Being in a car crash can cause you and your loved ones to bear the brunt of many unexpected costs, such as emergency medical care, auto repairs, ongoing treatments, and lost income. While nothing can turn back time and truly make you whole after this experience, Nevada law may empower you to use the courts to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. You can seek a financial settlement to cover your expenses, pain, suffering, and lost wages by suing the driver, manufacturer, or other person responsible for what happened.
Taking steps to maximize your recoverable damages after a Las Vegas car accident may enable you to begin to rebuild after the trauma and financial setback of a collision. The dedicated motor vehicle crash attorneys at Shook & Stone bring years of training and experience to the table when fighting for those hurt by the careless actions of at-fault drivers. We understand the pain you may be going through and are here to advocate for you.
What Types of Damages Can You Get After an Auto Collision?
The trauma of a car crash can cause immense and widespread damage to your life. Fortunately, the Las Vegas legal system allows those injured in car accidents to seek an array of damages in an attempt to make them whole after their wreck. Injured individuals can pursue three main categories of compensation in court: economic, non-economic, and exemplary damages.
As you may have guessed from its name, economic damages encompass fiscal harm. In other words, the money you had to fork over to pay for something caused by the accident. For example, this might include medical expenses, repair bills, and prescription drugs to treat your wounds.
In contrast, non-economic damages address your pain and suffering, inconvenience, disfigurement, and other losses caused by the crash. In some situations, Nevada Revised Statutes §§ 42.005 and 42.010 allow eligible parties to seek exemplary or punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for intentional or malicious conduct or for driving while intoxicated. The attorneys at Shook & Stone have extensive knowledge of the nuanced damages laws and how to use them to increase the likelihood of winning your claim.
How Can Comparative Negligence Impact Your Compensation Package?
When bringing a lawsuit because of a car crash, it is important to be aware of the state’s comparative negligence law and how it might impact your potential settlement. Comparative negligence is a defense the at-fault driver might raise to limit their financial liability. Essentially, this is a way for the negligent driver to argue that the injured person is to blame for some or all aspects of the crash.
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141, injured parties in Las Vegas can only recover compensation if they prove they are 50 percent or less at fault for the car accident. Additionally, the court may reduce whatever the injured party does get in damages by the percentage of blame the court believes they carry. For example, if the court thinks the injured individual is 39 percent at fault for what happened, the injured individual may only recover a maximum of 61 percent of their total financial award.
Shook & Stone understands the importance of building a solid case and fighting against any attempts by the defense to get out of paying their fair share by blaming you. We leverage our knowledge and resources to locate and properly use all available evidence to champion your rights.
A Las Vegas Attorney Can Help You Fight for Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
Being out of work, out of a job, and left out of family events because you are in the hospital after a crash can take an immense toll on your wallet and your psyche. While Nevada provides a pathway for you to request a settlement because of your losses, you may put yourself at a disadvantage if you go in unprepared. Set yourself up for success by forging a partnership with an experienced legal team ready to fight for you.
If you have questions about your recoverable damages after a Las Vegas car accident, consider working with the attorneys at Shook & Stone. Our diligent legal advocates are leaders in this space and provide unparalleled service and dedication to our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with a qualified lawyer.
