Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Your Injuries
Every year, thousands of people are injured in car crashes in the United States. In fact, to date, the total value of societal harm from motor vehicle crashes—including the cost of injuries, lost quality of life, and other economic impacts—has reached $836 billion annually.
Traffic collisions have immense financial consequences and serious physical and emotional costs. Without an accomplished Las Vegas car accident lawyer by your side, your life can change dramatically after an accident.
When you are injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, your ability to work may be compromised, which means lost wages are not far behind. Add expensive medical care and property damage to your already vulnerable financial state, and you are going to need help recovering physically, emotionally, and financially. That is where the car accident attorneys at
Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen Law Firm can help.
Since 1985, our highly qualified car wreck lawyers have been helping injured victims and their families recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to. We offer a free initial consultation for anyone who needs our legal representation, and our car accident attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada, are available immediately to take your call.
Our top case results include:
- $19,500,000 – Car Accident Brain Injury
- $4,800,000 – Fatal Car Accident
- $2,300,000 – Car Accident Brain Injury
- $1,700,000 – Car Accident Spine Injury
Were you injured in a crash and unsure of your next steps? Call Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen today at 702-800-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve!
On This Page:
Why You Need a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Filing your claim within the allowed period can be challenging when you are unaware of all the rules surrounding personal injury law. At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our car accident attorneys can ensure you file a complete claim on time so you never have to worry about any paperwork or the red tape in filing an injury claim.
In addition to seamlessly navigating the legal procedure, our legal team brings substantial negotiation skills to the table. This ensures that insurance companies do not exploit injured victims by offering low settlements. We are committed to fiercely defending your rights and interests, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you by:
All law firms are not created equal. At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our car accident attorneys and staff have a
proven track record that sets us apart from other Las Vegas injury law firms. We have the resources, experience, and tenacity to aggressively go after the negligent party who caused your injuries so you can get your life back.
Our proficiency isn’t limited to legal advocacy; we also offer emotional support, understanding the overwhelming stress car accident victims endure. By prioritizing consistent communication, we ensure you’re informed every step of the way. This transparent approach fosters trust and reduces anxiety during the legal proceedings, making a significant difference in the recovery journey.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accident injuries are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As sobering as this statistic is, it simply reflects the reality of car accident injuries and fatalities in America: more than 2,500,000 people suffer car wreck injuries in the U.S. each year.
Las Vegas traffic patterns can be especially confusing for visitors, and with over 40 million guests visiting our city each year, car crashes are not uncommon on our roadways. Additionally, when motorists text and drive, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or recklessly operate their vehicles by speeding or disobeying traffic lights and signs, it leads to needless accidents and devastating consequences for innocent victims.
The booming tourism industry in Las Vegas contributes significantly to the frequency of traffic accidents. Many visitors are unfamiliar with local roads and traffic laws, leading to increased chances of errors while driving. Furthermore, the vibrant nightlife and numerous entertainment venues often lead to high instances of impaired driving, further heightening accident risks.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination of both is linked to around 20% of all traffic fatalities in Nevada. The number of impaired driving crashes may have declined but the severity of the incidents that do occur cannot be ignored.
Distracted Driving
Close to 3,500 distracted driving accidents reportedly occur in Nevada every year. Several sources of distractions while driving are known to cause catastrophic accidents, including:
- Using a mobile gadget or cellphone to call or text
- Attending to a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Eating and drinking
- Reading
- Grooming
- Adjusting music gadgets or players
- Talking to other vehicle occupants
Running A Red Light
Many car accidents also occur at road intersections where motorists run red lights due to speeding, inattention, distraction, or aggressive driving.
Other common causes include:
Speeding Is One of the Leading Causes of Vehicle Accident Deaths in the U.S.
Negligence continues to play a large role in car accidents in Nevada and throughout the U.S., and speeding-related injuries are among the top causes of death. Last year, speeding-related crashes caused 9,717 deaths, which accounted for 26% of all traffic fatalities that year.
