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You may be entitled to financial compensation if you suffered injuries or damages in a Las Vegas car accident.
However, whether you obtain maximum compensation or receive a minimum payout depends on the car accident attorney you choose to represent you.
At The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, we have:
20+ years in Nevada personal injury law
Recovered millions for accident victims
A standing 5-star rating
Our long-standing in Nevada and commitment to client care make us the optimal choice when seeking complete compensation for injuries and damages.
Call (702) 566-3600 for a free consultation to learn how auto accident attorney Rodney Okano can defend against the insurance company and ensure you receive full compensation.
How We Build Your Case for Maximum Compensation
In the aftermath of a car accident, seeking fair compensation becomes your top priority. Having an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you is the best way to achieve maximum financial compensation.
At The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys obtain maximum compensation for hundreds of clients by:
Thorough Investigation: Our accident lawyers will conduct a detailed investigation of your case. From analyzing police reports to interviewing key witnesses, our attorneys will leave no stone unturned to get you the compensation you deserve.
Expert Analysis: We have additional car accident resources to ensure that even the most complex cases are won. We use accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts to ensure you receive maximum settlement.
Calculate Damages: When making a personal injury claim, it's not just about covering medical bills and vehicle repairs but covering every single way the car accident affects your life. From lost wages to pain and suffering, our attorneys will calculate every damage to ensure you're fully compensated.
Legal Strategy: Over our 20+ years of operation, we have refined our legal process to be the most efficient in obtaining a favorable outcome for car accident victims. Whether in negotiations or litigation, our legal process will win.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas
Car accidents happen every day in Las Vegas, and according to the LVMPD, around 55 happen daily. The causes of these car accidents can vary from case to case. However, a few common causes are listed below.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who text, talk on the phone, adjust the music or GPS systems, or eat while driving are the negligent parties in a car accident.
It's important that car accident victims understand what actions the other drivers were involved in before the accident.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving can result in impaired judgment and slowed reaction times, which greatly increases the chances of car crashes.
If you suspect a drunk driver hit you, it's important that you ensure a field sobriety test is performed on the accident scene.
Speeding
Drivers exceeding the speed limit pose an unnecessary risk to other drivers on the road. Speeding can result in serious injuries and damages, making it a common cause of car crashes and one of the most dangerous causes.
Reckless Driving
Drivers who aggressively change lanes, tailgate, or speed pose a threat to other drivers on the road. Reckless driving makes the driver the negligent party, making them liable for any damages or injuries they may cause in the event of a car crash.
Fatigue
A driver who has had a late night or needs to catch up on sleep may suffer from fatigue. This can decrease reaction time and visibility, increasing the odds of a car crash.
Failure to Yield
Drivers who do not observe their surrounding area in intersections or merging lanes risk being involved in a T-bone car accident.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Las Vegas
Understanding the common types of car accidents could help you and other drivers locate possible accident risks.
Rear-end Car Accidents - Rear-end accidents account for about 30% of all car accidents and are often preventable. They occur when a car crashes into the back of another vehicle. Rear-end motor vehicle accidents are usually caused by tailgating, distracted driving, sudden stops, and speeding.
Intersection Wrecks - Traffic flowing from four sides makes intersections an accident hotspot. Intersection accidents most commonly occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, fails to yield, or makes an illegal U-turn.
Side-Impacts (T-Bone Accidents) - A Side impact or T-bone car accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a T-shaped shape. Side impact accidents are often seen in intersections and can result in serious bodily injury.
Single-Vehicle Accidents—Contrary to common thought, an automobile accident can involve just one vehicle. Even if only one car is involved, single-vehicle crashes can still result in substantial injury and damage.
Pedestrian Accidents - Unfortunately, Car accidents involving pedestrians are common in Nevada. As of February 16, 2024, 8NewsNow reported 15 fatal pedestrian accidents.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Nevada
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident or personal injury claim is two years from the accident date.
What Happens If You Fail to File a Claim in Time
If you fail to contact an auto accident attorney and file a claim within the two-year deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for any injuries or damages caused by the car crash.
However, the Statue of Limitations has exemptions, so we recommend that you contact one of our Nevada car accident lawyers at (702) 566-3600 to see if one applies to your situation.
What to Do After a Las Vegas Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident, the next steps you take are vital, as the outcome of your car accident case may depend on it.
Below are key steps to take on the accident scene to ensure safety and favorable case odds.
Check For Injuries
Immediately after an auto accident, check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is injured, contact emergency medical services immediately.
Move to Safety
Move yourself away from the accident scene and to a safe location. If your vehicle is operable, move it away from traffic lanes to prevent further automobile accidents.
