A drunk driving accident can have devastating results for you and your family members. You’ll probably be saddled with hefty medical bills and have to deal with the additional cost of living adjustments. You may also be unable to work, leaving you struggling to make ends meet.
Fortunately, the team at Pacific West Injury Law can defend your rights and fight for your settlement. Our drunk driving car accident attorneys in Henderson will build your claim and guide you through the numerous challenges of seeking compensation for your losses.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Henderson
If your injuries are minimal and your losses aren’t too serious, you might decide that you don’t need legal representation to pursue a claim. But no matter the severity of your injuries, it’s always a great idea to speak with a car accident attorney.
The person you’re blaming for the crash has most likely hired an attorney. In fact, the defendant’s first move is usually to seek a solid defense against the claim. Even if it’s obvious that you deserve financial remedies, it will be challenging to argue your case against a professional who understands the law and has years of experience handling similar cases.
A drunk driving accident lawyer can build an ironclad argument as to why you should receive maximum compensation for your losses. They’ll also represent your best interests at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Here’s what they’ll do to help you recuperate from the accident:
Gather Evidence
Negligent drivers and insurance companies will make it hard for you to get what you claim, and you’ll need sufficient evidence of fault to prove liability and win settlement negotiations. Your attorney will gather all crucial evidence, such as police reports, field sobriety test results, blood test results, and testimony from accident reconstruction experts.
Determine Your Damages
In order to get you the right amount of compensation, your lawyer must assess the impact the accident has had on your life and assign a dollar value to the losses you’ve taken. An experienced car accident attorney from our team in Henderson will identify all the damages you’re eligible to receive.
Deal With Insurance Companies
Your attorney can deal with insurers that strive to reduce your compensation to the lowest level possible. Insurance adjusters may contact you to have a chat, but their main objective is to make you accept blame or say something that could affect your claim. They might also employ delaying tactics at your most desperate moments so that you accept a lowball offer.
Insurance adjusters won’t hesitate to speak with you, so you must be mindful about what you say to them, as some statements could hurt your claim. We suggest that you let your lawyer handle all communications with insurers. Your attorney can negotiate a settlement that’s appropriate for the losses you’ve been burdened with.
Represent You in Court
While it’s not typical, some cases do go to court. It’s hard to be present at every pre-trial hearing or court session, as you’ll be busy recovering. But a lawyer will always be there for you, allowing you sufficient time to recover from the injuries. They’ll present compelling evidence to the jury and convince them that you deserve a high-value payment.
Link You With The Best Healthcare Services
Your physical and mental recovery is your attorney’s primary concern. A car accident attorney from our firm can use their connections to match you with specialists who can provide the care you need to get better fast.
Damages You May Receive from a Drunk Driving Car Accident Claim In Henderson
There are a number of damages available to drunk driving car accident survivors that you may be able to benefit from. Depending on the accident-related expenses you’re facing and the emotional hardships your accident has caused you, you may receive several of the following damages:
- Medical bills: These damages can compensate for the cost of medical treatment, prescription medication, rehabilitative therapy, and assistive devices.
- Lost income: You’ll probably have to miss a few workdays in the weeks and months following your accident. These damages can compensate for the income you are unable to earn during that time.
- Decreased earning capacity: Sadly, some auto collision victims are left with injuries that permanently limit their ability to work and earn money. If your earning capacity has been reduced as a result of the crash, these damages can offer financial support.
- Vehicle damage: These damages can be used to pay for your vehicle repair.
- Pain and suffering: Some car accident injuries can be extremely painful. If your injuries are causing you a considerable amount of physical suffering, a Henderson drunk driving car accident lawyer from our firm can add these damages to your claim.
- Mental distress: The shocking and traumatic nature of a collision can leave victims with serious mental health issues. If you’ve experienced anxiety or PTSD after your accident, you may be entitled to receive these damages.
Nevada’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
If you were partially responsible for the accident you were injured in, Nevada’s modified comparative fault rule (NRS § 41.141) will come into play. Depending on your level of fault, the statute will either reduce the amount of compensation you receive or bar you from receiving damages at all.
If your fault level is below 50%, you can still recover compensation, but the reward will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. So, if the court finds that you suffered losses worth $10,000 and that you were 40% at fault, you’ll recover $6,000 from the defendant.
Unfortunately, if your percentage of fault exceeds 50%, your injury claim will be unsuccessful, and you’ll get nothing. If that’s true for you, your attorney will guide you on the next steps you should take.
Henderson’s Filing Deadline for Drunk Driving Car Accident Cases
When it comes to pursuing compensation for a drunk driving car accident, every second counts. It would be best if you took legal action as soon as possible, as there’s a filing deadline for auto accident lawsuits.
According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190, you have two years from the date of your collision to file a civil suit. Failure to comply with Nevada law will likely result in your suit being thrown out, which means you won’t be able to receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
If your time to file a lawsuit has passed, consider speaking to an attorney anyway. A Henderson drunk driving car accident attorney from our team can help you determine if there’s another way for you to collect the settlement you need to rebuild your life.
What to Do After a Car Accident Caused By a Drunk Driver
There are several things you can do after a drunk driver hits your car that will help your case. If you’ve been injured in a collision, you should seek medical attention ASAP. However, if you haven’t been injured too badly, take the following steps:
- Report the accident to local law enforcement
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the offending driver
- Take photos of your injuries
- Take photos of both vehicle and the accident scene
- Speak to eye-witnesses and take down their contact details
- Contact a Henderson attorney to get started on your drunk driving car accident case
We’ll Take on Your Car Accident Case for a Contingency Fee
Our car accident lawyers in Henderson are always eager to make the lives of their clients easier, especially after a traumatic drunk driving accident. That’s why they’ll be happy to take on your case for a contingency fee.
A contingency fee is a portion of your final settlement or court-awarded payment that your attorney will take in exchange for their help. Lawyers usually charge approximately one-third of the client’s winnings. Your attorney will go over their percentage with you in detail before getting started on your claim.
Speak With an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Henderson Today
Pacific West Injury is home to an elite team of experienced and reliable personal injury attorneys. Our drunk driving car accident lawyers in Henderson can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and fight for the justice you deserve.
To get started on your claim, contact our team today. We’ll schedule a no-obligation case review to determine if our firm is the right fit for your case. If we decide to represent you, we’ll get started on your claim as soon as we can.