If you have been injured in a car crash, our auto accident lawyers in Las Vegas are standing by to help you tackle the complex legal system. Our aggressive approach allows us to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable for the costs associated with victims’ injuries.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Nevada
Even before hiring a car accident attorney, the steps you take immediately after and in the hours and days following a car wreck are essential. What you do—and don’t do—can make a huge difference in your ability to recover compensation for your damages.
In the aftermath of a car accident, clarity and prompt action can significantly influence the success of your recovery efforts. Every detail, from gathering witness information to ensuring the police documentation is accurate, can play a crucial role. It is essential to prioritize these steps while keeping calm, allowing yourself to navigate this challenging situation effectively and without undue stress.
Immediately after the accident, do the following (if possible):
- Write down the driver’s license, registration, insurance information, and contact details for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including pictures of the vehicles involved and each point of impact; record street signs, directions, skid marks, and any other prominent features that will identify the location of the accident.
- Call the police and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene.
- If you or anyone else has been seriously injured, tell the police dispatcher that you need an ambulance immediately.
- Ensure that the responding officer completes a police report and reviews it before the officer leaves the scene of the crash. Be sure to obtain a copy of the accident report from the law enforcement agency that wrote it.
- Do not apologize for the crash, the property damage, or the injuries sustained, as this could be manipulated later to sound as though you are admitting fault.
- Never say that you are “fine” or comment on your physical injuries except to ask for medical assistance from emergency responders.
- Get medical attention immediately after the car crash. If you believe you were not seriously injured, visit a doctor immediately. In an accident, a person’s body typically produces adrenaline, which boosts the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles. This prepares the body for emergencies but also decreases its ability to recognize immediate pain. You could have underlying injuries, or your injuries could be worse than you realize, as the shock of the accident can mask the severity of your injuries.
In the days following the accident, make sure to take the following steps:
- Do not allow any insurance adjuster to record your statement. Your physical or emotional state precludes you from making a sound statement, and the insurance representative may manipulate your response to prove fault.
- Do not sign any authorization, release, or ANY paperwork provided by the other party’s insurance agency or representative, including medical records releases or statements.
- Contact our auto accident lawyers at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen to protect your rights immediately after the injury.
You do not have to face the negligent driver, their insurance company, or legal representatives alone. Our Las Vegas auto accident attorneys can provide the protection you need to pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans each year; when a driver or passenger is injured because of another person’s negligence, the results are often life-changing. Car wreck injuries typically require extensive medical care and a significant amount of time away from work to heal. The more severe the harm, the longer your injuries and physical recovery keep you from enjoying the quality of life you deserve.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, we consider the physical, emotional, and financial toll this takes on victims. Our car accident attorneys work diligently to craft a legal strategy that addresses your specific situation, ensuring comprehensive recovery avenues are pursued. Your well-being and successful recovery remain our primary focus.
The most common types of car crash injuries include:
Accident injuries are unique to each person, and so is the time it takes to heal. At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers can evaluate your overall financial needs and, from there, create a comprehensive claim to secure all the damages you need. You can be confident that we are pursuing the best outcome for your unique claim.
Recovery from such injuries often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise with rehabilitative care. Our firm collaborates with medical professionals and therapists to ensure you have access to the best possible care, focusing on holistic healing and supporting your return to normalcy as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
Damages Available in Car Accident Claims
Being in a car accident can affect your life in many ways. The severity of your injuries and the property damage are significant factors in your ability to move forward. Vehicles that have been damaged can be repaired or replaced, but when you have been hurt in a car crash, getting back the quality of life you once had may not be as simple.
In Nevada, individuals injured in a car crash may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the party found to be liable for the accident. To file a personal injury claim, you must show that the other driver was more at fault for the accident than you were; even if you were partially to blame, you could still recover compensation if your contribution to the crash was less than 50%.
