It’s an unfortunate reality that drunk driving results in the death of approximately 32 people in the United States every day. According to the NHTSA, 56% of drivers involved in fatal and serious injury accidents tested positive for at least one drug.
When motorists choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they take an unfair risk with the lives of other people on the road. Though the laws about drinking and driving are very clear, people continue to violate these laws on a daily basis, often causing injury to others.
If a drunk driver injured you or someone you care about, you may be entitled to recover compensation. An Enterprise drunk driving car accident attorney with Pacific West Injury Law may be able to help you to pursue your claim while working to maximize your financial recovery.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
An Enterprise drunk driving injury lawyer can help to protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the claim and legal process. Their knowledge of Nevada law and the insurance claims process can be your best asset and help you to avoid being taken advantage of.
As many car accidents are settled out of court, negotiations with the insurance company are critical to your financial recovery. The insurance adjusters will not offer the maximum amount possible and are highly motivated to keep the payouts to victims as low as possible.
Certain tactics are regularly used by insurance companies to devalue or deny claims, and even if the case appears to be in your favor, things can take an ugly turn. The insurance company will fight to reduce their liability and they may be successful in placing some of the liability on you.
If you are considering whether an attorney can benefit your case, consider the following signs that indicate legal counsel can help your case:
There Were Severe or Fatal Injuries
If someone in the accident suffered severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries, a lawyer is your best protection against allegations of liability. Since the financial stakes are often very high in these types of accidents, your compensation and your case may be at risk.
Since insurance adjusters and opposing counsel are employed specifically to reduce the liability of their clients, they can and will work hard to shift the blame. As the state of Nevada follows the comparative negligence doctrine (NRS 41.141), it is possible for a percentage of the liability to fall on you.
Having the help and legal advice of an attorney can help to level the playing field. Your lawyer can protect your rights and your claim to compensation by defending you against such allegations of fault.
The Statute of Limitations Deadline Is Near
The statute of limitations in a personal injury claim in Nevada is two years, according to Nevada Revised Statutes 11.190. If you have waited to file a claim or if you have been involved in negotiations with the insurance company, it’s important to understand that the legal clock is ticking.
Insurance companies know this and will often stop responding to your calls and communications when they know that time is running out. If you can’t reach a settlement before the two-year date marking your accident, you’ll be unable to collect any compensation or pursue further action.
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Enterprise can work to preserve your right to claim compensation and help you to avoid an undesirable outcome.
Government, Business, or Corporate Entity Involvement
If a municipality, government agency, or a business had involvement in your accident, their attorneys will be working to defend their claim. You may be dealing with multiple insurance companies and defendants, and each of them will bring their attorneys along.
Fighting for your rights with a team of opposing counsel is extremely risky without your own representation. The lawyers have a clear understanding of the costs that can befall their clients, so they will work relentlessly to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
Their primary job is to limit or eliminate the payout to the injury victim and you will need legal counsel to protect your interests. A drunk driving car accident lawyer in Enterprise can be your advocate by ensuring that your legal rights are respected.
You Are Receiving Lowball Offers
Insurance companies will often make lowball offers and take advantage of the fact that injury victims are often facing financial pressure after an accident. These offers can be tempting, but if they ultimately won’t cover your expenses you will be left with no legal recourse.
Most injury victims are unaware of the damages they truly suffer in an accident. The medical bills and lost wages can be easily calculated, however, an attorney can work with financial professionals, medical experts, and health care planners to foresee and account for additional expenses you can incur.
Having a full and complete calculation of the damages in your claim is one of the best ways to avoid accepting an undervalued settlement offer. A lawyer can give you a better understanding of what you are legally able to pursue, what you can prove in court, and what you may be entitled to.
Contact Drunk Driving Car Accident Law Firm in Enterprise, NV Today Today
Pacific West Injury Law Firm may be able to help you collect compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages after a car accident. We can evaluate your case at no cost, and there is no obligation to you.
Our drunk driving personal injury lawyers can accept your claim on a contingency fee basis, so there is no out-of-pocket cost or risk to your personal finances. We are paid only if we recover financial compensation in a settlement or court award on your behalf.
Even if the driver was not cited, you may still be entitled to pursue compensation. Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to help you.