Far too often, the aftermath of a car collision becomes confusing for those who need to make a claim. There are dos and don’ts, people you need to speak with, evidence you need to collect, and obstacles you need to overcome.
It can seem daunting to experience a crash; however, a clear understanding of Nevada’s claims-filing process can put your mind at ease. It would help if you also understood what to do to help you make decisions that build a strong case.
- It’s often difficult to deal with the insurance company alone.
- Nevada operates on a fault-based insurance system.
- Some issues can arise in a crash with uninsured motorists.
- Hiring a lawyer comes with many benefits of which you may not know.
- Many factors combine to make up the value of a claim.
- Proving liability requires obtaining specific evidence after a crash.
- Avoiding certain statements and actions can help protect your claim.
Call our firm today at (702) 505-8115 to discuss your potential options for filing a claim or lawsuit.
It’s Often Difficult to Deal with Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies look out for their profits. They try to find ways to deny claims, often taking advantage of your rights during a vulnerable situation. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators, and they look forward to claimants working on their own without legal help.
Insurance companies should investigate claims fairly. They must also provide answers regarding your claim promptly. If they delay, they do so hoping that you need money as soon as possible and accept a settlement offer, even if it means taking less than you deserve.
Nevada Operates on a Fault-Based Insurance System
In Nevada, car collision claims follow a fault-based system, which means you can hold a responsible party accountable for your damages. If someone else is negligent and causes you harm, you go through his or her insurance provider to obtain compensation. These companies don’t want to pay out full compensation, though, so you should hire legal counsel to help your case.
Issues May Arise with Uninsured Motorists
Because Nevada is a fault-based state, obstacles can arise if your crash results from an uninsured driver’s negligence. While insurance companies in Nevada offer this type of coverage, drivers can deny it. It’s advisable to have uninsured motorist coverage, though, as it allows you to file a claim with your insurance provider should the responsible party not have insurance or their limits do not adequately cover the cost of your damages.
You file an uninsured motorist claim with your provider, but you may still encounter issues with low settlement offers, and you need to know your legal rights.
Hiring a Lawyer Benefits You
While most people look at lawyers in a particular light and feel they shouldn’t have legal counsel, there are many benefits to hiring one after a severe crash. A lawyer provides you access to resources you may not otherwise have, such as medical experts, collision reconstructionists, and more. All of these resources help to strengthen your compensation claim.
Determining the Value of a Claim Means Considering Many Factors
We often receive the same question from potential clients: “How much is my case worth?” The truth is, many factors change the value of a claim on a case-by-case basis. Some of the factors include:
- Severity of the injury
- Financial loss in medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Keep in mind: many insurance companies want to settle claims as quickly as possible. The faster they can settle a claim, the more they can save as they don’t go through expensive court processes.
To Prove Liability, Get This Evidence
When you need to prove that someone else is responsible for your injuries, you want to consider the evidence you collect at the crash scene. You want to ensure you receive information from the other driver (his or her insurance, contact, driver’s license information, etc.), photos of the damages, medical records, witness information, and more.
With the right evidence and a strong legal team, you can safeguard your rights. Evidence is vital to maximizing the amount of compensation you may recover. Evidence shows the full scope of your damages to insurance adjusters and potentially a jury if your case goes to trial.
Things You Don’t Want to Do or Say After a Crash
While you may feel empathetic after a crash, you don’t want to apologize, even if you think you were at fault. Saying sorry or otherwise admitting to any negligence can damage your claim and prevent you from obtaining compensation. You also want to avoid posting anything on social media that contradicts your claim, even if you feel your account is private.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, we care about your rights. We fight on your behalf to pursue compensation for your damages, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Trust in our Las Vegas car accident lawyers to be your voice during such a difficult and troublesome time.
For a free consultation, call our firm today at (702) 505-8115.