Car accidents are a common occurrence in Nevada, with no shortage of stories about them. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a major crash, car accidents can cause significant damage to both property and people. Each state has its laws that govern how car accidents are handled, and Nevada is no exception. In this blog, we will discuss car accidents and related laws in Nevada to help you better understand your rights and responsibilities if you’re ever involved in a car accident in the state.
Overview of Nevada Car Accident Laws
The laws governing car accidents in Nevada vary depending on the facts of the case and the parties involved. Generally speaking, Nevada follows a “fault” system when determining liability. This means that the party or parties who are found to be at fault for the accident are responsible for covering the damages and losses incurred by the other party or parties.
Statute of Limitations
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you are involved in an accident, you must file a lawsuit within two years to have your case heard in court. After this period has passed, your case will be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any damages.
Duty to Stop After an Accident
It is the law in Nevada that all drivers must stop and exchange information after an accident. This includes exchanging contact information, and insurance information, and identifying the vehicles involved. Failure to do so, especially after an accident that caused bodily injury or death, can result in a category B felony charge, which can include a fine, jail time, and the suspension of your driver’s license.
At-Fault Determinations
After an accident, it’s important to determine who is at fault for the accident. In Nevada, this is done through an examination of the facts of the accident and a determination of who was negligent or reckless. The at-fault determination can affect the amount of compensation a driver can receive, as well as whether or not the driver can receive any compensation.
Types of Damages
If a driver is found to be at fault for an accident, they may be liable for damages. In Nevada, two types of damages can be awarded in a car accident case: compensatory damages and punitive damages.
- Compensatory Damages. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate the injured party for any losses as a result of the accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident.
- Punitive Damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the driver who caused the accident and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are intended to deter future reckless behavior and are generally only awarded in cases where the at-fault party was particularly reckless or negligent.
Comparative Negligence
Unlike contributory negligence, Nevada follows comparative negligence when it comes to car accidents, which allows a driver to receive compensation for their damages and injuries, even if they were partially to blame for the accident. Under comparative negligence, the amount of compensation a driver can receive is reduced by the percentage of fault they had in the accident. For example, if a driver is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they can only receive 80% of the compensation they would have been entitled to under a contributory negligence system.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In Nevada, it is illegal to drive without insurance. However, there are still a significant number of drivers on the road who do not have insurance or have insufficient coverage. To protect yourself in the event of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy. This type of coverage will protect you if the other driver cannot cover the costs of your damages.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
When you’re involved in a car accident in Nevada, you need to seek the help of a car accident attorney. But why should you hire an attorney, and what are the ways they can help you?
First and foremost, a car accident attorney can help you by thoroughly investigating your case. They’ll collect evidence, interview witnesses, and look into any potential negligence or recklessness that may have contributed to the accident. This can be crucial in determining who is ultimately at fault and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Another way a car accident attorney helps you is by protecting your legal rights. From filing a claim to negotiating a settlement, an attorney can provide the legal support you need to ensure you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to. They can also help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
A car accident attorney can also help you with paperwork and filing deadlines. In the aftermath of a car accident, there’s often a lot of paperwork to be filed and many deadlines to be met. An attorney can help make sure everything is done correctly and on time.
Finally, a car accident attorney can help you fight back if you feel that the other parties involved in the accident are trying to take advantage of you. They will be able to represent you in court and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Neahusan Law Today
When it comes to choosing a car accident attorney in Nevada, Neahusan Law is the right choice. We are experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of Nevada personal injury law and have a long track record of success. We will work hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and that all your legal rights are protected. So, if you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Reno, Sparks, Fallon, Carson City, Fernley, or any of the other surrounding Nevada communities, contact Neahusan Law today at 775-420-5142.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Neahusan Law
443 Marsh Avenue
Reno, Nevada 89509
