Car Accident Lawyer Reno

Car Wreck Lawyer in Reno, NV

Thousands of car accidents happen every single day in the United States, many of which happen in Nevada. Our state saw around 1500 deadly crashes in a recent year, which resulted in 317 fatalities. Many additional crashes caused severe injuries. 

More than 20 of these fatal wrecks occurred in Reno, meaning that there were, on average, about two fatal car accidents in Reno each month. Hundreds more people in Reno suffered injuries from collisions, ranging from minor cuts to life-changing catastrophic injuries. 

While the costs and aftermath of a car accident are alarming, it is important to know there are experienced attorneys, such as Kidwell & Gallagher, willing and ready to take on your car car accident claim today. If you have recently been injured in a car accident in Reno, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional suffering. Get in touch with our Reno car accident lawyers today to fight for your financial recovery.

The Different Types of Car Accidents and Injuries in Reno

Different types of car accident claims and injuries happen in Reno every week. We have experience representing clients in various car wrecks resulting in various injuries. These are some of the different types of car accidents and injuries our Reno car accident attorneys have seen.

Types of Reno Car Accidents

• DUI accidents: Nevada has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The state goes above the norm. This policy means anyone with alcohol in their system can be charged with DUI. There is no minimum amount you can drive with. Drivers may also face mandatory license suspension and fines. These consequences are in addition to the civil damages. 

• Distracted driving accidents: There are more distractions now than ever before. There are cell phones, in-vehicle electronics, children, pets, etc. While these distractions are prevalent, it is up to the driver to avoid them. One second of not paying attention can lead to devastating consequences for others. 

• Hit-and-run accidents: These collisions are chaotic for the victim. A person hits them and then leaves the scene. All drivers must stop when they are in a crash. The first step will be to locate the runaway driver to hold them responsible. If we cannot find them, we will look at other ways to get compensation. 

• Rear-end collisions: This is the most common type of car accident. It involves one car hitting the back of another one. A tailgating or inattentive driver often causes it. Sometimes, drivers are in a rush or are paying attention to things happening inside or outside of their car. 

• Head-on collisions: There are about 1,500 head-on crashes that happen every year. Many people think these collisions are rare, but they are not. Head-on crashes often occur from drinking, distracted driving, or inclement weather. These collisions are hazardous, resulting in brain injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and death. The speed and direction of the vehicles are often to blame for these outcomes. 

• • T-bone accidents can get tricky as they have many contributing factors. The insurance company, attorneys, and the court will have to review the direction of the vehicles. They will also review speed, nearby traffic signs, distractions, and more. Reno personal injury attorneys will ensure you are appropriately represented. 

• Sideswipe accidents: These collisions are usually minor, with some vehicle damage. However, they can also be severe in some cases. They typically happen because a driver’s negligence causes them to swerve into another lane. These cases are easier to prove with the proper evidence. You were in your lane, and someone else came into it. It sounds simple enough, and it usually is. Be wary, as issues can arise that make proving these cases more challenging. 
• Multi-vehicle collisions: These crashes often happen on Nevada highways where many cars drive at high speeds. All it takes is one driver to be negligent to cause a pile-up. Since drivers are going at high rates, it can be challenging for them to react. 

Common Causes of Reno Car Accidents

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you understand how easily it can happen. Some of the common causes of car accidents in Reno include:

• Speeding: This is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. It is especially prevalent among taxi and rideshare drivers. These parties are often in a hurry to end a ride to get their next fare. Other drivers may also be speeding to get to work or school. 

• Distracted driving: There are many distractions that drivers can face while driving. Some are inside the vehicle, and others outside. Inside factors can include phones, kids, pets, or the radio. External distractions include traffic signs, other vehicles, another collision, etc. 

• Driving under the influence: Although Nevada has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, many motorists still do it. DUIs account for a large percentage of collisions. 

• Aggressive driving: Drivers can get angry while driving in traffic. This can lead them to make aggressive maneuvers that can scare other drivers. Reckless or aggressive driving is a conscious action that drivers make. They are choosing to drive in this manner. These actions may lead to more dangerous collisions. 

• Intentional failure to obey traffic signs: Drivers must adhere to all posted signage. If they choose to disobey traffic signs, they are intentionally negligent and are responsible for any damage you suffer. They will likely get a traffic ticket and face additional penalties. 

