Best Car Accident Lawyers in North Las Vegas

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in North Las Vegas, Nevada?

  You can contact 702-633-9111 for non-emergency situations in North Las Vegas. Normal lobby hours for non-emergency police reports are Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 2266 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas, Nevada, 89030.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in North Las Vegas, Nevada?

  You can obtain a report by mail by submitting a copy of your identification, a notarized letter with the case number and any other necessary information, and a self-addressed stamped/postage-paid envelope. If you request a 911 call and images, the return envelope must be large enough to hold a CD. Each report costs $5. You can visit the Records Division at 2266 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89030, or call them at (702) 633-1715. You can also purchase accident reports from the LexisNexis BuyCrash website.

• Is there a deadline for filing a car accident claim in North Las Vegas?

  You have two years in North Las Vegas to file a car accident claim. This is based on Nevada's personal injury statutes of limitations. The two-year deadline may be extended due to unforeseen circumstances. These include situations involving additional injuries discovered after the accident, a minor injured victim, and a mentally incapacitated plaintiff. As a result, it is usually advised that you speak with a North Las Vegas car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

• What time of day do the majority of car accidents in North Las Vegas happen?

  The majority of North Las Vegas accidents happen during rush hour and at night. According to the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration, the majority of crashes happen between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., especially on weekdays. The 3-hour period between noon and 3:00 pm was the second most dangerous for car accidents. According to NHTSA data, the time period from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. had a higher death rate on most days of the week.

• Can you sue for emotional distress after a car accident in North Las Vegas?

  Following a car accident in North Las Vegas, the plaintiff who has been directly impacted by the defendant's actions, a witness of the accident who is closely linked to the victim, and in rare cases, a closely related family member can sue for emotional distress. In Nevada, intentional infliction of emotional distress occurs when a plaintiff suffers extreme suffering as a result of a defendant's intentional and wrongful acts. Because these cases can be complicated, it is best to hire an experienced North Las Vegas car accident attorney to assist you with this legal matter.

• What legal system applies to car accidents in North Las Vegas?

  North Las Vegas is located in Nevada, which has a fault system that is known as Comparative Negligence. If there are two or more responsible parties, a court may decide how much responsibility each bears. A minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury or death coverage for one person in an accident, $50,000 in bodily injury or death coverage for multiple people in a single incident, and $20,000 in property damage liability coverage are all minimum requirements for residents to have automobile insurance.

• What happens if the other party sues you for a greater amount than your North Las Vegas car insurance policy covers?

  In a North Las Vegas car accident, if the victim's losses exceed your insurance coverage, you are typically liable for the excess payment and damages. Because Nevada is an at-fault state, negligent parties and their insurers are required by law to compensate victims in car accident and personal injury cases.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.