ensure that a potentially dangerous condition doesn’t go unchecked.

However, before leaving the scene, you should exchange information with the other motorist(s) involved. Make sure to take down their contact details and their insurance information. You should also take photographs of the wreckage and your injuries, as such evidence could help support your case.

2. Who Is Liable for My Injuries?

As Nevada is a so-called “fault” state, the person deemed responsible for causing the collision will usually be held financially responsible for compensating you for your damages. However, you can still seek compensation if you played a role in the collision as long as you are no more at fault than the defendant(s).

To demonstrate liability, you will likely need to provide many different types of proof. Such evidence might include surveillance or dashcam footage, eyewitness statements, accident reports, cell phone records, toxicology reports, and photographs of the wreckage.

3. What Expenses Are Recoverable after a Car Accident?

From medical bills to repairs to lost income, many types of damages might be available to you. It’s important to understand that you aren’t just limited to seeking compensation for expenses you’ve already incurred but may also be able to secure a payout for future costs associated with your injuries. For example, if your condition is reasonably likely to prevent you from working down the line, you may be able to build a case for diminished earning potential.

4. Will My Car Accident Claim Go to Court?

While most personal injury claims are settled outside of trial, there’s always a possibility that you might have to file a lawsuit to recover fair compensation. For instance, the insurer might be unwilling to agree to a reasonable sum, leaving you with no other option than to bring a case against the at-fault party/parties.

In Nevada, you will have up to two years from the date you suffered your injuries to take legal action. While these might seem like a significant amount of time, it can sometimes take months to prepare your case for trial—especially if your claim requires an extensive investigation and input from various expert witnesses.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney

Do you still have questions about your case? Turn to the legal team at Maier Gutierrez & Associates for reliable answers and personalized support.

Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys can assist with almost every aspect of your case, from investigating the wreck and gathering evidence to overseeing settlement negotiations and advocating for you in court. Call us today at 702-629-7900 or head over to our Contact Page to lock in a free consultation.

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