Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Nevada?
There were 385 fatal car accidents in Nevada during 2021, seven of them caused by distracted driving. There were 31 young drivers involved in fatal accidents, and 112 fatalities were speeding-related. In addition, nearly 43% of crashes in Nevada were caused by an intoxicated driver. In 2022, there were 416 fatal crashes, 181 of them involving multiple vehicles. Crashes are more likely to occur in urban areas like Las Vegas, with crashes in metro areas making up 70% of recorded incidents.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Nevada, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident lawyer to help with your case. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:
Assess Your Car Crash Injuries
The severity of your injuries is a big factor in determining if you need a lawyer. Minor injuries like whiplash or bruises can often be resolved without needing to get a lawyer involved. However, more serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (there were 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020), spinal cord damage, or fatalities almost always warrant hiring a Nevada lawyer. According to Alex De Castroverde, a Las Vegas accident attorney, these types of injuries require long-term care and result in lost wages that a lawyer can help recover compensation.
Determine Car Accident Liability
You'll also want to think about who is at fault for the accident. Rear-end collisions are most often clear-cut cases where the driver who hit you from behind is liable. However, accidents can involve complicated factors like weather conditions, mechanical failures, or multiple vehicles. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence like photos or videos, and work with experts to prove fault. This can get you the maximum settlement.
Navigate the Nevada Auto Accident Claims Process
Working with insurance companies after an accident can be frustrating, especially if they are disputing fault or trying to minimize your claim. A lawyer knows how to deal with adjusters and can handle the negotiations for you. They will make sure you receive full compensation for all economic and non-economic damages owed. The average settlement for an injury-causing car accident was $20,235 in 2020, but it could be far higher for serious injuries like TBIs.
Decide If You Can Afford a Car Accident Lawyer in Nevada
Cost is often a concern when hiring a lawyer after an accident. But most personal injury lawyers don't get paid unless they recover compensation for you. They receive a percentage of your final settlement, so their fee comes out of that.
Consider the Nevada Statute of Limitations
Nevada has a statute of limitations of two years for filing a car accident injury lawsuit. This means you forfeit your right to take legal action if you wait too long. It's important to speak with a lawyer promptly so they can start building your case within the prescribed timeframe.
Weigh the Benefits of Experience
An experienced Nevada car accident attorney has the skill and knowledge to maximize your injury claim. They know how to work the legal system and what strategies lead to the best results. Their expertise can result in a much higher settlement for you than trying to handle it alone.
In most cases, it is advisable to hire a car accident lawyer in Nevada. Having skilled legal representation on your side increases your chances of getting full and fair compensation for your injuries and damages.