However, if your car is totaled and you can't safely move to a safe area, turn on your vehicle's hazard lights and stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until proper help arrives.
Contact Law Enforcement
No matter the severity of the car crash, contacting law enforcement is essential. Calling the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or Nevada Highway Patrol to report the car wreck will provide an official police report, which is vital to the claims process.
Exchange Information
Exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved in the car accident:
Names and contact information of drivers and passengers
Insurance company names and policy numbers
Vehicle makes, models, and plate numbers
Contact information of any possible witness
This information is essential to building the strongest possible car accident injury claim.
Document the Scene
You must document the accident to maximize the value of your car accident claim. Taking photos is the best form of documentation following an auto accident.
Prioritize taking photos of:
Vehicle and property damage
Skid marks and any debris on the road
Traffic signs and signals
Road conditions
Any visible injuries caused by the car accident
Seek Medical Attention
Following an auto accident, if you feel you haven't been seriously injured or injured at all, it's recommended that you still seek medical attention,
This is to detect any internal trauma and obtain official medical records, which will be used to build your insurance claim.
Consult With a Car Accident Attorney
After ensuring good health, it's time to obtain compensation for any injuries or damages sustained in the car accident.
Consulting with a car accident attorney is the best place to start. If you're having trouble finding legal assistance, consult with one of our expert car accident attorneys by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Can I File a Police Report After an Accident in Las Vegas?
Filing a police report after a Las Vegas car accident is crucial in obtaining maximum compensation. You can obtain your police report by following the steps below:
Get a Police Officer on the Scene - Contact a police dispatcher by calling 911 or the LVMPD non-emergency line at 311. Inform the dispatcher that you have been involved in a car accident and need an officer on the scene.
Cooperate with the Officer on Scene - When a police officer arrives on the scene, answer any questions they may have truthfully and accurately. However, avoid admitting fault and speculating about the cause of the auto accident.
Obtain a Copy of Your Police Report - After a quick investigation, the police officer will write the report and provide you with a copy or a reference number that can be used to obtain the copy.
Talk with a Car Accident Lawyer - When working with a Las Vegas car accident attorney, it's important to provide them with a copy of the police report so they can use the officer's analysis of the car accident in their investigation.
When becoming a client of our law firm, the process of obtaining and reviewing the police report is completely taken care of by an experienced car accident lawyer.
How Much Can Your Car Accident Case Be Worth
To obtain fair compensation, you must first understand the worth of your case. However, understanding the true worth of your auto accident case can only be achieved by consulting with an auto accident lawyer.
Despite there being a few factors you can use to estimate the worth of your motor vehicle accident claim.
Severity of Injuries
Car accident cases where the bodily injury sustained is considered severe result in higher-value claims. Examples of severe injuries can be disabilities, chronic pain, permanent impairment, or other long-lasting effects.
Medical Expenses
Injured accident victims who go to the hospital and receive large medical bills for surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing therapy often will require a larger insurance claim amount to pay those expenses.
Lost Income
If an automobile accident causes you to miss work or impacts your ability to earn your full previous wage, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages.
However, how large this compensation is depends on how much you were earning before the auto accident.
Insurance Policy Limits
The policy limit of the at-fault driver can potentially affect the worth of your car accident case. If the at-fault driver has minimal or no insurance coverage, it may limit the amount of compensation available and require underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
Fault
In Nevada, you and the other driver can potentially share fault in the car wreck. The percentage of fault you are found to be in will reduce your final compensation amount.
Additionally, Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you will be barred from receiving any compensation.
Legal Representation
The legal team you choose to represent you will significantly affect your final settlement amount.
Instead of taking a gamble on just any personal injury attorney, work with our law firm, which specializes in car accidents and has a team of experienced car accident attorneys who have been winning car accident claims for 20+ years.
What Can You Seek Compensation for After a Car Accident
After a Las Vegas car accident, you may be entitled to seek and obtain compensation for various damages and injuries sustained.
Categories that you can pursue compensation for after an automobile accident are:
Medical Expenses - The cost of medical treatment can be compensated for. This medical treatment could include hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor's visits, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages - If the car crash causes you to miss work or affects your ability to earn income, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost income incurred.
Pain and Suffering - Damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life are compensable in most car accident cases.
Property Damage - Compensation for property damage, such as damages to your vehicle or other personal belongings, can be sought in a car accident claim.
Loss of Consortium - If your spouse was involved in a car accident that resulted in loss of companionship or support, you may be entitled to loss of consortium damages.
Wrongful Death - In the tragic case where the car wreck results in the death of a loved one, compensation can be sought through a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other losses related to the death.
