Las Vegas is one of the most popular places to travel.
From visiting world-renowned casinos to strolling down the Strip, there are many things you can do in Las Vegas.
Over thirty million visitors are welcomed to the city each year.
52% of these visitors to Las Vegas arrive in vehicles.
Las Vegas is a tourist destination, and many car accidents in Clark County involve out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local traffic practices. While looking at famous landmarks, a GPS app, maps, or other directions, a motorist can quickly get into a rear-end accident or hit a pedestrian or a cyclist. Being in an accident caused by someone who lives outside of Nevada may complicate an injury claim. But you still have a right to seek compensation from the negligent driver. The Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law handle many claims involving out-of-state drivers.
Nevada Car Accident Laws
In Nevada, the motorist deemed primarily at fault for the accident is liable for the damages of the other drivers. This is typically established by proving that the driver was negligent, including being distracted, violating traffic laws, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and many other circumstances.
Like Nevada drivers, out-of-state drivers must report accidents that result in more than $750 worth of damage to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident. However, it is essential to notify the police immediately after an accident that causes an injury so that an accident report can be created. This may provide crucial evidence in a lawsuit.
Fleeing the scene of a crash can attract penalties for the crime of hit and run. Nevada Law requires drivers to stop and exchange information with other motorists. It is also highly recommended to get the other driver’s license number and address and the other vehicle’s make, model, year, and license plate number.
Ignorance of Nevada road rules is not a defense to a personal injury action. An out-of-state driver who violates a safety law may be liable for negligence.
Recovering Damages In Accidents Involving Out-Of-State Drivers
If you were involved in a car accident that an out-of-state driver caused, you may be concerned about your ability to recover compensation.
An out-of-state driver needs to have insurance that complies with Nevada law. Nevada law requires all drivers to be able to pay damages arising out of their ownership or operation of a motor vehicle.
In Nevada, you must maintain liability insurance that covers at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage.
The insurance policies of out-of-state drivers sometimes include different terms. This potentially causes problems when you need to pursue compensation under their policies. Contact an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer to help you tackle this potentially problematic situation.
Your insurance claim can face further complications depending on your injuries and whether the out-of-state driver’s insurance company is registered to do business in Nevada.
If the out-of-state’s insurance carrier is authorized in Nevada, the policy must include coverage that meets our state’s minimum requirements.
It may be challenging to hold an out-of-state driver accountable if the driver does not have valid insurance coverage in Nevada. However, in some cases, a victim may pursue the defendant’s assets to cover the damages or apply for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under their policy. It is not mandatory to have uninsured motorist coverage in Nevada, but it is wise to carry it.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with an insured out-of-state driver who does not have sufficient coverage to compensate you for your injuries fully, it would be necessary to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault out-of-state driver to be fully compensated for your injuries.
Uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage is additional coverage a Nevada driver can purchase on their policy to ensure they can be quickly compensated for the full extent of their injuries regardless of the insurance policy carried by an out-of-state driver. Utilizing uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance does not mean the at-fault driver will be off the hook easily for the damages caused by their negligence. Your insurance company may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver to recover the funds that were paid out under the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
You can even file a lawsuit against your insurance carrier for the benefits due under your policy.
Can I File A Lawsuit In The Out-Of-State Driver’s State?
In general, you can always bring a suit in the defendant’s state. If you’re a Nevada citizen, but a California driver injures you, you can sue in California. The California court has “personal jurisdiction” over all of the citizens of that state.
You may be able to file a suit in California by mail, but you’ll probably have to appear at the court in person for hearings related to the case. If you file a lawsuit in another state, you will have to travel to that state to deal with it.
Pacific West Injury Law – We Know How To Break Down Barriers In Complex Car Accident Cases
Nevada car accident laws are complex and often challenging to interpret. Whenever you have questions about who is at fault for your accident or your options, you should talk with an attorney who understands your rights. They will consider the accident report, your medical bills, and other factors about your case.
If an out-of-state driver caused your injuries in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas, you have the legal right to pursue compensation.
Don’t try to handle your claim on your own. The experienced attorneys at our personal injury law firm are all too familiar with insurance companies’ tactics to keep from paying. Contact a car accident lawyer at Pacific West Injury Law for an honest evaluation of your case.