After a car crash, it’s not uncommon for people to experience feelings of confusion. You may wonder about the correct course of action to take and whether an attorney is needed. While dealing with the insurance company is an option, a lawyer can help to protect your legal rights.
Your claim and your injuries may be questioned or even invalidated or denied by the insurance companies. An attorney can help you with your claim by taking action to help maximize the compensatory damages you receive.
Car accidents and the injuries they cause can cost more than you think. Prepare yourself in the best way possible by seeking advice from the Boulder City car accident attorneys of Pacific West Injury Law. We will provide legal options and guide you through every step of the claim.
Can’t I Just Talk to the Insurance Adjusters?
You can, but it’s probably better for you not to. Insurance company adjusters are paid specifically to preserve the bottom line of the company they work for, and they’re highly skilled at saving their shareholders’ dollars.
If you do talk to the adjusters, it is critical that you not admit fault, make any recorded statements or sign anything. All the information you provide can be used against you in a case and you may inadvertently void your rights to compensation.
Due to the comparative negligence laws of the state, it’s sometimes difficult to determine who is at fault, and you could lose your right to compensation. An auto accident attorney in Boulder City can deal with insurance companies, handle negotiations or calls on your behalf, and defend you against allegations of liability.
What Kinds of Injuries Do Car Accident Victims Pursue Legal Claims for?
Since each accident is different, the claims can vary. If an injury impacts their daily life or ability to work, the stakes can be very high. Our legal team has successfully pursued compensation on behalf of clients with many different injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see are:
- Burn injuries
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
Legal counsel is crucial when you are suffering after an auto accident. If your injuries left you unable to work for an extended period of time or permanent injuries have been sustained, filing a personal injury case is your best chance for full compensation.
If an injury is serious enough, it can become fatal. If your loved one has died from the results of a serious car crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver or other negligent parties.
What if I Walked Away From a Car Crash and Discovered My Injuries Days Later?
Car crash injuries are always different and can sometimes be unpredictable. You may walk away from a crash believing that you weren’t injured, only to discover that you are in pain a few hours or days later. Even if you are only feeling achy, it’s best to seek a medical evaluation.
The adrenaline your body releases during the crash can mask the pain temporarily, but serious injuries can still be discovered in the days following a crash. If your body is telling you something isn’t right, seek medical attention right away and then contact an attorney.
Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Doctrine
Nevada honors the comparative negligence doctrine. This means that you can be held partially responsible for your car accident, and it can negatively affect the compensation you are able to claim. Even if you are only found to be 10% liable, that can amount to thousands of dollars.
For example, a defense attorney for the insurance company could argue that you were talking on your cell phone and therefore contributed to the accident. It’s a near certainty that the opposing counsel and insurance companies will work hard to reduce their liability by trying to place a portion of the blame on you.
Civil cases for car accidents in Nevada can result in devastating financial loss if the plaintiff is found to be over 51% liable, so it can be crucial to seek representation from a Boulder City car accident attorney.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for My Case?
Car accident lawyers specialize in personal injury law. These attorneys become very well acquainted with the medical aspects of the injuries in car accidents and will know how to best represent your case. For instance, a lawyer will know when and who to call as an expert witness.
This could be any number of physicians, surgeons, medical specialists, or even traffic scene investigators. The weight that these experts lend to your story and the testimony they present can be pivotal in a personal injury trial.
Further, lawyers are generally very skilled negotiators. As many car accident claims often settle out of court, having a lawyer who knows how to combat insurance company tactics can transform a case. You can protect your right to claim and maximize your compensation with the help of an attorney.
Car Accident Case Damages
The type and amount of damages you pursue will largely depend upon the severity of injuries, length of treatment, and other factors of the case. Non-economic damages like emotional trauma may be considered as well, depending on the circumstance.
There is no way to determine the exact amount any jury will offer or the settlement an insurance company may agree to. However, a car accident lawyer in Boulder City will be able to estimate based on previous case awards and experience.
Some damages you may pursue include but are not limited to the following:
- Lost wages: Time off work during the treatment, future wage loss, and possible vocational rehabilitation costs are considered depending on your ability to return to work.
- Medical expenses: Any hospital bills, doctor bills, prescriptions or medical expenses attributed to the accident can be pursued. It’s important to maintain all your bills, receipts, and records of your expenses.
- Non-economic costs: Loss of consortium, psychological trauma, pain and suffering, and many other varieties of non-economic damages can be pursued in certain cases. These are more difficult to put a number on or assign a value to, but previously resolved cases will allow your attorney to estimate.
Contact a Boulder City Car Accident Law Firm Today
For further information or legal guidance after your accident, call the Boulder City car accident lawyers of Pacific West Injury Law. Our legal team has decades of combined experience in Nevada personal injury law and understands the complications and challenges you are facing.
Protect your right to pursue compensation by contacting us today. Your losses and your rights matter, and you deserve the right to legal counsel so that you can get your life moving in the right direction again.