Drivers aren’t the only ones who can pursue a personal injury settlement. If you were the passenger in a car accident, you have legal rights, too. You may be entitled to compensation for missed work, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
The only way to know if you have a legal case is to speak with a North Las Vegas car accident attorney. Our firm answers calls 24/7. Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.
How Much does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?
At Pacific West Injury Law, we believe that everyone has the right to pursue compensation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. It doesn’t cost you a penny to hire us and have us get started on your case.
We don’t collect legal fees unless we are successful in getting you a settlement. That means you can obtain legal representation without worrying about another bill to pay.
As a Passenger in a Car Accident, Is There a Time Limit for Lawsuits?
Yes, and this time can go by fast. According to Nevada Revised Statute §11.190, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident has two years to file a legal claim.
But there is no reason to wait to speak with an attorney. The sooner we get started on your case, the better. It is often easier to gather evidence and start negotiations with the insurance company immediately after an accident.
What If the Driver Is Your Friend Or Family Member?
Emotions can run high after a car accident. We understand that it may feel strange or even “wrong” to take legal action if you know the driver well. However, your friend or a family member has car insurance for this very reason – to protect themselves and others in the event of a crash.
Pursuing a car accident settlement is not an act of retaliation or commentary on your relationship with the driver. Rather, it is a practical financial and legal matter. Injured parties deserve to be compensated for their medical costs, time away from work, and pain and suffering.
What If the Driver Was Uninsured?
A passenger can still pursue a personal injury case, even if any of the drivers were uninsured at the time of the accident. And, that includes the driver of the car that you were in.
These cases may be a little more complex, but our firm has experience with uninsured driver lawsuits.
What does a Car Accident Settlement Pay For?
Anyone who is injured in a car accident may be entitled to compensation for the damages that they incurred. Car crash damages are split into two categories: economic and noneconomic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have a set cost associated with them. These damages include:
- Current and future medical bills. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, a settlement could cover ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and doctor appointments.
- Property damage. You should be reimbursed for any personal belongings that were damaged in a car crash. In some cases, a passenger will have valuable items with them, such as work tools or musical instruments.
- Time off of work. Missing work can lead to financial difficulties. You shouldn’t have to worry about paying your rent or mortgage.
Non-Economic Damages
Noneconomic damages are the emotional and psychological consequences of a car crash. Injured passengers may be entitled to compensation if they experience:
- Pain and suffering. Money can’t undo your injuries, but it can make life a little easier for you and your family.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the American Psychological Association (APA), an accident can trigger PTSD. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and reliving the accident.
- Some passengers may experience anxiety that prevents them from driving or riding in a car. Others will go out of their way to avoid the scene of the accident.
How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
It would be difficult to calculate an average amount, either for Nevada or the entire US. Many motor vehicle cases settle out of court and are not public record. The few that do go to trial may not be a fair representation of a typical car crash.
An average wouldn’t be a good prediction for your case, either. Medical costs vary greatly by geographic location. And lost wages are highly individualized.
What If the Accident Was a Minor Fender-Bender?
Passengers can sustain injuries in any type of motor vehicle accident. Vehicle damage is not necessarily a good indication of the severity of personal injuries. Severe and life-changing injuries can happen in what someone perceives as a “minor” fender-bender.
Your car accident settlement is about compensation for you and your injuries.
What If You’re Not Sure Who Is Responsible for the Accident?
When you call us for a free consultation, you don’t have to know who is or is not responsible for the crash. As personal injury attorneys, that’s our job to figure out. We have the resources and access to experts that enable us to identify negligence.
We take a look at the big picture. One person’s perception or feelings about the accident may not be the same as what happened from a legal standpoint.
Do I Really Need a Car Accident Attorney?
The insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. But in our experience, this initial offer is often insufficient. You may deserve much more than what they offer.
Remember, insurance companies are businesses out to make money. Their main concern is their bottom line, not your well-being.
Our car accident attorneys will fight for maximum compensation. We BEAR DOWN on insurance companies to ensure you get the money you deserve.
Our Attorneys Offer Legal Help for Passengers in Car Accidents
Don’t waste another minute wondering if you have a legal case. Our North Las Vegas law firm answers phone calls 24/7. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
