Reno Car Accident Lawyer

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

Car accidents happen for many different reasons, but they are often the result of another driver’s negligence. Common causes include:

• Driving Under the Influence: According to Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts, about 53% 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.

How Our Reno Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, our legal team has more than five decades of experience representing victims of serious car accidents in Reno and the surrounding area. Our auto accident lawyers know the city’s roads, traffic patterns, and accident hotspots, and we use that knowledge to gather evidence efficiently, anticipate insurance challenges, and guide clients through each step of the claims process.

When you work with our law firm, we help by:

• 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

We know how to approach many different types of motor vehicle 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.

What Types of Compensation Can Car Accident Victims Recover?

As in most personal injury cases, car accident victims may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be available.

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 as 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.

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:

• Get to Safety: If possible, move out of traffic to minimize danger and prevent further harm.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Notify Your Auto Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider of the accident so you can start the claim process.
• Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Legal representation can help you negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court.