• Inclement weather: The weather is out of your control, but it can contribute to a collision. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving and reactions when there is fog, rain, etc. With low visibility, drivers may get off the road to avoid a dangerous situation. The weather will be taken into consideration when assessing your claim.  
• Sleeping at the wheel: Sleeping can impair drivers as much as drinking. A tired driver will have no reaction time because they are sleeping. Nevada considers this gross negligence.  
• Defective parts: While rare, the vehicle can have a defective part. Faulty parts can play a pivotal role in crashes. While sometimes it is the manufacturer’s fault, other times it is a maintenance issue. Drivers must maintain their vehicles properly. Failure to maintain a car can lead to collisions. 

The causes listed above are due to human error. Drivers also have to consider other conditions like the debris left on the road or inclement weather conditions.

Steps to take at the car accident scene 

When you are in a car accident, the person who caused the accident must pay for your damages. They will do so through an insurance company. Every Nevada driver must have state minimum insurance. While you should be able to recover compensation through the insurance company, it might be challenging. If you can move and it is safe, there are some steps you should take at the accident scene. If you are home, you can use this as a checklist instead. Remember only take these steps if it is safe:

• Seek medical attention: Always seek medical attention even if you do not have any visible injuries. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear. Inform medical staff that you are injured in a motor vehicle accident. This will be crucial to their report. You will also want to keep all your medical records and hospital bills. These documents are essential so you can get reimbursements for your losses.  
• Gather information and evidence: If you can move about after the collision, try to get the other individual’s contact information, license plate, and registration. You will also want to take pictures or videos of the scene. Do this from every angle possible. Visual evidence is hard to argue. These images can help your lawyer determine fault and negotiate with the insurance company.  
• Inform your car insurance: While you might not want to talk to the insurance company, it is crucial that you do. You must report the crash. Although you must tell them what has happened, you should not tell them more than necessary. Stick to the basics of date, time, and location. Your Reno car accident lawyer can handle the rest.  
• An investigation will commence: the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to handle your claim. They will then begin an investigation, starting with reviewing your medical records. Their review can lead to additional questions about your injuries. They can also ask for an independent medical exam.  
• Schedule a free consultation: Your next step and the best way to protect your legal rights is to speak to a Reno personal injury lawyer. Most PI lawyers in Reno offer free initial consultations. Speak to Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers about your next steps. 

Once you have an injury lawyer, you can protect yourself. When working on your case, we will identify your case worth. Considering all factors and evidence, our personal injury lawyer in Reno will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. When the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, we will take further steps like mediation and litigation. We are on your side when the insurance company is not.

Types of Injuries Caused by Reno Car Accidents

• Fractured and broken bones
• Burns and cuts
• Road rash
• Skull and head injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck injury
• Whiplash
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Internal organ damage or bleeding
• Paralysis
• Crushing injuries
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Chest injuries
• Tissue and muscle damage
• Death

Neither of these lists is exhaustive, but it does not mean we haven’t represented clients injured in accidents you do not see listed here. Be sure to call Kidwell & Gallagher following an accident to discuss the circumstances of the crash. We will ensure that your rights will be protected throughout the entire process so you can focus on recovering from the injuries and nothing else. Contact our Reno car accident lawyers on your behalf.

Unexpected Injuries from Car Accidents

Just like your car accident, the injuries that you experience can be sudden and unexpected.

Your injuries may appear immediately following your car accident. You may feel fine and experience pain for days or even weeks afterward. Even if you feel minor pain, that minor pain can transform into chronic pain if left unattended.

Symptoms like headaches or back and neck pain can indicate more serious injuries like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Soft tissue injuries are another unexpected injury that can worsen if ignored for too long.

Mental Trauma from Reno Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause more than just physical damage to victims. You may suffer serious mental trauma following your car accident. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 25 to 33% of drivers experience PTSD symptoms at least 30 days after their accident.

Other forms of mental trauma that victims can experience are anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. These conditions can make it difficult for you to return to normal life. It’s common for drivers to be nervous about returning to the road.

How Our Reno Car Accident Attorneys at Kidwell & Gallagher Can Help

According to Nevada’s Statute of Limitations, you have two years from the date of your wreck to file a claim. This means you should get in touch with a Reno car accident attorney as soon as possible. We know that two years may sound like a long time, but it can pass by very quickly when you are going through the recovery process.

If you choose to work with Kidwell & Gallagher, our lawyers will look at your claim’s facts to determine if it is viable. If we believe it is viable, we will help you file a lawsuit against the defendant and collect the evidence needed to build a strong argument against them. Our attorneys will also explain everything happening with your case and provide our professional legal advice on what we think you should do.

