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The effects of a car accident can last for years, whether it’s an injury that makes day-to-day life difficult or the death of a loved one. If you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, or financial challenges that often result from an accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer to understand your options.

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, our team has over 50 years of experience representing victims of car accidents. Our Reno car accident lawyers have recovered millions for our clients and can help guide you through the legal process with compassion. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can fight for the compensation you need to overcome this challenging chapter of your life.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in Reno?

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is always difficult, but even more so if you’re dealing with serious injuries. You’ll likely need to collect and organize medical bills, accident reports, and other evidence, as well as communicate with insurance companies and other parties, all while juggling medical appointments and other day-to-day responsibilities.

Throughout the process, any number of challenges can arise, from a dispute over who was at fault for the accident to a settlement offer that simply doesn’t meet your needs. A Reno car accident lawyer can handle each of these steps for you so that you don’t end up being left on the hook to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

How Our Reno Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Reno, our team can take you step by step through the entire legal process, handling the heavy lifting for you. Here are just a few of the many ways we can help:

• Conducting a Detailed Investigation: We gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage and accident reports, to build a strong case for liability.
• Calculating Your Losses Accurately: We assess all aspects of your damages to make sure you can pursue the maximum compensation possible.
• Negotiating Relentlessly: We take care of all communications with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement.
• Litigating When Necessary: Though a trial is rarely needed, we’re prepared to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get the best outcome.

Types of Car Accident Cases Our Firm Handles

When drivers behave unsafely or negligently, accidents and injuries can result. We know how to approach many different types of car accidents, including, but not limited to:

• Rear-End Collisions: This common type of traffic collision occurs when the front end of a vehicle collides with the back end of the one in front of it.
• Head-On Collisions: Serious injuries are a frequent outcome when the fronts of two vehicles collide.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Although it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in Nevada, some drivers do. You may still be able to pursue a car accident lawsuit if the at-fault driver can be located.
• Wrongful Death: Following a fatal car accident, you need the services of a wrongful death attorney to obtain compensation that covers end-of-life costs, lost income, and non-economic impacts like emotional distress.

Your Reno car accident lawyer will develop a legal strategy to negotiate a fair settlement based on the circumstances of your case.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Crash in Reno?

Getting injured in a car accident you did not cause might mean you are entitled to compensation for your losses. There are two types of possible compensation: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: A person can have past and future medical costs if they sustain long-term injuries. Expenses might include hospital stays, physical therapy and rehabilitation, on-site or in-home nursing care, and other related bills.
• Lost Wages: Injuries caused by a car accident can force a person to change jobs or careers, or in situations that involve paralysis or other serious complications, they may no longer be able to work and financially support themselves. Compensation from a car accident claim can help cover past and future lost wages.
• Property Damages: Sometimes, car accidents cause property damage, and a victim can receive compensation if their vehicle or similar property is destroyed.

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional Pain and Suffering: Distress and mental anguish are often side effects of car accidents, and victims can experience a range of mental pains, like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
• Disfigurement: Scars or severe burns can disfigure a person’s face or other body areas, and victims might face long-term depression, self-esteem issues, and other mental trauma.
• Loss of Consortium or Companionship: Serious injuries like paralysis or disfigurement can hinder a victim’s ability to have intimate relations with their spouse. In this case, there is possible compensation for the loss of companionship.
• Reduced Quality of Life: When a victim is dealing with a long-term condition and cannot work or live how they used to, a car accident attorney might push for additional funds to compensate the victim for a reduced quality of life.

Punitive Damages/Exemplary Damages

Certain acts are so deplorable that they disregard the safety and lives of others. Gross negligence is any willful, wanton, and reckless act that causes grave injury to people, property, or both. Examples of gross negligence include:

• Excessive speeding through an area with a lot of pedestrians or traffic.
• Knowingly operating a vehicle that is not safe on the road.
• Driving with lethal drugs or alcohol in your system and seriously injuring or killing another driver.

A Reno car accident lawyer can pursue punitive damages when gross negligence is present, though these damages are rare. It is most common to find gross negligence involved in DUI cases.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Reno?

Car accidents can have many different causes. Some of the most common include:

• Driving Under the Influence: According to Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts, about 51% of fatal accidents are related to impaired driving, involving a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher and/or a positive drug test.
• Distracted Driving: When drivers get distracted by digital devices, food or beverages, or conversations with passengers, accidents are far more likely. Distracted driving is reported in roughly 3% of fatal crashes in Nevada.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a factor in an estimated 33% of fatal crashes across the state, while 46% involve reckless maneuvers like lane departure.
• Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving is responsible for tens of thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, many drivers underestimate the potential impact of getting behind the wheel when drowsy.
• Driving in Extreme Weather: Reno can experience extreme weather conditions like intense rain, gusty winds, and snow and ice, which can impact road conditions, visibility, and overall safety.

Common Injuries in Reno Car Accident Cases

Managing a car accident injury can cost thousands of dollars and in some cases millions. Some of the most common car accident injuries we see in cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Amputation/loss of limbs
• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Scars
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

A car accident lawyer in Reno can help ensure you or a loved one is compensated for these injuries following a car wreck.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Reno

The aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but it’s important to remain calm and take these essential steps:

1. Get to Safety: If possible, move out of traffic to minimize danger and prevent further harm.
2. Contact the Authorities: Nevada law requires you to report accidents that result in injuries, fatalities, or property damage of more than $750. A police report is an important piece of evidence when negotiating a settlement.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get checked out by an EMT at the scene or seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, even if you think you are unhurt.
4. Gather Evidence: Get the contact information of other drivers and witnesses at the scene and take photos and videos of the vehicles and your visible injuries.
5. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider of the accident so you can start the claim process.
6. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Your attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court.

By following these steps, you can improve your chances of recovering fully from your injuries and receiving the car accident compensation you deserve.

Reno Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident in Reno?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations to file a car crash claim for damages related to injury or wrongful death is two years from the date of the incident.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney in Reno Cost?

If you are worried about legal costs following a car accident, the good news is that Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay if we resolve your case successfully.

Can I Still File a Car Accident Claim if I Am Partially at Fault?

Yes, under Nevada law, you may still be eligible to recover damages after a car wreck so long as you were no more than 50% at fault.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

A car accident settlement could take as little as a few months or much longer. It will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of discovery (gathering evidence), the willingness of both sides to negotiate, and whether the claim goes to court for litigation.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

If you suffer a minor car collision involving mild injuries and minimal property damage, you might not feel the need to hire a lawyer. However, it never hurts to schedule a free consultation and see if you have a case worth pursuing.