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Experienced Fender Bender Attorneys Near You
At the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, we take every accident seriously, no matter how large or small.
For this reason, we offer a free consultation to anyone who may have sustained injuries or damages in a Nevada fender bender crash. Contact us today to learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
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What is a Fender Bender Accident?
A fender bender accident, also known as a minor crash, refers to a car accident that only causes limited property damage. Despite seeming insignificant, fender bender collisions can lead to minor injuries and may require involvement of the insurance company.
Common Causes of Fender Benders in Las Vegas
A fender bender crash is a minor collision between vehicles. Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- tailgating
- Sudden braking
- Poor weather
- Failing to yield
While fender bender crashes often lead to minor damage, they can still warrant legal assistance from an Las Vegas fender bender accident attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.
Misconceptions About Minor Accidents
Due to a fender bender crash being considered minor, many misconceptions spread about them, such as:
- Fender benders are always small and cause no injuries.
- You don't need to call the police for minor crashes.
- Insurance claims aren't necessary for slight damages.
Why You Should Hire a Las Vegas Fender Bender Lawyer
Hiring a Las Vegas fender bender accident attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm protects your rights, increases your chances of a fair settlement from insurance companies, and ensures all legal complexities are correctly handled after your fender bender collision.
Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Fender Bender
Hiring a Nevada accident attorney ensures your rights are protected and that you have help in securing fair financial compensation from insurance companies.
As an experienced attorney, I will build you a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing crash data.
Common Mistakes People Make After Minor Car Accidents
After a minor accident in Nevada, people often tend to make more mistakes than in severe accidents.
However, to protect your rights and potential settlement, it is crucial to avoid these common mistakes:
- Failing to call the police
- Not taking photos of damage
- Accepting full blame
- Delaying medical care
Understanding Legal Liability in Fender Bender Accidents
Fender bender accidents may seem minor, but determining legal liability is still complex and crucial for compensation.
Consulting a car accident attorney from our law firm ensures thorough evidence collection and fair claim evaluation for injuries within the two-year statute of limitations.
Determining Fault in Minor Collisions
To determine fault, check police reports, witness statements, and whether the other driver broke any traffic rules.
If you're having trouble establishing liability, consult with a Nevada injury attorney, as they can help prove negligence.
Shared Responsibility in Multi-Vehicle Incidents
In multi-car accidents, Nevada's comparative negligence law makes it possible for fault to be shared among drivers. Each at-fault driver's compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault they hold for the crash.
For instance, if you are 30% at fault in a fender bender crash, your settlement decreases accordingly. Seeking legal advice helps navigate these complex scenarios and reduce any fault you may hold for the accident.
Steps to Take After a Fender Bender in Las Vegas
After a fender bender in Las Vegas, it's crucial that you take steps to protect your rights from the insurance company and prioritize your settlement.
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Rights
Immediately after the fender bender, you should:
- Call the police and wait for them to file a report
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Take photos of the accident scene and damage
- Contact your insurance company right away
- Seek legal representation
Properly Documenting the Scene of the Accident
To ensure you obtain the most amount of evidence from the scene of a fender bender, be sure to take photos of all cars involved in a car accident, visible damage, and the surroundings. Also, gather witness names and contact info if available.
Compensation Available for Nevada Fender Bender Victims
After suffering a fender bender, you might be entitled to financial relief for damages such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
When filing a claim after a fender bender crash, you can seek the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages if injuries prevent work
- Pain and suffering
- Any hidden damages
To ensure you obtain maximum compensation from your claim, enlist the help of a Las Vegas personal injury attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm who can help secure these benefits.
Hidden Costs After a Minor Collision
Hidden costs like medical bills and vehicle repairs can add up quickly after a personal injury in Las Vegas, so it's crucial to seek legal advice to ensure full compensation.
Common Causes of Fender Bender Accidents
Fender benders often result from distracted driving, tailgating, sudden braking, poor weather conditions, running stop signs, or inattention at intersections in Las Vegas.
Knowing these common causes can help you understand what danger to look out for on the road.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is a major cause of fender benders. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving. These actions lead to over 20% of crashes in the city, according to the NHTSA.
Tailgating and Sudden Braking Incidents
Following too closely behind another vehicle or sudden braking by the driver ahead often leads to rear-end collisions. These accidents are common in heavy traffic and can be avoided with proper spacing and awareness.
Injuries Sustained in Minor Collisions
Even though fender benders might seem small and insignificant at first, they can still lead to serious injuries. These accidents often happen at low speeds but can cause discomfort, injury, or long-term health issues.
Common injuries include back and neck pain, headaches, and soft tissue damage that may not show up immediately after the crash.
Speaking with a Las Vegas fender bender attorney can help you get the medical costs covered by insurance companies for injuries like whiplash, facial cuts from airbags, or bruising from seatbelts.
Statute of Limitations for Fender Bender Claims
You have two years from the date of the accident under Nevada law (NRS 11.190) to file a claim. Failing to act within this period risks losing your right to compensation.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Under Nevada law, the statute of limitations for your claim may be extended or paused if you were injured and only discovered it later, there was fraud involved, or you are a minor under the age of 18.
To understand if any of these exceptions apply to your case, schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Fender Bender Accidents
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Fender Bender in Nevada?
If the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $700, you must contact the police, according to Nevada law.