Getting into a wreck changes everything in a split second. You are dealing with pain, car repairs, and insurance adjusters who do not have your back. Most people in Las Vegas want to know how to get their life back on track without losing their mind. If you are hurt, you might need to file a lawsuit to get paid what you deserve. Here is a breakdown of how the legal process works in Nevada.
Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor immediately. Injuries like whiplash or brain trauma do not always show up right after the crash. If you wait weeks to go to the hospital, insurance companies will claim you were not actually hurt.
Keep every piece of paper the doctor gives you. This includes x-rays, bills, and prescriptions. These records prove your injuries are real. If an ambulance arrives at the scene, let them check you out. If not, go to an urgent care center that day. Following your treatment plan shows the court that you are taking your recovery seriously.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you are able to move, start gathering proof before you leave the crash site. Nevada law says you must stop and call 911 for any accident. While waiting for the police, use your phone to take photos of every car involved. Capture the license plates and the damage from different angles.
Talk to witnesses and get their phone numbers. Their stories can help prove what happened. Write down the name and insurance info of the other driver. Do not post anything about the crash on social media. Insurance companies look for those posts to use against you later. Anything you say online can hurt your chances of getting a settlement.
Do Not Admit Fault
This is a huge mistake many people make. Even if you think you caused the crash, keep it to yourself. Nevada follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means you can still get money if you are 50 percent or less at fault. If a jury decides you are 51 percent or more responsible, you get nothing.
The amount of money you receive gets lower based on your percentage of blame. When talking to the police, stick to the facts like how fast you were going. You do not have to say you are sorry or that it was your fault. You can tell them to speak with your car accident lawyer if you feel pressured.
Understand the Nevada Deadlines
You cannot wait forever to start your case. Nevada Revised Statutes section 11.190 sets strict time limits. For personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file. If you are only suing for property damage, you have three years.
There are rare exceptions for kids under 18. Their clock usually starts when they turn 18. However, it is better to act fast. Evidence disappears and witnesses forget details over time. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to ask for money forever.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Nevada is an at-fault state. This means the person who caused the crash has to pay for the damages. You start by filing a claim with their insurance. Be careful when the other driver’s insurance company calls you. They often offer a small amount of money right away to make you go away.
Do not sign anything or accept a check without talking to an expert. A lawyer can look at your medical bills and lost wages to see what your case is really worth. They handle the talk with the adjusters so you can focus on getting better. If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, that is when you move to a lawsuit.
Filing the Lawsuit in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a formal complaint in civil court. This document explains why the other driver is liable and how much money you want. Once filed, the other driver must be served with the papers within 120 days. They then have 20 days to respond.
Most cases still settle after this step through mediation or arbitration. If they still will not play fair, you go to a trial. This is where a judge or jury looks at the evidence and decides who pays. The whole process can take a few months or even over a year, but having professional help makes it much easier to handle.
If you have been hurt in a crash and need help with the next steps, call Friedman Injury Law at (702) 970-4222. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies and will fight for the money you need for bills and recovery.