While every situation is different, common damages in car accident claims include:
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Permanent loss of ability to work
- Disfigurement and/or disability
- Modifications to your home
- Counseling services
- Loss of wages from missing work
- Medications and medical devices/equipment
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Medical bills, including emergency room, surgery, and hospital costs
In cases involving the death of a loved one, the eligible surviving family members can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
- Out-of-pocket expenses
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys in Las Vegas are committed to protecting our client’s rights after colliding with another vehicle. The negligent driver and their insurance company will likely dispute your claim and challenge your physical, emotional, and financial recovery, but our attorneys can fight back.
Our accomplished attorneys can accurately anticipate the insurance company’s tactics and pursue the total compensation you need to fully recover so you are never left paying for another person’s negligence out of your pocket.
Our comprehensive approach to identifying damages involves detailed assessment and documentation of your losses. We work closely with financial, medical, and vocational experts to calculate fair reparations, ensuring no aspect of your hardship is overlooked. This thoroughness strengthens your claim and facilitates a more efficient recovery process.
Nevada Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of car accidents in Las Vegas. According to the Nevada Departments of Public Safety & Transportation, there were
396 traffic fatalities in Nevada in 2022, 257 of which occurred in Clark County.
These fatalities involved:
- 82 unrestrained passenger deaths
- 207 passenger vehicle occupant deaths
- 89 pedestrian deaths
- 81 motorcyclist deaths
- 14 bicyclist deaths
- 5 scooter, moped, and ATV rider deaths
Our car accident attorneys represent individuals and surviving family members of those who are hurt or killed in traffic collisions throughout the state. We focus on producing unique solutions for our injured clients and their families.
Call Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Today
Contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys to learn more about your rights following a serious car crash. We will evaluate the details of your specific incident and determine how we can help you.
When you work with Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, one of our attorneys will be directly involved in your case from the very start. Reach out today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no attorneys’ fees unless we win your case and we can travel to meet you if your injuries prevent you from making it into our office.
Las Vegas Car Accident FAQ
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Nevada?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit within which a lawsuit can be filed. Once the statute of limitations has expired for a particular claim, the injured party typically loses the right to file a lawsuit seeking damages.
Statutes of limitations are designed to ensure that legal actions are initiated promptly. At the same time, evidence and memories are still relatively fresh, preventing the threat of lawsuits from lingering indefinitely over potential defendants.
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking damages for injuries or property damage resulting from the car accident. It’s essential to be aware of this deadline, as failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations may result in losing your right to seek compensation through the legal system.
What are the Most Common Car Crash Injury Symptoms I Should Look For?
After a car accident, you might feel fine at first, but it could be adrenaline masking pain and symptoms. You should go to a medical provider as soon as possible after the crash for a medical checkup. If you have not, you will need to pay attention to symptoms of underlying injuries, which often include dizziness, headaches, trouble falling and staying asleep, and chronic or recurring pain, especially in the neck, back, shoulders, and chest. Don’t ignore these symptoms or similar health issues after an accident; please see a medical provider or go to urgent care.
Where Can I Find My Towed Car After a Las Vegas Auto Accident?
After a car crash that leads to severe damage, your vehicle—and that of the negligent driver—will be towed. If you cannot provide a location for the tow truck to deliver your vehicle, it will be taken to one of the many Las Vegas tow yards. You can find out where your vehicle has been towed by calling 3-1-1. This is a non-emergency police line where you can find more information on your impounded vehicle.
It is crucial to act swiftly when locating your vehicle to avoid accumulating fees at the tow yard. Most facilities charge daily rates, and failure to reclaim your car promptly can lead to substantial charges. Taking prompt action will help mitigate these additional financial burdens.
Where Can I Rent a Car After a Las Vegas Car Crash?
When your vehicle is damaged in a car crash, you will need transportation while repairs are made, or you will communicate with an attorney about the best course of action for your claim. Contact one of the many Las Vegas rental car companies to learn about the available vehicles.
Many companies offer various options, from economic to luxury vehicles, depending on your needs and budget. Additionally, some insurance policies may cover or partially cover rental costs post-accident. Confirming this with your provider can offer financial relief during this transitional period.
