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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident in Las Vegas, you should do the following to ensure safety and a high car accident claim value :
Check for Injuries: In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, you should check yourself and your passengers for any injuries that may have occurred during the crash. If injuries are present, immediately contact medical services.
Move to Safety: Move yourself to a safe area away from the road and, if possible, do the same for your vehicle.
Contact Authorities: Contact LVMPD or LVHP and report a car accident. The police will document the scene and provide you with a police report vital to your car accident case.
Exchange Contact Information: Approach all the drivers involved in the car accident and exchange the following information: Names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, vehicle descriptions (make, model, years, color), license plate numbers, and insurance company information.
Approach Possible Witness: Attempt to exchange contact information with anybody who may have seen the accident, as their account could prove helpful in your car accident claim.
Document the Scene: One of the most important things you can do is take photographs of the scene of an accident. Aim to take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, and the surrounding area.
Seek Medical Attention: Medical attention is highly recommended for your health, even if you don't feel injured. In addition, it's vital for your injury claim, as medical records will be important in proving injuries.
Consult With a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney: Contact the experienced car accident lawyers at The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm to gain insights into your case and protect your rights against the insurance company.
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing car accident claims is two years from the date of the motor vehicle accident.
If you fail to file an insurance claim within the two-year window, you may lose the right to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages.
Nevada law outlines multiple punishments for hit-and-run car accidents in NRS 484E; some notable takeaways are:
Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run: According to NRS 484E.020, failure to stop at the scene of an accident that only results in property damage could result in imprisonment for up to six months and/or fines of up to $1,000.
Felony Hit-and-Run: Following NRS 484E.020, if the car accident results in injury or death to another person, the hit-and-run will be classified as a felony and could result in up to 20 years in prison.
After a Las Vegas car accident, you should prioritize collecting the following information.
Collect the names of all the drivers and passengers involved in the auto accident. In addition to names, collect phone numbers and home addresses.
Gather the vehicle information, such as the other drivers' vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number.
In addition to gathering physical vehicle information, you should exchange insurance company information, such as policy limits and numbers.
Use your phone or paper to document the accident scene and gather information such as the exact location, date and time, weather conditions, road conditions, and a quick accident description.
It would be beneficial to attempt to locate any witnesses, obtain their names and contact information, and gather a quick statement from them.
Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, visible injuries, and road conditions. Try to capture multiple photos and angles.
Following a car accident, there are numerous reasons why you should seek medical attention. Those being:
Discover Hidden Injuries: Some car accident injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or whiplash, may not present immediate symptoms. However, receiving immediate medical treatment will help identify any hidden injuries you may have suffered.
Claim Strength: If you seek to take legal action and recover compensation, seeking medical treatment will be vital to obtaining maximum compensation, as having an official medical report will build your car accident lawsuit value.
Peace of Mind: Car accidents can increase stress and anxiety, but getting a medical checkup may lower your stress levels.
Under Nevada's modified comparative negligence rule, you can obtain compensation even if you share fault for a car accident.
However, there are a few important things to understand about Nevada's comparative negligence rule:
Compensation Reduction: If you are partially at fault for a car accident in Las Vegas, your final settlement amount will be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold. For example, if your final settlement amount is $100,000 and you were 15% at fault for the accident, your settlement will be reduced to $85,000
51% Rule: If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for a car accident, you cannot seek compensation from the other parties involved.
We recommend that you talk to the car accident lawyers at Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer to understand how fault may play a role in your case.
Many parties can be at fault for your car accident in Las Vegas, some of those being:
The Other Driver: The other driver(s) can be held accountable for the accident if they committed some form of negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
You: You may be the at-fault party for the car crash if you contributed to the accident.
Employers: If the at-fault driver was driving a company vehicle, the business responsible for the driver and vehicle may share fault.
Manufacturers: If the car crash was caused by a vehicle defect, a claim may be brought against the vehicle manufacturer.
Government Entities: Things such as poor road maintenance and dangerous road design can put government contractors and groups at fault for a crash.
In personal injury claims, you can pursue compensation for economic damages, which are:
Medical Bills: Any medical expenses, past and future, that are related to your case, such as treatment or prescription costs, can be covered in your claim.
Lost Wages: If your injuries make you unable to go to work or work at full capacity, you can seek compensation for past and future lost income.
Property Damage: You can seek compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing damage to your vehicle or other personal property in a claim.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Miscellaneous costs related to the car accident, such as transportation expenses, home modifications, and over-the-counter medications, can be compensated for.
Accident victims who seek to obtain maximum economic damages should work with an experienced car accident attorney.
