No matter how safe of a driver you may be, accidents can still happen. Too often, these collisions lead to serious or even catastrophic injuries. According to data from the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Office of Traffic Safety, the number of fatal car accidents increased from 2019 to 2020 by 3.3 percent – despite less traffic on the roads due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive money from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The process of filing a car accident claim can be daunting, particularly if you are already overwhelmed with doctor’s appointments, mounting bills, and more. A skilled Henderson car accident attorney can help, starting with a free consultation where you can learn more about your rights and options for pursuing a claim.
Common Causes of Car Crashes in Henderson
Between 2015 and 2017, there were 22,351 motor vehicle collisions in the greater Henderson area. A crash map generated by the Nevada Department of Transportation reveals that many of these accidents happen on the busiest roads in and around the city: Route 215, Route 11, SR 564, and SR 582. In particular, a high number of crashes happen where these major roads intersect – such as where 564, 11, 515, and 215 come together near McCullough Hills.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vast majority (94%) of traffic accidents are attributed to driver error. Common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted driving (including texting and driving)
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to look both ways when turning
- Running red lights or stop signs
In other cases, poor weather conditions and even mechanical failures may lead to motor vehicle collisions.
No matter the cause, any type of collision can lead to serious injuries. At our Henderson, NV law firm, we represent clients who have suffered injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
In each case, our team of personal injury attorneys evaluates the facts of the case and puts forth a claim for damages to help make our clients whole. In situations where a loved one dies as a result of a car accident, we will pursue a wrongful death action on behalf of their survivors.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, accident victims may be entitled to compensation for all of their losses. There are three types of damages that you may receive in this type of case: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are meant to compensate an individual for their direct financial losses. Examples of economic damages include past and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. If you need modifications to your home or vehicle as a result of your injuries, then this may also be included in a calculation for economic damages.
By contrast, non-economic damages compensate an injury victim for intangible losses. These damages may include money for emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. It can be difficult to put a number on these types of losses; your Henderson, NV car accident lawyer will use their experience and knowledge of similar cases to put together a demand for non-economic damages.
Finally, punitive damages may be available in situations where the at-fault motorist acted recklessly or intentionally. Although punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases, there are situations – like when a drunk driver hits your vehicle – where they may be appropriate. These types of damages are meant to punish a wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
What Should I Do After a Henderson Auto Accident?
Most of us are fortunate enough to never be in a car accident – or to only be in one in our lifetimes. As a result, it can be hard to know what to do if you are in a crash.
The first and most important thing that you should do is to seek medical care, even if you believe that your injuries are minor. Getting medical treatment immediately will help to ensure that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your injuries. It will also establish a link between the accident and your injuries.
Next, if you are able to do so, try to collect information at the accident scene. This includes getting insurance and contact information from the other driver, getting names and contact information for witnesses, and even taking photos and videos of the scene. If you can, take pictures and videos of your own injuries and the damage to your vehicle.
While you are doing this, avoid talking about what happened – and never apologize to the other driver (even if you think that you were partially to blame). A car insurance company can use these statements against you in the future to minimize or deny your injury claim. Stick to the facts, and work to get the information that you need without hurting your case.
Once you are able to do so, make an appointment for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Henderson, NV. There, the attorney will listen to your story and offer you legal advice on your rights and options for pursuing a claim.
If you are approached by an adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company, do not make a statement or sign any paperwork without first consulting with a lawyer. Anything that you say to the adjuster could be used against you as a way to deny your insurance claim. If you sign any documents, it could lead to you giving up important legal rights.
When Should I Contact a Henderson Car Accident Lawyer?
In Nevada, there is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means that, with few exceptions, if you do not file a claim within two years, then it will be barred entirely. For this reason, it is vital that you reach out to a Henderson car accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision.
Your lawyer will work with you to develop a strong case for damages. At the same time, they will ensure that all deadlines are met – and that you get the money that you deserve for your injuries. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with a Henderson car accident lawyer today.
What Is a Reasonable Settlement Amount for a Car Crash?
It depends. Each car accident case is different, and the value of a particular claim is based on a number of factors. In particular, the nature and severity of your injury, whether liability is clear, and the limits of the other driver’s insurance policy factor into your total recovery.
The best way to learn about the value of your case is by scheduling a free consultation with a Henderson car accident attorney. They can offer you a ballpark estimate of a reasonable settlement value for your claim, and give you options for moving forward with a case.
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
As a general rule, it is worth it to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim. Studies show that people who are represented by a lawyer get significantly higher settlements compared to those who represent themselves. For this reason, unless your accident involved only minor property damage and no injuries, it is a good idea to hire an attorney.
Remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal isn’t to make sure that you get the most possible money, but to pay you as little as possible. A Henderson car accident lawyer will fight for you to get the highest possible recovery for your injuries.
Injured in a Car Accident? Reach Out Today.
There are few things that are more traumatic than being hurt in a car accident. In the aftermath, you may not know what to do next. Our law firm is here to help.
At Cap & Kudler, we are dedicated to helping injury victims get the compensation that they deserve for their injuries. Based in Las Vegas, we represent clients throughout the region on a range of personal injury matters. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Henderson car accident lawyer, give us a call at 702-878-8778 or fill out our online contact form.
