On-road accidents are frequently reported in Nevada, and a considerable number of these accidents happen because of negligence and recklessness. Immediately after an accident, it can be hard to think straight, especially if the other party was at fault. If you were hit by a car riding your bike, you have to take a few steps to secure your right to seek compensation. In this post, we are sharing key pointers to know about car accidents in Nevada.
Table of Contents
What to do after an auto accident?
- Call 911 and seek medical attention for your injuries.
- Inform the local police.
- Document the accident scene through photos and videos.
- Exchange contact and insurance info with other drivers.
- Note down all details on paper.
- Take contact details of witnesses, if any.
- Inform your insurance company.
- Call a car accident lawyer.
Deadline for injury lawsuits
Nevada’s statute of limitations has set a deadline for filing injury lawsuits after a car accident. If you want to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you have to do so within two years from the date of the accident. If you want to sue the other party for property damage alone, you have to do so within three years from the accident date.
Understanding comparative fault in Nevada
You want to sue the other driver for negligence, but what happens when you also have a share in the blame? In such circumstances, the modified comparative fault rule is used in Nevada. You can only successfully sue the other at-fault driver if your fault share is less than theirs. Also, your awarded settlement would be lower, depending on your fault share. Let’s say you were given $200,000 in a settlement and were found 40% at fault, you can only recover $120,000 as the final settlement.
Do you need an attorney?
Although not necessary by law, the short answer is yes. The other party will try to evade liability, and the insurance company will do their best to undermine your claim. Hiring a car accident lawyer in Nevada doesn’t have to cost anything right away, as most law firms work on a contingency fee. If you make a recovery, the lawyer will charge a part of the settlement as discussed in advance. Attorneys know what it takes to negotiate with the other side, but when it is impossible to get a fair settlement otherwise, they can even file a car accident lawsuit.
Call an attorney soon after the accident.