Non-economic damages in personal injury cases are damages used to compensate accident victims for intangible losses that cannot be quantified in monetary terms.
Non-economic damages can be damages such as:
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain resulting from the injuries caused by the car accident can be compensated for in a claim.
Loss of Consortium: If the accident results in the loss of companionship, affection, or any other part of a marital relationship, you may be able to seek damages for the loss of consortium.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: You can seek compensation for injuries that result in your loss of the ability to enjoy day-to-day activities, hobbies, and other pursuits.
Long-Term Injury: Disfigurement or physical impairment can be compensated for in one's claim.
In car accident claims, punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault driver for their negligent actions.
Punitive damages are awarded by the court and are uncommon in car accident cases.
Following a car accident, it's crucial to understand that the insurance company is not your friend and will not provide you with fair compensation.
When speaking to the insurance company by yourself, you should be wary of:
Risk of Self-Incrimination: The insurance company will review and record every word you say in the hopes that you may incriminate yourself so they may lower your insurance claim value.
Accidental Statements: If you provide inconsistent or unclear statements, the insurance company will undoubtedly lower the value of your claim or even dispute it.
Low Settlement Offers: An insurance adjuster may attempt to offer you a low settlement that seems good at the time but, in reality, won't fully cover your damages and medical bills.
Claim Complexity: The claims process can be complex, and without fully understanding your claim and its value, you risk being under-compensated.
Having a car accident attorney speak with insurance adjusters is extremely valuable to protecting your rights and the value of your claim; a few reasons we recommend you have an attorney to handle communication on your behalf are:
Accurate Claim Valuation: A lawyer can accurately determine your claim's value, ensuring the insurance company does not undercompensate you.
Negotiation Expertise: Experienced car accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure you a higher settlement.
Legal Knowledge: Attorneys have an advanced understanding of Nevada law, which they will use to protect your rights.
Car accidents can result in minor to serious injuries that cause life-changing damage. Common auto accident injuries are:
Whiplash: Commonly seen in rear-end collisions, whiplash is caused by a violent back-and-forth neck movement. Whiplash may result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Head Injuries: Injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries are very serious injuries that can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Back Injuries: In a car accident, back injuries can result in paralysis, herniated discs, and sprains.
Chest Injuries: Broken ribs, organ damage, and contusions are common chest injuries seen in car accidents.
Lacerations: If in a car wreck, broken glass and twisted metal are thrown around, minor cuts, scrapes, and even deep lacerations may occur.
In Nevada, the auto insurance requirements are:
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident
$50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident
$20,000 for property damage per accident
Failure to carry out these auto insurance requirements could result in fines, license suspension, or an SR-22 requirement.
After a car accident in Las Vegas, you may shy away from legal options due to the potential cost of an attorney.
However, it's important to understand that many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
If a lawyer works on a contingency fee basis and wins your case, they usually take around 33% to 40% of your total compensation amount as lawyer fees.
It's also important to note that almost all attorneys offer a free consultation where you can gain valuable insights into your case.
The streets of Las Vegas suffer from constant construction and traffic, which results in a high percentage of car accidents. Areas in Las Vegas where traffic accidents are most prevalent are:
Las Vegas Boulevard
Flamingo Road
Sahara Avenue
Rainbow Boulevard
Tropicana Avenue
Interstate I-15
Practicing good road safety around these accident hotspots is a sure way to avoid being involved in a car wreck.
If you are in a car accident where the liable party is uninsured or underinsured, you can check your insurance options or speak with an attorney.
Following an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you should check your insurance coverage for uninsured motorist coverage (UM), as with this coverage, you'll be able to receive financial help for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs.
If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver and faced difficulty obtaining compensation from your insurance company, we recommend you consult with a car accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options.
After suffering a car accident in Las Vegas, having a dedicated ally who will protect your rights and guide you through a complex process is invaluable. In addition, a vehicle accident attorney can provide:
Communication with the Insurance Company: Attorneys will handle all talk with insurance adjusters to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is not devalued.
Collect Evidence: Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate and gather vital evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and camera footage. In addition, our attorneys will physically visit the scene of an accident to gather additional evidence.
Maximum Compensation: Through our legal experience and skill, our attorneys will obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Litigation: If a fair settlement is not reached through negotiations, our lawyers will file a lawsuit, take your case to court, and prove the other driver's fault before a judge or jury.
Legal Expertise: Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law, which we use to find the liable party and get compensation.
It may take a few months up to a year to reach a settlement on your case.
If you were involved in a car accident in Las Vegas and seek to file a personal injury claim, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer.
With 20+ years of experience, our attorneys will get you the compensation you deserve. Call (702) 566-3600 for a free consultation.