Some of our clients go through settlement negotiations, while others go through a trial hearing. The circumstances of your case will determine which path your claim may take. However, no matter which type of direction your claim goes, our lawyers will be by your side every step of the way.

Car accident cases can become stressful, time-consuming, and complicated. Therefore, we want you to know that you can rest assured knowing that Kidwell & Gallagher has what it takes to stand up for your rights and do our best to hold the responsible parties accountable for their careless and reckless behaviors. 

The Importance of an At-Fault Status

In a car accident, the ability to hold a driver liable for a car accident depends on their at-fault status. An injured party can sue drivers found at fault for their injuries. Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning that there is no specific value that you must meet to seek compensation for your car accident.

To obtain compensation from the other driver, you must prove they were found at fault for your accident. Even if you have insurance policies that can compensate you in the short term, you may be able to obtain additional compensation from the liable driver.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Car Accident

In addition to fault, you also have to consider comparative negligence in your car accident.

Usually, in a car accident, the driver who is at fault is responsible for most, if not all, of the compensation. However, that’s not the case with comparative negligence.

Comparative negligence is a system that measures the percentage of compensation based on each party’s negligence. If the victim is not at fault for more than a certain percentage of their car accident, they can recover compensation. If the victim’s fault is equal to or greater than 50%, they may be unable to recover compensation.

Modified Comparative Negligence in Nevada

Nevada operates by modified comparative negligence. Under modified comparative negligence, the victim’s percentage of fault must be less than the at-fault driver. For example, you may be able to obtain compensation if your percentage of fault is 30% and the other driver’s percentage is 70%. However, if your fault percentage is equal to or greater than 70%, it may be difficult to recover compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

Since every case is unique, we cannot guarantee a certain compensation. Instead, we can schedule an appointment to sit down and listen to the details of your claim. Afterward, we may be able to provide an estimate of how much you should expect as several factors play a role in the amount of compensation you may receive, such as:

• The types of injuries you have suffered from the accident
• The severity of your injuries
• Your ability to work or earn any income
• How much do you owe in costs and expenses related to the accident and injuries
• Your share of responsibility in the crash
• The steps you took to get treatment for your injuries

We can tell you that the more severe and life-changing our clients’ injuries are, the more compensation they typically receive for their damages. However, the only way to know for sure is to speak to a professional car accident attorney.

Car Accident Settlement Process in Reno

In some cases, a settlement is offered by the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance company often does this when there’s a high probability of proving the other driver’s fault.

However, you also have the chance to negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance company.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

When you file your Reno car accident claim, you can either settle out of court or pursue a lawsuit. Once you’ve chosen to settle, you’ll have the opportunity to argue why you deserve compensation for your accident. This argument will be made in the next step: the demand letter.

Writing A Demand Letter

A demand letter is a legal document that requests compensation that covers the other person’s liability. It is used to obtain compensation from the insurance company. Demand letters can include the following information:

• The facts of your car accident
• The liable party in your accident
• Why you believe the listed party is liable
• Your compensation
• Evidence that supports your argument
• Description of damages.
• The deadline to meet your expectations

Writing a demand letter is an opportunity to justify your compensation with the facts of your accident and an experienced car accident attorney in Reno, Nevada can assist with such a task.

Response From The Insurance Company

After sending your demand letter, the insurance company can respond to it in a couple of ways:

• Coming back with a counteroffer. Instead of agreeing to your demands, the insurance company can continue negotiating for a different amount.
• Accepting your demands. The insurance company can agree to your demands and settle your claim.
• Ignoring your demands. Sometimes, the insurance company may not respond to your demand letter. You can speak with your attorney about the next steps in that case.

Pursuing A Car Accident Lawsuit

When you and the other driver can’t reach a settlement, your settlement may progress to a trial.

Going to court will require a certain amount of preparation. You and the other driver will be responsible for providing evidence during the discovery period.

All evidence you provide for trial must prove the other driver’s negligence. The more evidence that proves the other driver was reckless, the greater your chances of obtaining compensation.

Unlike a settlement, the lawsuit process can be unpredictable. There isn’t a guaranteed time that your case will be resolved. However, you may be able to be awarded damages that you wouldn’t be rewarded in a settlement.

