Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer

Every day in Las Vegas, the rhythm of daily life competes with the pulse of a 24-hour city that never sleeps. Between locals commuting to work, tourists navigating unfamiliar roads, and rideshare vehicles darting from casino to casino, traffic collisions have become an unfortunate reality on streets like Sahara Avenue, Tropicana, and Las Vegas Boulevard.

According to the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, Clark County consistently leads the state in car accident-related injuries and deaths, with high-speed roadways like the 215 Beltway and Summerlin Parkway running through residential neighborhoods and commercial centers, even a routine drive can turn tragic due to speeding, distracted driving, or DUI.

If you were struck by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to file a car accident claim to seek compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our experienced Las Vegas car accident attorneys fight aggressively to protect the rights of injury victims across the valley—from North Las Vegas and Henderson to Downtown and the Strip. With over 20 years of experience, we earned a reputation for standing up to major insurance companies and have delivered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients.

Whether your accident involved a multi-car pileup on US-95, a sideswipe on Flamingo Road, or a rear-end crash near the airport, we understand how to build a strong, evidence-backed case for the compensation you deserve. Best of all, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win!

To schedule a FREE case consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Las Vegas Car Accident Statistics

Based on recent reports of car accidents in Nevada, impaired driving (42.7%) and speeding (32.1%) have been noted as the most common types of driver negligence within the state. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has further reported that pedestrian accidents accounted for 23.6%of Nevada’s total deaths, with around 65% of fatal cases occurring on the roadway.

Despite the amount of safety measures implemented to prevent negligence based motor vehicle accidents from occurring, there are still a significant amount of car accidents in Las Vegas every year. From the congested I-15 freeway to the crowded lanes near The Strip, car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and the consequences can be devastating.

Common Causes of Las Vegas Car Accidents

Car accidents in Las Vegas often stem from preventable causes such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, hazardous road conditions, poor weather, and vehicle defects. Drivers who exceed speed limits, operate vehicles under the influence, or fail to adjust to rain or foggy conditions frequently cause serious collisions on busy roads like I-15 and the Las Vegas Strip.

Distractions like texting or eating reduce reaction time, while road hazards—such as potholes or missing signs—can lead to loss of control. In some cases, defective brakes or tires may be to blame, opening the door for product liability claims. Identifying the root cause is crucial for determining fault and securing the maximum compensation for a personal injury lawsuit, which is why it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney after a crash.

Types of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

Cars can be struck from different angles and involve one or more drivers depending on the situation. In the sections listed below, we will go over each common type of car accident in Las Vegas and what circumstances can trigger it to happen.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions strike one another. Due to the nature of head-on collisions, there are a lot of different factors that can cause a head collision, but in Clark County, drunk driving, distracted driving, and faulty parts are leading causes of head-on collisions. Should anyone become involved in this type of impact, they are urged to seek medical attention immediately, because they are highly likely to be suffering serious injuries that could be fatal.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

A multi-vehicle accident happens when more than two vehicles are involved in a collision. These usually take place in locations where several drivers are traveling near each other, like on highways or intersections. Typically, these types of accidents tend to occur when drivers are speeding, tailgating, or if there is generally poor visibility on the road. The outcome may result in substantial damages and injuries will vary based on the intensity of the impact.

Rear-End Accidents

Widely considered as one of the most common types of car accident cases, rear-end accidents transpire when one driver crashes into the back of another vehicle. They are typically less intense compared to other collisions as it mostly happens when a driver is navigating through heavy or congested traffic.

Other scenarios that may lead to a rear-end accident are when drivers make sudden stops, do not maintain safe travel distances, or are actively engaging in distracted driving. Typically, the driver who bumped into a driver’s rear end is responsible for damages, but the driver in front can be held liable under certain circumstances.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

A single-vehicle accident involves one driver crashing into a fixed object. Examples include the following:

• The vehicle attempted to avoid crashing into a negligent driver
• The vehicle swerved away from a road hazard
• Poor weather conditions caused the vehicle to lose control and crash

Side-Impact Accidents

A side impact accident, also known as a t-bone accident, involves a car getting struck on its side at a 90-degree angle. These types of accidents tend to occur at intersections where one car either tries to speed through or does not notice the signs to stop at the intersection. While the severity of the crash will depend on the impact force and speed, serious injuries and fatalities are highly likely to occur in most cases.

Hit and Run Accidents

A hit and run accident is when a driver crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, or property and leaves the scene immediately after. Doing this goes against Nevada’s hit and run laws, which require all drivers to stop the vehicle at the accident scene, share all relevant information with the parties involved, and to assist those who sustained injuries.

If a driver hits a parked vehicle, they will need to remain at the accident scene and either find the owner or leave a note on the vehicle that includes their name and contact information. Any failure to do so will face legal consequences under Nevada law. If the incident only involved property damage, the at fault party may be charged with a misdemeanor, which is up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

However, if an injury or death occurs, it will be considered a category B felony, meaning that they may be given a 2 to 20 year prison sentence and pay a fine between $2,000 to $5,000. Should either scenario happen, it is highly urged to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you with the legal process and file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to recover full and fair compensation for any damages.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents may result in various types of bodily injury depending on how severe the crash was. Common outcomes that may occur include the following:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Car accident victims are encouraged to receive medical care as soon as possible. This is to make sure no serious injury develops over time that can significantly harm your health later on. It will also prevent the opposing side from arguing that your injury was not as serious as you claimed if you did not seek medical attention right after the collision.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas

Car accidents happen when you least expect it to. Below, we have provided sections that discuss what steps should be taken to better prepare yourself in case you are put in such a position.

