Comparative negligence laws in Nevada can significantly impact how much in damages you walk away with following a car accident. That’s why it’s so important to understand how fault is determined in Nevada and how an accomplished Reno car accident attorney can help you maximize your compensation. Keep reading to learn more about this important legislation.
Comparative Negligence Affects Car Accident Claims
In some cases, both you and another driver are partially accountable for an accident. The doctrine of comparative negligence assigns blame to each party. This may lead to a reduction in damages. That’s why savvy clients turn to exceptional Reno car accident lawyers for advice and assistance. Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident you didn’t cause? If you’re considering a car accident lawsuit, turn to our knowledgeable team for the best results.
How Comparative Negligence Works in Nevada?
Many states have comparative negligence laws, including Nevada. First, your car accident attorney will calculate your total medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other compensation. Our team will present a strong case to reduce the percentage of fault assigned to you. If your case goes to court, the percentage of fault you hold will be deducted from your total compensation.
For example, if the court determines that you hold 20% of the blame, the defendant will only have to pay 80% of the total compensation awarded. In this example, if your total compensation is $200,000, you would receive $160,000 ($200,000 x 80%).
Nevada applies a modified comparative negligence standard. Under this legislation, you can receive partial compensation for your losses as long as you aren’t more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Reducing Comparative Negligence in a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you’re the plaintiff in a car accident lawsuit, you need to prove the defendant’s negligence. Your car accident lawyer will anticipate and counter any attempts made by the defendants’ attorneys to hold you at fault.
You can help by gathering photos, witness contact information, and other details about the accident. During the settlement process or court proceedings, our team will point out any negligence that jeopardized your safety. When a defendant breaches their duty of care, it means that they didn’t act reasonably and safely. In many cases, this involves traffic law violations.
Your car accident attorney will help you prove that you weren’t at fault. Alternatively, we’ll gather the evidence needed to show that your fault was minimal compared to the defendant’s.
We have already won cases for more than 150 cases using our considerable experience to help clients navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and other laws affecting personal injury lawsuits. Contact Coulter Harsh Law today for assistance with your car accident lawsuit.