Car accidents can be life-changing and happen unexpectedly, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If you are involved in a car accident in Nevada, you must understand the state’s auto insurance laws and your legal rights and options.
Wondering whether Nevada is a no-fault state for car accidents? Spoiler: it’s not – the liable party has to pay for the damages. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the state’s auto insurance laws, including minimum liability insurance requirements and penalties for driving without insurance.
Also, the importance of seeking the assistance of a qualified Las Vegas auto accident lawyer can’t be overstated. A capable personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and work towards securing the compensation you deserve after a car accident. With our help, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back on track.
Is Nevada a No-Fault or At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Nevada is an at-fault auto insurance state, which means that drivers found to be at fault for an accident must pay for the damages and injuries caused to other parties involved in the accident.
Drivers in Nevada are required to carry liability insurance coverage to cover damages and injuries caused to others but are not required to carry additional coverage for their own injuries or damages.
Insurance companies and courts can determine who is at fault in cases where the fault is disputed based on evidence and testimony.
How Do the Two Insurance Systems Work?
So, what is the difference between at-fault and no-fault insurance?
At-Fault Auto Insurance System
At-fault auto insurance, also known as tort liability insurance, is a system where the driver who is found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for paying for the damages and injuries caused to other parties involved in the accident.
The main difference between no-fault and at-fault auto insurance is how responsibility for damages and injuries is assigned after an accident.
In no-fault auto insurance, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own damages and injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. In at-fault auto insurance, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for damages and injuries caused to others.
No-Fault Auto Insurance System
No-fault auto insurance is a type of auto insurance system in which drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Under this system, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver’s own insurance policy pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident, up to the policy limits.
In Nevada, which follows the at-fault system instead, drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages and injuries caused to others in an accident.
Mandatory Insurance Regulations Still Apply to Nevada
Even though Nevada is not a no-fault state, there are mandated insurance minimums for all Nevada drivers.
You must still have insurance that protects you if you cause an accident. If someone causes personal injury or property damage to another person in an accident, they must pay them for it. Carrying more insurance than the state minimum is acceptable.
In Nevada, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage, which includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident
- $20,000 for property damage in an accident
Optional coverage available in Nevada includes collision coverage, which pays for damages to a driver’s car in an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages to a driver’s car in non-collision incidents, such as theft or weather-related events.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Nevada can include fines, a driver’s license suspension, and impounding the driver’s vehicle. Drivers may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility, which is a document that proves a driver is carrying liability insurance coverage.
Suffering and Pain in an At-Fault State Like Nevada
Because Nevada is an at-fault state, you can encompass the entire amount of your claim under typical negligence statutes. You are not restricted to filing a claim based only on your medical costs or economic damages.
Instead, pain and suffering might be an important component of your claim. The worth of your pain and suffering can dramatically boost the value of your claim. It is critical not to make assumptions about the value of your claim until you talk with an expert lawyer.
A Competent Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a professional Las Vegas auto accident lawyer can help you in the following ways.
Investigating The Accident
Your personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, record eyewitness testimonies, compile documents (police reports, medical records, etc.), and more, to prove the other party’s liability and the damages caused.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from our firm can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Filing A Lawsuit
If necessary, your Las Vegas auto accident lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages not covered by insurance, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Providing Legal Representation
Your lawyer can provide legal representation in court, if necessary, to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Offering Legal Advice
You can also count on your attorney for legal advice throughout the process, to answer any questions you may have, and to ensure that you are fully informed about your legal rights and options.
In the event of an accident, don’t wait around. Seek the legal assistance of an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. We’ll go to all extents to help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us without delay for a free case review!