Mccullough Hills: Car Accident

Why Do You Need A Car Accident Attorney?

Working with a car accident attorney after sustaining an injury in a crash is crucial. For starters, attorneys have experience in personal injury. They understand the laws that apply to this field, and how to build a strong case. Your lawyer can guide you on the evidence to gather, how to preserve evidence, and the mistakes to avoid to protect your case.

Additionally, your attorney can help you access the resources and expertise you need to strengthen your case. For example, if your case needs the expertise of a specialist, such as an accident reconstructionist, or expert witnesses like a medical professional, your lawyer can help you contact one without difficulties, as they may have already worked with the professional in a previous case.

Hiring a McCullough Hills car accident lawyer can help you maximize compensation. Your injuries may require you to change work duties or career, and you may be unable to enjoy life as you once did, among other potential effects. Therefore, the compensation you ask for should consider these elements. If you don’t, you may receive a settlement that might seem fair now, but you may have to take care of some bills in the future.

Your attorney will work with different professionals to learn more about the severity of your injury, and its potential effects. Then, they can help you determine the most appropriate compensation.

Another reason you need a car accident lawyer is to benefit from their negotiation skills. Lawyers are skilled in negotiating settlements with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters use different strategies to reduce or avoid a payout. When you have an attorney who knows these tactics and understands how to counter them, you can receive a higher settlement. Besides, insurance adjusters are less likely to use manipulative tactics when an attorney is present.

If the other party’s insurance company refuses to give you just compensation, your attorney can represent you in court.

Our attorneys are skilled in personal injury law and negotiation. We help car accident victims maximize compensation, and offer the support they need throughout the process.

Who Can Be Liable For A Car Accident?

Nevada is an at-fault state, which means the party that is found liable for a car accident will be responsible for the damages the victims suffer. Different parties can be liable for a car accident. 

These include:

• The other driver: If a driver you are sharing the road with acts negligently, causing an accident, they may be held liable. Examples of negligent actions on the road include speeding, drunk driving, unsafe lane changing, running the red light, disobeying traffic lights and road signs, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and tailgating.
• Property owner: A property owner may be responsible for an accident that occurs on their property due to negligence. For instance, when a crash occurs in the parking lot of a commercial property due to an uneven road, a slippery surface, inadequate lighting, or obstacles on the driving lane.
• Vehicle manufacturer: If a car accident is caused by a vehicle defect, the car’s manufacturer may be responsible for paying for the damages the victim incurs. For example, when an accident is caused by failed brakes, a blown-out tire, or defective steering.
• Drug manufacturer: A driver who takes a medication that impairs their driving skills may cause an accident. If the manufacturer of the drug failed to warn the driver of such a side effect, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• Government entity: Some accidents occur due to the action of a government entity. For example, an entity that controls the technology associated with traffic signal timing and coordination may be responsible for a crash that happens because of a malfunctioning traffic light. Accidents caused by poor road conditions may also be blamed on a government entity. It’s generally complicated to file a claim against the government, as it’s protected from lawsuits by several legal doctrines. However, this sovereign immunity can be waived in some cases. Thus, if you are involved in an accident caused by a factor directly controlled by a government entity, you should take legal action.

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, we study cases in-depth, obtaining more information from the evidence gathered to identify all liable parties.

What Should You Do After A Car Accident?

Immediately after a crash, you should check if you or your passengers are injured. Check for visible injuries, assess if you are feeling pain in any body part, and check for unusual sensations, such as tingling or numbness. Then, check if you can move your limbs without difficulties.

If you are seriously injured — perhaps you can’t move due to pain or a serious injury — call 911, turn on the hazard lights, and stay put.

If you have manageable symptoms and can move around, move your car out of the traffic lane if you can safely do that to avoid creating a hazard or obstructing traffic.

You should then exchange information with the other driver. The details to exchange include personal information (full names, addresses, and phone numbers), driver’s license numbers, insurance information (company name, policy number, and effective date), and vehicle license plate numbers.

It will also help to obtain the names and contact information of the witnesses, as you will need their statements when building your case.

After collecting these details, take photos of the damage to the vehicles, your injuries, the surroundings, road debris, and other relevant evidence. If possible, take a photo showcasing the position of the vehicles before moving yours out of the traffic lane.

With all these details gathered, return to your vehicle and wait for the police. Do not discuss the accident with the other driver, as you may say something that can affect your case. 

Some of the potentially damaging statements that some victims use when talking to the other driver include, “I’m sorry,” “I didn’t see you,” “It’s okay, I’m not injured,” and “It was my fault.” To be safe, only ask for the necessary details, take photos, and head back to your car.

This might be the best time to call an auto accident attorney in McCullough Hills to guide you on the next steps to take to protect your eligibility for compensation.

Will You Be Compensated If You Were At Fault For An Accident?

In Nevada, fault in car accident claims is determined using the principle of comparative negligence. If the other driver argues that you also contributed to the accident, your level of negligence will be determined. You can only receive compensation if your negligence is not greater than that of the other party, or the gross negligence of multiple parties involved. If you are deemed to be 51% at fault for the accident, you will not be compensated.

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 30% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 30%. 

Do not avoid filing a claim in Henderson, NV, on the basis that you might have also been at fault. You can still receive compensation. Our lawyers will help you learn more about the circumstances of your case and, in turn, determine the best angle to approach it from to protect your rights.

Why Choose Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys?

Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, has represented many people injured in car accidents in Nevada for over 34 years. We have helped our clients receive just compensation using our knowledge and skills in personal injury law. Contact our McCullough Hills personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.