Reno Car Accident Attorney
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Car accidents can have far-reaching consequences, affecting your health, finances, and emotional well-being.
When faced with the aftermath of a car accident in Reno, securing the services of an experienced and competent Reno car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal journey.
If a car accident left you seriously injured or claimed the life of a family member here in Washoe County or any other part of Nevada, we want to discuss your potential collision case with you. Our legal team at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp may be able to help you secure compensation for your crash-related losses. Reach out to us by phone or email for a free consultation with our legal team right away.
Common Causes of Car Crashes in Washoe County
There are dozens of reasons car wrecks in Reno occur, but some are more common than others.
Many car accidents might be avoided if drivers just used common sense. Unfortunately, often, people leave making rational choices behind when they are in the driver’s seat.
Some common causes of car accidents are:
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Road rage
- Speeding
- Not adapting one’s driving habits when encountering weather phenomena such as rain, fog, snow, ice
In terms of the latter two factors, the problem with these two driving behaviors is that they affect braking.
Highway safety engineers have developed general guidelines regarding stopping times, which have become standardized over the years. According to these rules, if a street is dry, the average driver of a car or light truck with relatively good tires can safely break at a rate of 15 feet per second.
In these circumstances, if someone is driving on the freeway at 60 miles per hour, it would take a total of 6.87 seconds (including a one-second delay for the driver to react) to stop. The stopping distance would be 302.28 feet, just a bit over the length of a football field.
The Connection Between Motor Vehicle Collisions and Negligence
The following negligent driving behaviors often contribute to causing Reno auto accidents:
- Using a cell phone to text or talk
- Eating or drinking
- Fiddling with electronics
- Talking to another person in the car
- Driving recklessly
- Running a red light or another traffic signal
- Drunk driving
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Reno Car Crash?
Being involved in an accident in Reno can be very upsetting. It’s a good idea to know ahead of time what you should do in case you’re in a collision, as you may be hurt and confused about what to do when it happens.
If you get into a car accident, you should:
- Stay calm, try to stop in a safe location, and do not leave the scene of the accident until a police officer arrives.
- Get medical help. If you or any others are seriously injured, you should call 9-1-1 and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Even if you do not appear to be injured, you may want to see a doctor anyway sincesome car accident injuries don’t show immediate signs or symptoms. Medical attention will not only ensure that you get the proper treatment, but it will serve as documentation of your car accident injuries in connection with any legal claims.
- Contact the police. While you should communicate the facts of the accidents, do not make any assumptions, admit guilt, or draw any legal conclusions.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver and accident witnesses.
- If you are able, you should take photos of your Reno car accident scene, damages, and relevant signage.
- You should inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Again, avoid making any statements regarding fault or negligence, and do not sign any insurance documents without first consulting with a car accident lawyer in Reno.
- Obtain and maintain all relevant information, including the police report, medical records, medical bills, repair receipts, lost wage information, and other documentation regarding the collision and its aftermath.
- Contact a Reno car accident lawyer. You can expect a car crash attorney in our office to conduct an investigation, tell you your rights and options, communicate with the insurance companies, handle any insurance disputes, and fight to get you maximum money damages.
As for that last point, if the auto collision that you were involved in seriously harmed you, most of your time is likely consumed by traveling back-and-forth to doctors’ visits, undergoing surgical procedures, recovering, and receiving follow-up care, and otherwise trying to improve your health and quality of life. Let our legal team at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp take care of dealing with insurers and everything else that comes with seeing a case through to its successful completion. Contact our law firm so we can get to work for you as soon as today.
The Importance of Timely Legal Action
Taking legal action as quickly as possible after a car accident is crucial. Prompt legal action helps preserve critical evidence, and the involvement of a lawyer early in the process helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you have expert guidance from the start.
What a Reno Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
A Nevada-licensed car accident attorney can provide comprehensive legal services tailored specifically to your situation and needs. Your attorney will be your advocate, handling all aspects of the legal process.
The first thing your lawyer will do is conduct a thorough investigation. This typically involves gathering evidence, reviewing the police report, talking to witnesses, and consulting with experts (if necessary).
Your lawyer’s goal is to establish liability and build a strong case that supports your claim.
You can also expect your attorney to handle communications with insurance companies and defendants. Insurers will often try to minimize payouts, and having a car crash lawyer in your corner can provide valuable protection. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other related losses.
Car accidents are jarring, life-altering events, but the right legal support can help you rebuild your life and move forward.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Nevada, the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can protect your interests and see that you are appropriately compensated for your pain and suffering, medical and rehabilitation costs, and loss of present and future wages.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Reno car accident lawyer who understands Nevada law and is ready to advise you of the rights it affords you if another person’s negligence left you hurt.
