Helping Victims Learn the Benefits of Hiring a Local Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
A car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, severe injuries or fatalities, and uncertainty about your future.
Our skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyer can fight for you, ensuring you receive fair treatment and maximum compensation.
Understanding the laws surrounding car accidents in Las Vegas is vital for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Nevada operates under a comparative negligence system.
Accidents often happen unexpectedly and can have serious consequences. You shouldn't have to navigate this battle alone. Call now (702) 553-1320 for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Understanding Nevada Car Accident Laws in Las Vegas
Car accidents can be overwhelming, and knowing how Nevada law protects you is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.
Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 485.3091, all drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage: $15,000 for a single injury, $30,000 for multiple injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. However, dealing with insurance companies can be an uphill battle.
Insurance adjusters often pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements, hoping they won't understand their rights. Even your insurer may try to minimize or deny your claim. Before speaking with the insurance company, preserving evidence, documenting injuries, and protecting your case is critical.
At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we believe every client deserves the full compensation they are entitled to after a car accident. Navigating the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies prioritizing their profits over your recovery.
Having a professional personal injury attorney by you can make all the difference, making sure your rights are protected and maximizing your settlement.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Nevada
Taking the proper steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, strengthen your case, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Acting quickly and carefully can make all the difference in holding the responsible party accountable and securing your financial recovery.
These steps can distinguish between a significant settlement and a meager one.
Call 911 immediately following the accident.
Ask the responding police officer to make a report of the accident.
Get contact and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident.
Get the contact information of everyone who witnessed the accident.
Take photographs of the entire accident scene and any damage to the vehicles.
Once everyone is safe and you have gathered all essential contact information, it's crucial to call our lawyer at (702) 553-1320. At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, our seasoned personal injury attorneys specialize in car accident cases and are ready to advocate for your rights.
Documenting the Accident Scene: Essential DOs and DON'Ts Steps for Your Case
In the moments after a car accident, what you do—or fail to do—can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Properly documenting the accident scene ensures you have the evidence to support your claim and protect your rights.
Following key DOs and DON'Ts can strengthen your case and avoid common mistakes that insurance companies may use against you:
DO seek medical attention if necessary
DO summon the police if appropriate and ask for a report
DO get the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved
DO exchange your information and insurance and be polite
DO get the personal details of all witnesses
DO take photographs of property damages and personal injuries (use cellphone's video & camera)
DO contact your attorney
DON'T move your vehicle unless necessary for safety or required by law
DON'T stand in harm's way on the road; stand somewhere safe
DON'T discuss fault with anyone, and DON'T apologize for anything (this may be used against you)
DON'T agree to any settlement terms without contacting your attorney
This may seem like a lot of things to remember and, coupled with stress and injuries, may make it hard to do. In summary, try to get as much information as possible, and do not make any statements of guilt or apologize for anything.
Protect your rights and maximize your compensation—contact Garrett Ogata today for a free consultation, and let an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney fight for the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents on the Las Vegas Strip
Unfortunately, the Las Vegas Strip witnesses many car accidents annually. Several primary factors contribute to these incidents:
Distracted Driving: With various attractions along the Strip, drivers can easily be distracted. Activities such as sending a text, adjusting the radio, or watching shows along the road divert attention from the road, leading to accidents.
Drowsy Driving: Las Vegas's 24/7 lifestyle can lead to driver fatigue. Operating a drowsy car harms reaction times and decision-making abilities, posing dangers to all road users.
Impaired Driving: Despite rideshare services' availability, many people drive under the influence. Alarmingly, nearly 43% of Nevada's traffic fatalities involve an intoxicated driver.
Reckless Driving: Behaviors, including aggressively switching lanes, tailgating, and failure to yield, are prevalent in the high-traffic conditions of the LV Strip, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
Speeding: The lure of the Strip's long, straight roads often tempts drivers to exceed speed limits. Speed-related crashes account for approximately 32% of Nevada's total traffic fatalities.
Identifying the key causes of car accidents is crucial for preventing them and pursuing legal justice. It is also critical to secure knowledgeable legal support.
Is Distracted Driving the Leading Cause of Accidents in Las Vegas?
Distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents in Las Vegas, with approximately 56 accidents occurring daily in the city.
In Nevada, distracted driving accounts for 25-30% of all car accidents, with fatal crashes involving distracted driving ranging from 8% to 9% since 2016. These alarming statistics highlight the severe consequences of inattentive driving.
Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to devastating outcomes.
Call our committed legal team at (702) 553-1320 today for a complimentary consultation. Let us fight passionately for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Car Accident Claim in Las Vegas
In Nevada, comparative negligence is essential in car accident claims, as it assesses how much fault each party holds.
If you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Under Nevada's modified comparative negligence law, you cannot recover damages if you are 51% or more at fault.
Insurance companies often use this rule to assign more blame to minimize their payouts.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident in Nevada
Nevada insurance companies often aim to settle claims for up to 30% less than their actual value. Being prepared and cautious is essential to stay alert during these interactions.
Here are five key strategies to protect your rights:
Be Cautious with Initial Offers: Insurance adjusters often propose quick and bad settlements. Make sure to assess your damages fully before accepting any offers.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of communications with insurance companies, medical treatments, and all accident-related expenses, such as vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. A strong documentation history can improve your position in negotiations.
Limit Recorded Statements: If insurance companies ask for a statement, consider declining or consult our attorney first. Remember, what you say can be used against you, so it's crucial to be cautious with recorded statements.
Understand Nevada's Comparative Negligence Law: Remember, in NV, you can recover damages even if you're partially at fault, as long as it's less than 51%. But, your share of fault will reduce your compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas understand what it takes to try cases and win successfully. With extensive experience and a track record of proven results in our practice areas, we are dedicated to our clients. We will not rest until justice is served.
Attorney Garrett T. Ogata is affiliated with several state and national legal associations, including:
The American Trial Lawyers Association
The NORML Legal Committee
The State Bar of Nevada
The Clark County Bar Association
The Nevada Trial Lawyers Association
The State Bar of California
The State Bar of Utah
Garrett holds a prestigious 10.0 rating on AVVO and received the Client's Choice Award from the lawyer referral service. With over 20 years of experience, he was recently named one of the best attorneys in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for the third consecutive year.
Take Advantage and Contact our Las Vegas-based Attorney
In 2024, Clark County reported over 200 traffic fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for experienced legal representation. Choosing Las Vegas-based attorney Garrett Ogata offers distinct advantages such as:
Local Expertise: Attorney Ogata possesses a comprehensive understanding of Nevada's traffic laws and court procedures, enabling him to effectively navigate the complexities of your case with expertise and professionalism.
Established Relationships: As a local law firm, our attorney's connections with area medical professionals and legal experts can support your claim.
Personalized Attention: Proximity allows for face-to-face meetings; our firm presses for better communication and a deeper understanding of your situation.
Studies have shown that victims after collisions who hire car accident lawyers receive up to 3.5 times more compensation than those who don't.
Don't regret leaving money on the table. Call (702) 553-1320 or contact Garrett Ogata today for a free consultation.
Let our dedicated Las Vegas car accident attorney fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Your Best Option Forward
In legal matters, timing is everything. When it comes to your defense don't wait until later. To get started now, contact our firm through one of the methods below and request a free consultation.