Contact Law Enforcement

If any injuries or damages are present, you should notify law enforcement. Once they arrive at the accident scene, they will conduct a police report in which you can request a copy to use in your personal injury case. Paramedics may also approach the car crash site to administer medical care to those who suffered bodily injury.

In Nevada, it is required for a driver involved in a car accident to report it to Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) or a law enforcement agency if it involves injury, death, or property damage. Failing to fulfill this obligation may result in the driver getting their license suspended for up to one year.

Exchange Information and Gather Evidence

Be sure to share all relevant information with all parties involved such as your name, contact information, and insurance details. Once you have done so, it is critical to collect as much evidence as you can. This includes:

• Photographs of your injury, damages, and the car accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report
• A copy of your medical records pertaining to the bodily harm you sustained from the collision

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless if you have suffered major or minor injuries, you should seek assistance from a physician after a car accident. They will examine you to check for any notable bodily damage or any dormant medical conditions. If a diagnosis has been made, you will be given medical treatment to help with your recovery. All of your doctor visits, procedures, and/or prescriptions will be documented and saved on file and these can be used as proof that you were harmed due to the opposing side’s negligence.

Hire a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer

If you are planning on filing a personal injury claim, you should hire a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to represent you. By doing so, personal injury victims can focus on recovering while their attorneys handle all legal aspects and negotiations with the insurance company and the opposing party. As motor vehicle accident cases can be a complex process, having legal counsel can put your mind at ease and ensure your chances of recovering compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses.

How Is Liability Determined in a Las Vegas Car Accident?

To determine liability in a Las Vegas car accident, you will need to collect evidence that proves negligence. Elements you must incorporate into your personal injury claim include the following:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The defendant’s reckless behavior caused your injuries and/or damages

The court will review the documents provided and figure out what amount of negligence was contributed by one or both sides. After that has been determined, pay will be distributed accordingly. Under Nevada’s “modified comparative negligence” law, you will be restricted from recovering compensation if you were more than 51% liable for the car accident.

What Should I Do if the At Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it should cover expenses associated with the car accident you were involved in with the at fault driver.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

UM coverage is an insurance policy that protects drivers who get into a collision with someone who does not have insurance. It will help compensate for medical bills, lost wages, and other types of damages you endured.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

UIM coverage offers protection to car accident victims struck by an insured driver who does not have enough to compensate for the damages they are liable for. Financial assistance will become effective if the damages exceed the other driver’s policy limits.

Will My Insurance Rate Increase if the Car Accident Was Not My Fault?

If you were involved in a car accident and it was not your fault, your insurance rates are likely to not increase. The at fault driver’s insurance company will have to pay for any injuries or damages that were caused as a result of their negligence.

However, some providers may raise up the rates slightly regardless of whether you were liable. This is particularly expected if you have filed several claims within the past few years since you will be perceived as a faulty driver. If you are interested in knowing whether your rate will be affected, it is best to reach out to your insurer and have them go over your policy with you.

Will My Car Accident Lawsuit Go to Trial?

Not all car accident lawsuits go to trial. Legal options will be presented to each party involved in the dispute to help decide on what approach would be the best to go with. Some common methods that have been considered are: arbitration and mediation.

Arbitration is a legal method that involves an arbitrator assessing arguments provided by all parties involved in the car accident lawsuit to determine a decision that will resolve the dispute. The outcome may result in binding or non-binding arbitration depending on what each side agrees on.

Binding arbitration involves approving the arbitrator’s recommendation and complying with its terms. Non-binding arbitration, on the other hand, is when both parties reject the resolution suggested and are free to head to court in the regular way.

Mediation is a voluntary process that involves a third party, which is the mediator. They will monitor the discussions made between the disputing sides to help reach a mutual agreement. This approach:

• Gives all parties more control over the outcome
• Resolves the problem fairly quickly
• Is less expensive compared to going to court

If neither of these are effective, then it may lead to litigation. It is important to have a Las Vegas car accident attorney represent you in court to better your chances of getting fair compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Las Vegas?

Under Nevada’s Revised Statutes section 11.190, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is two years from the date of when the event took place. However, if it only involved vehicle or property damage, you will be granted three years from the date of when it occurred to sue the at fault party.

Available Damages in a Las Vegas Car Accident Case

Damages available in a Las Vegas car accident case will vary for all victims due to unique factors associated with each situation. Typically, economic damages and non-economic damages are granted. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be given.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial expenses you experienced as a result of the car accident like lost wages, medical bills, property damage, quality of life adjustments, and loss of earning capacity. In accordance with the state’s personal injury law, this is designed to make accident victims financially whole for the accident in question.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that are difficult to measure in monetary terms. For instance, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering are all subjective by nature and are difficult to place a definitive value on unlike other calculable costs like medical expenses. Due to the nature of non-economic damages, its value will vary on a case by case basis, which is why it is recommended to have experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyers that you can trust to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Punitive Damages

Under Nevada Revised Statutes 42.005, punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer for exhibiting egregious behavior. They will be required to provide additional compensation as a form of discipline to prevent similar conduct from happening in the future. To get punitive damages, you will need to prove how the defendant committed malice, fraud, or intentional harm against you. Punitive damages will have a cap of:

• $300,000 if you receive compensatory damages that are less than $100,000
• Three times the amount of compensatory damages you are given if the figure is $100,000 or more.

Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help

If you were involved in a Las Vegas car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may sue to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyers are readily available to assist. We are a personal injury law firm devoted to serving justice to accident victims in the Clark County area and are confident that we will deliver results that will satisfy your legal needs.

Due to our commitment in providing excellent legal services, we have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients. Whether you need assistance dealing with the insurance company or have suffered severe injuries, our personal injury attorneys can provide you the guidance and legal support you need.

To schedule a free consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.