Car accidents can be stressful, costly, and inconvenient. They can also be life-changing if they cause severe injury or death. Fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone. Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney can give you someone who will advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you need to recover your life and move on. Below are some of people’s most frequently asked questions about hiring a lawyer following a car accident.
Can I sue for a car accident in Las Vegas?
Yes. If you are a car accident victim in Las Vegas, you can bring a claim against the responsible party. It is best to work with a reputable law firm when filing a lawsuit in court so that you don’t miss important court filing deadlines and paperwork and are best represented. Most often, you and the defendant will settle for an amount you think is fair before the claim goes to trial. However, if neither party agrees to settlement or mediation, your case will go to civil trial.
What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Las Vegas?
The statute of limitations is the amount of time one has to file a lawsuit or bring legal action. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for an automobile accident is two years, which means you must file a car accident lawsuit in a court of law within two years. If it has been longer than two years, the legal claim is no longer valid. It is best to start sooner rather than later to avoid issues if you wait.
What is my car accident case worth?
Each accident is different, and each case varies. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, he or she will ensure you receive compensation for all damages, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, if applicable. Damages can include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of income
- Cost of medical care, including medical equipment and future medical care
- Diminished earning capacity
- Unexpected childcare expenses
- Property damages
- Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and transportation during that time
- Increased insurance premiums
- Inconvenience
- Loss of companionship
- Cost for mental suffering and mental wellness
- Physical pain and suffering
- Physical scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life
How is pain and suffering compensated?
Nevada law uses two ways to calculate pain and suffering. The first is the per diem method, where each day is given a dollar amount, and that amount is multiplied by the days the victim suffered and is expected to suffer until they recover. The second is the multiplier method, which totals the victim’s medical bills from the injury and multiplies that by a number between 1.5 and 5. Both methods consider the severity of the injury, prognosis, impact on daily life, and whether or not the victim had any fault in the accident.
How long do accident injury cases typically take?
Accident injury cases can be resolved in as little as a few weeks with an amicable settlement and take as long as three years or more if they go to a full civil trial. Typically, accident injury cases take two to three months. Factors that affect the length of time include:
- The extent of injuries and how severe the accident was
- The number of parties involved in the accident
- How willing both parties are to settle and resolve the matter to a fair, just outcome
What does hiring a car accident attorney in Las Vegas cost?
Reputable law firms in Las Vegas often do not charge any fees when hired. Henness & Haight, for example, offers free consultations and works on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that you only pay once you receive your compensation, and only then will you pay the attorney fees out of your compensation. There is no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Will I have to go to court?
The majority of car accident cases are settled well before the need to go to court. However, some cases will go to court. If this is the case, the court generally orders mediation, and a settlement is reached. If both parties still cannot agree, there will be a full civil trial. It is in the best interest of both parties to avoid the costs and time of going to court, and thus, most settle before.
Why should I hire an accident injury attorney?
After a car accident, your primary concern is recovering from injury and repairing damages that the accident caused. If you are a victim trying to recover losses, it causes additional stress and time to contact insurance companies that care more about the bottom line than your injuries. Hiring an accident injury attorney gives you an experienced individual who can defend your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Henness & Haight: Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas
Henness & Haight Injury Law has represented Las Vegas car accident victims for over 23 years, ensuring you get the protection and compensation after an accident has affected your life. We diligently recover compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and property damage. We promise no-win, no-fee representation, which means zero out-of-pocket costs for you. Contact us today for your free case review.