Have you been seriously injured in a car accident in Henderson, Nevada? If so, you might be feeling shocked and overwhelmed by what has happened. You might be struggling with painful injuries and costly medical expenses.
Fortunately, getting help and reliable guidance is just a phone call away. Contact the Henderson car accident lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law for responsive legal assistance. Our attorneys are available to help you understand your legal options and stand up for What’s Right for you.
We’re ready to help you seek the money you need to pay your medical bills, recover income lost from missed work, and move on with your life. Call us or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation to discuss your case with us today.
What Are a Driver’s Legal Duties?
Driving an automobile requires training, experience, focus, and knowledge of local traffic laws. Drivers in Nevada have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions when driving and avoid jeopardizing the safety of others.
Some examples of the reasonable precautions a driver in Henderson, NV, must take include:
- Maintaining a reasonable speed – When drivers exceed posted speed limits, they have less time to recognize hazardous situations and react to avoid a crash. In addition to obeying the speed limit, drivers must reduce their speed when necessary to drive at a speed that is safe for the road and weather conditions. Drivers who go too fast when roads are slick or congested, or when visibility is reduced can cause speeding-related accidents.
- Remaining alert at all times – All drivers must remain aware of surrounding vehicles, sudden changes in traffic, and pedestrians crossing an intersection or walking beside the road. Nevada drivers have a legal duty to remain vigilant and avoid distractions. Drivers should not get behind the wheel while dangerously drowsy or impaired.
- Maintaining complete control of the vehicle – Drivers are expected to maintain control over their vehicles at all times. Even if another driver unexpectedly stops short or veers into another lane, you are still responsible for maneuvering your vehicle safely. If you lose control and crash because you failed to follow at a safe distance or pay attention to the road, your actions may constitute legal negligence.
- Conducting routine car maintenance – Drivers who operate on public roads must keep their vehicles in safe working condition. This includes ensuring lights, brakes, tires, and other components are in good condition before driving.
Keep in mind that Nevada drivers are presumed to be automatically negligent in certain situations. Examples include operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving on the wrong side of a road.
Car Accident Statistics in Nevada
Nevada recorded 382 traffic deaths in 2021—the highest number in 15 years, according to Nevada’s Office of Traffic Safety.
Additional data from the Nevada Department of Transportation illustrates the prevalence of car accidents in the Silver State:
- In a single recent year, Nevada car accidents resulted in more than one thousand severe injuries.
- The rate of car accident fatalities as a function of Nevada’s population size has generally increased since 2010.
- During a recent five-year period, Clark County reported the highest numbers of both fatal car accidents and accident fatalities.
- Male drivers between 21 and 25 represent the largest demographic group of at-fault drivers in fatal Nevada car accidents.
- The most common contributing factors in Nevada traffic fatalities included driver impairment, lane departures, and speeding.
- The most common crash types among fatal accidents were single-vehicle crashes, angle crashes, rollovers, head-on collisions, and rear-end collisions.
Causes of Car Crashes in Henderson, NV
Some of the most common contributing factors in the Henderson car accident cases we handle include:
- Distraction – Drivers who let themselves become absorbed in text messages, phone calls, or other distractions are significantly more likely to lose track of surrounding vehicles and be involved in car accidents. Driver distraction is a common contributing factor in rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and intersection accidents.
- Impairment – Impairment can take the form of drunkenness, drugged driving, or even extreme fatigue. Drivers who are impaired may have difficulty recognizing hazardous situations and reacting quickly to avoid a collision.
- Speeding – When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they have less time to react to changes in traffic or imminent crash hazards. The higher the speed upon impact, the more likely a crash is to cause serious injuries.
- Tailgating – Tailgating other vehicles is hazardous for many of the same reasons as speeding. If another vehicle suddenly stops or changes course, a driver who is following too closely might not have enough room to stop or veer away in time to avoid a collision.
- Improper lane changes – A driver who tries to change lanes without first making sure that the lane is clear may sideswipe another vehicle already occupying the lane or cause the other driver to swerve and collide with other vehicles.
Common Injuries in Car Collisions
When a driver or passenger absorbs the violent impact of a traffic collision, the immense transfer of energy can have devastating effects. Some of the common types of injuries that occur in Henderson car accidents include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Traumatic amputation and loss of limb
- Bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
- Hip, leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychological and emotional injuries
Filing an Auto Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a collision in Henderson, you can protect your legal rights after a Henderson car accident. You should:
- Seek prompt medical care, even if you don’t feel hurt. Some potentially serious injuries, such as head injuries, may not be immediately apparent after a crash except to a trained medical professional. Make sure your injuries are diagnosed and treated.
- Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Gather evidence from the scene of the accident, including accident scene photos, contact and insurance information from the other driver, and statements from any witnesses who saw the wreck occur.
- Keep hospital bills, medical records, pay stubs, work communications, repair estimates, and any other accident-related documentation you receive.
- Record observations about the pain levels and day-to-day limitations you experience due to your accident-related injuries
- Watch what you say to the other driver, the insurance companies, or any other third parties before you have the chance to speak with a lawyer.
- Refrain from posting comments or photos about the accident or your injuries on social media while your claim is pending. Insurance companies may use anything you say on social media to undermine your claim.
- Have a knowledgeable Henderson car accident attorney review the crash and discuss your legal options.
Damages You Can Recover from a Car Wreck Claim
When you file an injury claim after a car accident, the goal is to recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you have suffered due to another driver’s negligence. Lawyers use the term “damages” to refer to the compensation you can receive as reimbursement for your injuries and related losses.
The purpose of any compensation you receive is to help you pay accident-related expenses and regain financial stability. To that end, the damages you can seek after a Henderson car accident claim are meant to help you pay for things like:
- Past and future medical care for your injuries
- Incidental costs, such as travel expenses
- Lost wages and benefits from missed work
- Projected losses in future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Nevada
You generally have just two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit in Nevada. If you wait to sue until after the two-year deadline has passed, the court will likely dismiss your case. It’s critical to work with a seasoned injury lawyer who can help you map out a timeline and ensure your case stays on track.
Contact an Experienced Henderson Car Accident Attorney
The attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law represent injured people in Henderson and throughout Nevada after preventable car accidents caused by the negligence of others. We can help you seek the physical and financial recovery you deserve when someone else’s carelessness or disregard for safety has left you seriously injured. Contact us now to get started with your free initial consultation.
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