Summerlin Car Accident Lawyer

Distracted Driving

Summerlin's number one cause of car accidents is distracted driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using in-car technology while driving.

Speeding

Speeding is a major factor in many car accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react to obstacles or changes in traffic and are more likely to crash. In residential areas like Summerlin, speeding is especially dangerous because of pedestrians and cyclists.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still a big problem in Summerlin and Clark County. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor coordination, and poor judgment and are a hazard on the road.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Running traffic signals and signs is another common cause of accidents. Drivers who run red lights or don’t stop at stop signs can cause T-bone collisions and often result in catastrophic injuries.

Weather Conditions

Summerlin is usually dry, but occasional rain can create hazardous driving conditions. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance, and drivers who are not used to driving in the rain don’t adjust their speed and crash.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, including teenagers and those new to the area, are more likely to be in accidents. Lack of experience leads to poor decision-making, especially in complex traffic situations or unfamiliar roads.

• Medical Bills: Both past and future medical expenses can be compensated for in a claim.

• Lost Wages: If you suffer serious injuries and take time off work for recovery and medical appointments, you can seek compensation for lost income. In addition, if the injuries affect long-term employment, you can seek damages for future lost wages.

• Property Damage: You can seek compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

• Pain and Suffering: You can recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath.

• Loss of Consortium: In a claim, you can recover compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and support.

• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are rare in Summerlin auto accidents, but in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, they may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter future behavior.

Determining the value of your car accident claim is crucial in obtaining maximum compensation for your losses.

Accidents can result in various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional suffering. Accurately calculating these damages ensures you are adequately compensated.

Determining the Value of Your Claim

Evaluate Medical Expenses: Sum up all past, current, and future medical bills the accident caused. Include hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, rehabilitation, and specialized care.

Assess Lost Wages: Calculate the total income lost during your recovery period. Factor in potential future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.

Estimate Property Damage: Determine the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. Obtain repair estimates or replacement values.

Consider Pain and Suffering: Quantifying non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be complex. Summerlin personal injury Lawyers often use a multiplier method, applying a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) to the total economic damages to estimate this amount.

Account for Loss of Consortium: If applicable, consider the impact on your relationship with your spouse, including the loss of companionship and support.

Include Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior. These are less common but can significantly increase the claim's value.

Consult with an Attorney: Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure all factors are accurately assessed, maximizing the value of your claim.

Notify Your Insurer: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Provide them with basic information surrounding the car accident, but don’t speculate on fault or the extent of your injuries.

Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with the insurer, including the names of the people you speak to and the dates of the calls.

Be Careful with Statements: Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything without talking to your lawyer. Insurers may use your words against you to reduce the value of your claim.

Provide Needed Information: Cooperate with your insurer by providing the documents and info they request, such as police reports, medical records, and repair estimates. But only give what’s required and don’t overshare.

Know Your Policy: Read your insurance policy to understand the terms, including the limits and exclusions. This will help you know what to expect from your claim.

Get Legal Advice: Talk to a car accident lawyer to help you with the insurer. A lawyer will advocate for you, protect your rights, and get you a fair settlement.

Initial Consultation

Many car accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your case. This is an opportunity to discuss your accident and decide if the lawyer is right for you without obligation or cost.

Contingency Fees

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. This way, the lawyer is motivated to get you the most money.

Other Costs

While the contingency fee covers the lawyer's fee, other costs may be associated with your case, such as court filing fees, medical records, expert witness fees, and other expenses. Some lawyers pay these costs and deduct them from your settlement, others may require you to pay them up front.