Far too many people are quick to assume that rear-end accidents are only ever minor collisions. Anyone who has suffered debilitating injuries after being struck from behind knows this is not the case. When your injuries are critical, and your life has been severely affected by the wreck, you may have the right to maximum compensation for your damages.
Working with a highly experienced Las Vegas rear-end collision lawyer at H&P Law can give you the edge you need to demand justice and make the liable party pay. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer at our firm can conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability and maximize your eventual payout. Contact our law office to request a free consultation today and regain control of your legal situation. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Legal Insight into Liability for Your Rear-End Collision Accident in Las Vegas
Proving that another party’s negligence caused your rear-end collision is essential. It may seem obvious, but it may surprise you to learn that the following driver is not always responsible for causing the accident.
Your personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas at H&P Law will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your rear-end collision to identify anyone who shares blame for your accident. In some situations, it may be more than one party.
Whether you are the driver in front or behind, hiring a Las Vegas rear-end collision lawyer empowers you. We provide you with information and resources to build your case and claim. Consider situations in which other parties may be at fault.
Holding the Following Driver Accountable for Your Accident
The driver who hits you from behind will often be found at fault for the collision. This is because the following drivers must maintain sufficient stopping distance between vehicles, and failure to do so could be considered negligence, according to the Nevada Driver Handbook. Most often, this occurs through unsafe driving actions, such as:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Failing to stop safely
- Making unlawful turns
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving while fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel
After an accident, gather as much information as possible to determine who is at fault. Every detail you uncover helps build your case. Expect us to be aggressive in pursuing legal action once we determine the cause of your accident.
Dram Shops and Social Hosts May Bear Responsibility
When establishments that serve or sell alcohol do so to an individual who is already intoxicated, they should be held accountable if that party goes on to cause a collision. Unfortunately, Nevada does not have dram shop liability laws. This means you may not have the right to take legal action against one or more of the following types of dram shops:
- Nightclubs
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Bars
- Sports venues
- Stadium
However, you may also have the right to take legal action against the social host (NRS Chapter 41). This most often occurs when a minor is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operates the motor vehicle, thereby causing a collision. The individual who allowed the minor to consume alcohol can be held partially accountable for the victim’s damages.
Defective Motor Vehicle Parts Could Be to Blame
Not all rear-end collisions are caused by dangerous drivers. In some cases, the following driver does not have the capacity to prevent the vehicle from colliding with the back of yours. This most often occurs due to malfunctions or defects in motor vehicle parts.
Your Las Vegas rear-end collision attorney will need to carefully evaluate the cause of the incident to prove liability for your damages. We may have grounds for a claim against auto parts manufacturers and designers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and even motor vehicle dealerships.
Some of the most common defective parts known for contributing to collisions include brake lines, tires, airbag inflators, and steering wheels.
The City or Municipality May Be Responsible for Preventing Road Hazards
Road hazards can also cause rear-end accidents. The city of Las Vegas and the Nevada Department of Transportation are responsible for ensuring road safety and maintenance. When these government agencies fail to maintain the integrity of roadways, they may be partially liable in the event of a collision.
For example, suppose a road work construction zone was not properly secured by government-contracted construction workers, preventing the driver following you from avoiding a collision. In that case, you may have the right to sue.
Other parties who could share blame include safety inspectors and government officials. You can rest easier knowing your rear-end collision attorney in Las Vegas is responsible for establishing liability for your damages.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
After a rear-end car accident, take immediate steps to protect your safety and your legal claim. This starts by pulling to the side of the road, calling 911 to request medical and police support, and then checking on others. When you can safely take the following steps, do so:
- Get the name and contact information of the other driver and all other parties involved in the accident. Exchange insurance and ID information.
- Take photos of the accident. That includes images of your vehicle, their vehicle, the surrounding area, lights, stop signs, and any evidence of road hazards present.
- Request that all witnesses provide their names and contact information. Ask them to share what they saw.
- Get medical care. Go to the urgent care or emergency room right after the accident. Ensure that all of your medical needs are met and follow up as expected.
- Hire a Las Vegas rear-end collision lawyer to get answers. Let us begin working on your case right away. This helps safeguard critical information.
Our attorney is here to help and guide you. We will handle the insurance company, other attorneys, and third parties that want to hold you accountable for what occurred. Expect us to be aggressive in pursuing action against everyone who put you in this situation.
Rear-End Collision Victims Endure Devastating Damages
Proving fault in the accident is essential, as the liable party will be compelled to compensate you for all losses. In some cases, certain types of damages can be recovered by filing a claim with your insurer or the following driver’s insurer. However, damages that the insurance company does not pay for can be recouped through your civil lawsuit and might include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Permanent disability
You may also be wondering whether punitive damages (NRS Chapter 42.005) apply. Do not ever plan on punitive damages being included in your settlement, as they are reserved for punishment beyond your compensatory losses. However, if the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent, reprehensible, or intentionally malicious, the judge may decide that punitive damages are warranted in your case.
Legal Options for Compensation
After these types of accidents, your losses can add up fast. Our objective is to seek compensation from all parties that contribute to your injuries or other losses. Some examples you may have include:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance for all losses you have
- Seeking a claim against any third party that contributed, such as the city for road conditions or an employer for the actions of their employees
- Seek a claim against your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver did not have or did not have enough coverage to cover your losses
- File a lawsuit against those who are at fault, who may not have car insurance to cover your losses
Our rear-end collision lawyer in Las Vegas will seek to hold any party at fault for what happened to you accountable. We will then build a comprehensive claim that includes all of your losses. Do not simply settle your case until you speak to our legal team.
Do Not Let the Statute of Limitations Pass You By
Nevada has a strict two-year statute of limitations (NRS Chapter 11) for personal injury lawsuits, including rear-end accident claims. This means your lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident date. If your lawsuit is not filed before the expiration date, you cannot expect the court system to allow you to try your case before a judge and jury.
Connect with a Leading Las Vegas Rear-End Collision Attorney at H&P Law Today
Rear-end collisions can leave their mark on your life for years to come. Your dedicated legal advocate with H&P Law understands how difficult this time in your life must be and does not believe you should be stuck rebuilding your life while the liable party gets away with it. It is our goal to ensure they are held accountable to the fullest extent the law allows.
Let us put our years of trial experience to work for you and your family. Schedule a 100% free consultation with a respected Las Vegas rear-end collision lawyer at our firm today. Reach us via our secure contact form or by phone to start working on your claims today.
