Highway Accidents & Liability Claims
Las Vegas, Nevada
Highway accidents in Las Vegas
If you got injured in a highway accident in Las Vegas or Nevada, ended up in a hospital, and lost your ability to work, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We don't charge for consultations.
While no attorney can reverse the events of an accident, we can help you get a full and fair settlement to pay for your medical expenses and other damages.
Highway accidents defined
Highway accidents are collisions on a highway or freeway between vehicles of all sizes. Highway accidents may include pedestrian accidents or bicycle and animal-vehicle collisions.
Highway accidents often involve many victims, resulting in severe injuries or death.
Causes of highway accidents
Various factors can cause highway accidents, including:
• Driver's error (speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, reckless driving, or driver's fatigue),
• Poor road conditions,
• Mechanical failure (e.g., malfunctioning or faulty vehicles, such as brakes that fail or tires that blow out),
• Lack of signage or poor lighting,
• Animal crossings,
• Pedestrian and cyclist error.
Many highway accidents are the result of a combination of different factors.
Where do in Las Vegas most highway accidents happen?
In Las Vegas, most highway accidents happen on I-15, US 95, Boulder Highway, and Summerlin Parkway.
Highway accidents liability
In Nevada, the party whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident is financially liable for all damages. It includes medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering.
Highway accidents can be very complex, and more than one party is often involved.
Police carry out the highway accident investigation. However, in Nevada, the insurance company may also get involved in determining the cause of the accident and assigns liability to the appropriate party.
If you are partially at fault
evada uses a modified negligence rule. If you were less than 51% liable for a highway accident, you could still sue another party for damages. Read NRS 41.141 for more information.
Can a passenger be liable for an accident?
Theoretically, yes, but in most highway accidents, the driver is responsible for the crash.
If a personal vehicle is involved, who is liable?
The personal vehicle driver is typically liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
However, liability is not always clear-cut, and several parties could be liable for an accident. For example, if a car's mechanical failure causes a highway accident, the car manufacturer or car repair and maintenance shop could be liable.
In addition, there were cases where the driver had a medical emergency, lost control of the vehicle, and caused an accident, but there was no negligence on the driver's part. Still, in Nevada, the driver (or rather his insurance) is financially responsible for all damages from the accident.
If a company vehicle is involved, who is liable?
The company vehicle driver is liable if their actions or negligence caused an accident.
However, in Las Vegas and Nevada, the company that hired the driver or registered the vehicle may also be liable for the accident. For example, if the company failed to maintain the car properly or did not properly train the driver, they may be financially responsible for the damages.
If the truck is involved, who is liable?
When the truck is involved, the liability depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
• Was the accident caused by the truck driver's negligence or misconduct?
• Was the trucking company negligent in maintaining or inspecting the vehicle?
• Were any truck defects or failed components contributing to the accident?
The liable party could be the driver, the company, or the number of companies.
There are 3 unique things applicable only to truck accidents:
a) Trucks need to comply with many federal and local government regulations.
b) Trucks have a "black box" that stores a snapshot of data of what happened during the crush.
c) You need to hire an attorney who knows government requirements, where to check for non-compliance, and how to analyze the data from the "black box" to prove fault.
If the emergency vehicle is involved, who is liable?
Emergency vehicles involve ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, or rescue vehicles.
Emergency vehicles have certain legal exemptions, such as disregarding traffic signals and speed limits while responding to an emergency call. However, if the driver was negligent, acted recklessly, caused an accident on the road, and injured somebody, the driver or emergency service organization can be liable.
Are passengers entitled to a settlement?
In most highway accidents, passengers are not at fault, and if they sustain injuries or suffer damages, passengers can collect in full from anyone.
Settlement: What to expect
The most common question people who come to our office ask is, "What settlement amount can I expect?"
The settlement will depend on:
- The severity of your injuries,
- The extent of your medical expenses, and
- The liable party's insurance coverage.
Typically, your medical bills are the most significant part of the accident compensation. The need for long-term care also affects the settlement.
How long does it take to receive money after highway accidents?
The second most common question people ask is, "How long should I wait for the settlement?"
It may take 6 months to 3 years to settle a highway accident insurance claim. Lawsuits with multiple defendants and victims could take much longer to resolve because many insurance companies are involved.
What causes delays in getting accident compensation?
Highway accidents can be very complex. Some common reasons for delay include:
- Difficulty in determining fault,
- Disputes over the amount of compensation,
- The injured person may still receive medical treatment, which can delay evaluating the extent of their injuries.
Often, it depends on the insurance company. Usually, large insurance companies take longer settling highway accidents.
We can help
We work on a contingency basis, and you only pay us if we get you a settlement.
Call us at 702-432-1000 to speak with an attorney who handles highway accidents.
We serve clients in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the rest of Nevada.
We also represent out-of-towners injured while vacationing in Las Vegas or Nevada.
Last updated on January 31, 2024.
