Motor vehicle accident injuries can be physically and emotionally taxing, but when you lose a cherished relative in a car wreck, the grief can be overwhelming. When you turn to a respected Mesquite fatal car accident lawyer, you may be able to bring the at-fault party to justice.
Connect with a compassionate Mesquite car accident lawyer with H&P Law, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so your family can get the legal help you need when you need it most.
Wrongful Death Laws in Nevada
Nevada’s wrongful death laws determine who is eligible to file a claim, how compensation is awarded, and the deadlines for pursuing legal action. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek justice and financial relief after losing a loved one.
Your Mesquite personal injury lawyer will protect your family’s rights throughout the claims process. The wrongful death laws that could have the greatest influence on your case include:
- The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a wrongful death claim, which is generally two years from the date of the death under NRS § 11.190(4)(e).
- Shared fault laws in Nevada, outlined in NRS § 41.141, follow a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as your loved one was less than 51% at fault for the accident.
- Cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, apply in some wrongful death claims related to medical malpractice, limiting the amount of compensation you can recover to $510,000 under NRS § 41A.035. These caps will continue to increase annually.
We recognize that you are facing some of the most challenging times in your life. It is our responsibility to handle the legal details of your wrongful death action so you can focus on grieving and remembering your loved one. By building a compelling case against the at-fault party, we may be able to get your loved one the justice they deserve.
Who Could be Sued for Your Loved One’s Fatal Car Accident Injuries
Multiple parties could be held liable for a fatal car accident, depending on the circumstances of the collision. Our Mesquite fatal car accident lawyer will need to conduct a thorough investigation into how the crash occurred and identify the negligent or wrongful actions that contributed to your family’s tragedy.
Holding the appropriate parties accountable can provide your family with the justice and financial support you deserve during this difficult time.
Dram Shops
Dram shops, such as bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol, can sometimes be held liable for fatal car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. Under Nevada’s dram shop laws, outlined in NRS § 41.1305, establishments are generally not held liable for serving alcohol to adults.
However, they may be found responsible if they knowingly served alcohol to an underage person who then caused a fatal accident.
Negligent Drivers
Negligent drivers are one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors, such as speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, put everyone on the road at risk.
Your Mesquite fatal car accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the crash to gather compelling evidence of negligence, such as police reports, witness statements, or footage from traffic cameras.
Auto Parts Manufacturers
Auto parts manufacturers and distributors can also be held liable for fatal car accidents when defective products contribute to a collision. Defects such as faulty brakes, airbag malfunctions, or tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to deadly crashes.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe and reliable products, and failure to do so can leave the manufacturers and other relevant parties open to liability.
How Fatal Car Accident Injuries Occur
Fatal car accidents can happen in many ways. In Nevada, the burden of proof in personal injury claims is based on a preponderance of the evidence, as outlined in NRS § 233B.0375, which means that you must prove it is more likely than not that another party’s negligence caused the accident.
If your loved one was killed in a car accident, your Mesquite fatal car accident attorney from H&P Law can help you figure out how to make the liable party pay.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents, as excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the force of impact during a collision.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2023. The likelihood of fatal injuries increases significantly when collisions occur at higher speeds.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when drivers divert their attention from the road, leading to fatal mistakes. These distractions impair a driver’s ability to make split-second decisions, often resulting in tragic accidents.
Examples of distracted driving behaviors include:
- Texting while driving
- Adjusting navigation or music
- Eating or drinking
- Interacting with passengers
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal car accidents despite public awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws. Across the U.S., approximately 32% of all traffic fatalities are caused by alcohol-impaired driving, according to data from the NHTSA.
When drivers operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their coordination, reaction times, and judgment are significantly impaired.
Contact a Trial-Proven Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Mesquite for Help Today
Losing a family member is never easy, but when the negligent actions of another driver caused their death, your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death action.
Your dedicated fatal car accident attorney in Mesquite from H&P Law can review the specific circumstances of your loved one’s death to determine which legal option may be available to your family.
Fill out our convenient contact form or call us to schedule your confidential and 100% free consultation as soon as today.
