Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Car Accident Injury Claims
At Harris & Harris Lawyers, resolving claims and helping victims receive rightful compensation following motor vehicle accidents in the Las Vegas region and throughout Nevada is all we do. We receive phone calls, texts and e-mails from victims of negligence every day. On this page, we have compiled some of the most common questions we receive about car, truck, motorcycle and other types of motor vehicle accidents.
Of course, everyone's circumstances are different. Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation about your injury or wrongful death claim. From our offices in Las Vegas, our attorneys represent clients throughout the state and nationally.
1. How much money will I be entitled to recover for my injuries?
Suffering an injury or losing a loved one in a car accident doesn't mean you won the lottery. The amount of money damages you receive in a negotiated insurance settlement or jury award will be the amount you are entitled to based on your total financial losses, medical costs, pain and suffering and, in some cases, punitive damages for intentional negligence on the part of the other driver. We cannot determine what your compensation will be until you have achieved maximum medical recovery and the total financial damages can be gathered together. Our firm prepares every personal injury and wrongful death case for trial. It is often the only way the insurance defense lawyers will come to the table prepared with a full and fair settlement offer. If your case progresses to court, you will have a formidable team of personal injury trial attorneys fighting for your rights.
2. How long will this process take?
The length of the lawsuit depends mostly upon the decisions you make regarding a settlement. We are not a personal injury 'settlement mill.' We take the time to investigate and prepare your case thoroughly, while you recover from your injuries. The legal process to prepare for a negotiated settlement will generally be a minimum of six months. Negotiating a settlement and handling matters through the courts will often require several additional months.
3. I was a passenger, but my driver was at fault for the accident? Do I have a case?
Unless you exhibited gross negligence by knowingly riding in a car driven by someone who you knew to be incapacitated by alcohol or otherwise incapable of driving, injured passengers can seek compensation from all liable insurance parties for your injuries. This typically includes the driver's auto insurance, but may also include filing against your own policy, in the event your driver did not carry sufficient insurance coverage.
4. If I accept a settlement offer now, can I sue later if more medical problems arise?
No. As part of the settlement, you will be expected to sign a waiver of any further claim against the insurance company. That is why it is so important that your attorney ensures that you have obtained maximum medical recovery, prior to determining the full amount of required compensation. At best, you may be able to claim additional damages from a third-party, if you can prove its negligence contributed to your injuries and loss.
5. How much will it cost me to hire Harris & Harris Lawyers to represent me?
Harris & Harris takes a focused approach to handling car accident personal injury cases. We represent plaintiffs on a contingency-fee basis. You won't pay any attorneys fees unless you accept a settlement or win an award in a jury trial. Our fee is based on a percentage of your settlement or jury award. There are often court filing fees and other legal fees that may apply and must be paid for by the client. When we meet to discuss your case in a free initial consultation, we will explain any upfront costs and the scale of contingency-fees for our services. Out of your settlement or award, you may have additional costs, such as paying for independent expert testimony and other expenses associated with investigating and preparing evidence in your favor.
6. I'm from out of state. Do I need to hire a lawyer from my own state?
It makes sense to hire an attorney who understands the court process and insurance laws in Nevada. We represent clients from all over the nation who were injured in a motor vehicle accident while visiting Las Vegas or other communities throughout Nevada. If you choose to hire an attorney in your home state, we can work closely with your law firm as co-counsel.
7. Why do I need a lawyer? Can't I do this on my own?
By law, you do not need to seek legal representation. However, you will be squaring off against a team of experienced insurance defense attorneys, funded and backed by a large national corporation seeking to protect its own interests. The attorney you hire to represent you will make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced Harris & Harris Lawyers attorney gives your claim for justice a loud, clear voice in the courtroom.
Whether you are a resident of Nevada or were visiting our state from somewhere else at the time of the fateful motor vehicle accident, we welcome your inquiry. Let us tell you about the successful outcomes that we have obtained for past clients who have suffered like you.
Call us or contact us by e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.
