Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Reno

FAQs

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

  Call 775-334-2175 for the non-emergency number of the Reno Police Department.

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

  Visit https://reno.streamlinegov.us/ to request incident reports online. Call the Records Division of the Reno Police Department at 775-334-2155 ext. 0 for more information. Requests can also be made in person at the station, which is located at 445 E. Second St. in Reno.

• How can wrongful death or catastrophic injury cases in Reno be won?

  To build personal injury cases involving wrongful death or catastrophic injuries, the assistance of expert witnesses, such as fire and explosion professionals, economists, and medical specialists, can be employed. These witnesses will provide testimonies that quantify victims' losses from the long-term effects and devastating impacts of the accident. Depending on the case in Reno, an expert witness may be required by law to prove each party's claim.

• How can an assumption of risk defense affect a personal injury claim in Reno?

  In Reno, if the assumption of risk doctrine is used as a defense strategy in a personal injury claim, it means that you knowingly exposed yourself to peril and are barred from receiving compensation for your injuries. An example of this would be getting injured while doing extreme sports since this usually entails signing a waiver beforehand. With the signed waiver, the personal injury claimant explicitly expressed knowing the risk. Therefore, the defendant cannot be liable for compensation.

• What can you do if you got into a car accident in the Spaghetti Bowl in Reno?

  Call 911 if you got injured or if somebody was killed in a car accident on the Spaghetti Bowl, a notoriously accident-prone roadway in Reno. If a vehicle was damaged during the crash, you can call 311 to request a police dispatch and *647 to reach the Nevada Highway Patrol. Over 400,000 vehicles go through the Spaghetti Bowl daily, which connects the I-80 to the I-580 and U.S. Route 395 and is one of the state's deadliest roadways.

• If your insurance company denies your personal injury claim in Reno, what rights do you have?

  If your personal injury claim in Reno has been denied, you are permitted to file an appeal. It applies to different types of insurance that provide coverage during accidents. These can be policies for cars, health, disability, and homeowners. Keep documentation of your case, check your policy, and consult with a lawyer if your insurance company has denied your claim.

• Can you speak to the lawyer of the other party in a personal injury case in Reno?

  No. Talking to another party's lawyer may cause you to accidentally acknowledge your own liability in the personal injury case in Reno. It could lead you to receive a lesser compensation amount or give up some of your rights. If you have a lawyer, all communications with the opposing party's legal team must go through your attorney.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.