The Damages for Car Accident Victims

When you are involved in any type of accident, you should take the time to determine how the accident has negatively impacted your life. Some of the common damages that car accident victims claim are:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Hired services, care, and assistance
• Home modifications
• Property damage
• Lost income and benefits
• Psychological therapy
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
• Depression
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of companionship

How a Reno Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

The weeks and months following a car accident are challenging and stressful. There isn’t much time for you to rest on your laurels and hope that the insurance company makes a strong settlement offer. You need the aggressive mindset of an experienced Reno car accident lawyer on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve. Do not let the negligent driver get away with their actions.

Review and Collect Evidence

An important task that car accident lawyers perform for their clients is reviewing and collecting evidence. Whether it is security camera footage, eyewitness testimony, photographs, police reports, or working with an accident reconstructionist, a car accident lawyer knows what evidence is needed to win a personal injury claim.

Upon collecting evidence, we will use it to prove various aspects of your case. Here is how we will do that:

• Property damage: The insurance company will want to see proof from the day and time when you allege the property was damaged. Often, this is done through photos. You can also use any repair shop estimates and receipts.  
• Injuries: You must have evidence of injury from the crash. This can come in medical bills, pictures, and doctor statements. The best step is to seek medical attention immediately following a collision. 
• Lost wages: You can get reimbursement if you miss hours or days from work because of the accident. You can use payslips, time off requests, etc. You may also need copies of certifications and degrees if you cannot work in the same capacity as you did before the crash.  
• The scene: The evidence you collect from the location will be crucial to your injury claim. You will want the name and contact information of any drivers involved. You will also benefit from witnesses’ statements. Photos or videos can also prove helpful when negotiating your case.  
• Additional evidence: This is a lot of evidence that you can collect to build your case. However, your Reno car accident lawyer will gather other evidence to help you. We will request police and medical reports. You may also have to keep a journal detailing your injury’s progress, treatment, and pictures. It is crucial to date these entries. 

Secure an Expert Witness For Trial

The most skilled car accident attorneys in Reno will be able to secure an expert witness to testify on your behalf at trial. Expert witnesses can include any of the following professionals:

• Doctors
• Auto mechanics
• Engineers
• Software developers
• City planners
• Construction workers
• Architects
• Accident reconstructionists

Prepare You For Depositions and Trial

Your case can be even more stressful if your attorney tells you it is headed to trial. However, this means that your attorney is not accepting the offer submitted by the insurance company of the at-fault driver because they know they can likely secure higher compensation for you at trial.

Do not stress about going to court. A car accident attorney’s job is to prepare you for the deposition and for cross-examination. They will prep you with sample questions you are likely to face, as well as how you should handle yourself on the stand.

Handle Communication on Your Behalf

A great benefit of working with an attorney after a car accident is that you will not have to talk to lawyers or insurance adjusters alone. With a lawyer by your side, you can forward phone calls and emails to them or have them handle all communication for you without ever receiving a message or calling yourself. No longer do you have to worry about saying the wrong thing when talking to the lawyer for the other driver or the insurance company because a Reno car accident lawyer will guide you in the right direction?

What To Look For In a Reno Car Accident Lawyer

When choosing the best Reno car accident lawyer for your case, here are the following factors to consider:

• Communication. The best Reno car accident lawyers know how to speak with their clients in a professional and respectful tone.
• Experience. You want to work with a Reno car accident lawyer with years of experience handling car accidents.
• Legal specialty. Next to experience, focusing on one specific area of law is important. You want to work with a car accident lawyer specializing in car accidents.
• Dedication. You want a Reno car accident lawyer who puts your needs first. Many lawyers could be more interested in the case’s outcome than in maintaining a great relationship.

Reaching For the Best Outcome in Your Reno Car Accident

The car accident lawyers at Kidwell & Gallagher want to help you reach the best outcome for your case. Figuring out the best direction to go with your car accident claim can seem overwhelming. But an experienced car accident lawyer can provide a helpful perspective to your claim.

Your lawyer can assess the facts of your car accident and determine the best strategy for seeking compensation. They can also share general knowledge about the different options you have.

No matter which direction you take your Reno car accident claim, your car accident lawyer is willing to help you reach the best outcome.

Contact an Experienced Reno Car Accident Lawyer from Kidwell & Gallagher Today

At Kidwell & Gallagher, we believe in fighting for our client’s rights to the economic justice they deserve. If you choose to work with our car accident lawyers, we will handle all the hurdles and challenges your case involves while you focus on healing from your injuries. 

If you are ready to build a case for compensation following a Reno car accident, call our office, or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our Reno car accident lawyers will fight vehemently to defend your rights and work to help you recover compensation.