Should I Share My Medical Records With the Insurance Company?
The short answer is no. Insurance companies will ask you to sign a medical record release so they can evaluate your injuries in what they say is an attempt to compensate you accordingly. Insurance companies ask to review your medical records because they are searching for pre-existing conditions so they can blame your injuries on something other than a car accident. DO NOT give them access to personal information, including your medical records, without speaking to our attorneys first.
This approach protects your rights and privacy, preventing insurers from potentially downplaying your injury claims based on irrelevant medical history. Maintaining control over your information helps uphold the integrity of your claim.
When Should I Contact a Las Vegas Auto Accident Attorney?
Ideally, whenever you are injured in a car accident, you should seek medical care immediately. Then, contact a personal injury attorney for help. If the accident was caused by negligence, led to injuries, or caused significant vehicle damage, you should talk to a lawyer. The same is true if you are offered an unacceptable settlement offer from the liable insurance company. If you have (or expect to have) any medical bills, lost wages, disabilities, vehicle repair costs, or physical pain or emotional suffering, you should reach out to an experienced attorney.
An attorney can provide legal guidance to navigate complex accident claims, especially with insurance companies. This ensures you have the knowledge to make informed decisions about your claim and optimize potential outcomes.
Why Would the Insurance Company Refuse to Pay for My Damages?
Insurance companies use many finely tuned tactics to avoid paying personal injury victims, and their aggressive approach to taking advantage of vulnerable victims begins immediately after the car crash occurs. Insurance companies are businesses, and, like any other business, they are mainly concerned with making money. The more often they have to pay out claims—and the bigger those claims are—the less money they make. This means they will often use any tactic possible to dispute, devalue, or deny your claim. The sooner you contact our personal injury attorneys, the quicker we can protect you from the insurance company.
Being well-prepared with comprehensive documentation and professional legal representation can significantly improve your chances of overcoming these tactics. Acting swiftly and decisively helps to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment throughout the legal process.
How Long Will My Las Vegas Car Accident Claim Take?
All personal injury claims are different. The amount of time your claim will take will be determined by many factors, including your injuries, the time you need to heal, and the details of why the insurance company is disputing your damages. Our car accident lawyers in Las Vegas can provide a timeline for recovery and keep you apprised of any changes that occur throughout the process, so there are no surprises while your claim develops.
Remaining informed and involved throughout the process helps set realistic expectations and fosters a transparent client-lawyer relationship, alleviating some of the stress associated with the uncertainty of legal proceedings.
Do I Deal With the Other Insurance Company?
Dealing with the other driver’s insurance company can be tricky. While they may claim to want to help you, remember that their business should pay out the least amount they can offer to injured claimants. They are usually armed with printed documents that contain terms favorable to them and try to talk you into settling your claim before you even know the extent of your injuries. It is always a good rule of thumb to seek legal advice before signing anything the insurance company presents. The insurance adjuster may also try to convince you that they are offering the maximum value due to your claim, and accepting this amount might seem like the easiest way to settle your growing medical bills.
However, a quick settlement might work to your disadvantage when you find out later the true extent of your injuries and the relevant costs for treatment. Allowing your attorney to deal with the insurance company or the other party can significantly improve your chances of receiving the maximum value of compensation that you legally deserve.
Will Your Claim Go to Court?
Not all car accident claims will reach the civil courts for injured parties to recover compensation. An accident attorney with extensive experience handling insurance claims may be able to obtain the appropriate settlement without having to litigate your claim in court. But if pursuing your claim in court becomes necessary, your car accident attorney should also be prepared to fight for your rights aggressively before a jury.
What If an Auto Accident Led to My Loved One Dying?
If you have lost a loved one in a Las Vegas car accident due to another driver’s negligent actions—including texting and driving, driving under the influence, speeding, or recklessness—you may have a wrongful death claim. Our accomplished accident attorneys will help you understand your rights and provide a straightforward approach to pursuing justice from the person who caused your loss.