Legal Fees - The car accident lawyers you use to win your case will be paid by the at-fault party's insurance company, allowing you to seek legal representation without upfront costs.
In Las Vegas, Can I Still Get Compensation If I’m at Fault for the Car Accident?
If you believe you were partially at fault for a Las Vegas car accident, you can still seek compensation from the other driver.
Nevada's Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Nevada's negligence rule allows those partially at fault for an accident to receive compensation for their injuries and damages.
Some key factors of this rule you should understand areas:
51% Bar Rule - Nevada's comparative negligence rule prevents those found to be 51% or more at fault from pursuing compensation.
Reduced Compensation - Under this rule, your compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault you share. For example, if you are 15% at fault for an auto accident and your settlement amount was $150,000, it will be reduced by 15%, which is $127,500
The Key to Getting the Most Out of Nevada’s Negligence Rule
The best way to avoid having large percentages of your settlement taken away or being barred from receiving it completely is to have a team of expert Las Vegas car accident attorneys behind you.
At The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to conduct in-depth investigations, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Auto accident injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-changing injuries. Understanding common car accident injuries can help you protect your health and assess your case's worth better.
Some of the most common car accident injuries are:
Whiplash - Whiplash is a common car crash injury that is the most prevalent in rear-end collisions. Whiplash is caused by a sudden head jerk during an impact and can strain the neck muscles.
Soft Tissue Injuries - Soft tissue Injuries such as bruises, contusions, and strains are common auto accident injuries that often affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues throughout the body.
Broken Bones - Car crashes often exert a lot of force, causing fractures and broken bones in areas such as the arms, legs, ribs, hands, and feet.
Head Injuries - Head injuries are common yet possibly severe and can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms of head injuries are headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
Back Injuries - Injuries to the back, spine, and spinal cord can result in chronic pain, loss of sensation, and even paralysis.
Internal Injuries - Internal injuries are the reason why it's vital to get medical treatment for a car accident because such injuries may not be apparent immediately after the crash.
Mental Trauma - Auto accidents don't only cause physical damages but mental ones too. The common emotional trauma that results from motor vehicle accidents are PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.
Car Insurance Requirements in Nevada
According to the Nevada Division of Insurance, the minimum car insurance requirements are:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$20,000 for property damage per accident
If you are caught without these insurance requirements, you could face:
Fines between $250 to $1000
SR-22 Insurance
Suspension of driver's license
Reinstatement fee between $250 and $750
What to Know About the Insurance Company After a Car Accident
After a car crash, it's important to understand that the insurance company is not your friend. When talking to the insurance adjuster, you must speak with caution as they work in the favor of their employing company, not you.
It's recommended that you have an attorney handle any talks with the insurance adjuster.
Should I Hire an Attorney for a Las Vegas Car Accident?
It's important to understand that you'll have insurance adjusters, the opposing side, and even your own insurance company going against you after a car accident.
Having an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer on your side is vital to overcoming the overwhelming pressure and opposition you can face.
In addition, having an auto accident lawyer will provide:
Representation in court.
Max compensation.
Proper handling of negotiations and insurance adjusters.
Peace of mind.
Although you may think these legal services are expensive, car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they secure you a settlement, and that fee never comes out of your pocket.
Schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas accident attorney today by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Can the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm Help
Choosing the right Las Vegas car accident lawyer to represent you is vital to maximizing your settlement.
The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm is not just another personal injury law firm but a firm that specializes in car accidents and helps clients get the most out of their claims.
With over 20+ years of experience in Nevada personal injury and auto accident law, our attorneys have the knowledge and skills to negotiate with insurance adjusters, go to court if needed, and maximize your settlement.
Schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer today by calling (702) 566-3600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Most Lawyers' Fees for Car Accidents?
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning they will only get paid if they win your case. If they win your case, the standard contingency fee is usually around 30% to 40% of your final compensation amount.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Nevada?
In Nevada, if the car accident caused bodily injury, death, or property damage over $750, you have 10 days to report the accident to the DMV.
Do Most Car Accident Cases Go to Court?
No, a majority of car accident claims will not go to court. Car accident cases are usually settled outside court through negotiation and communication with the insurance company.
Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Searching for an attorney following a Las Vegas auto accident? Our car accident attorneys are here to help. With an advanced legal process and 20+ years of experience, we will win your case and obtain maximum compensation for you and your family.
Allow us to help you today. Contact us by calling (702) 566-3600 or filling out a free online form. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and aim to provide the best legal assistance during your time of need.
Practice Areas
Taxi Accidents
Uber Accidents
Areas We Serve