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If you or a family member suffers injuries in a Henderson car accident, you may quickly realize that you need to file a claim for compensation with the negligent driver’s insurance company. When you take this important step, it is important to understand the basics of what you need to do to prove your case, how the settlement process works, and the types of compensation that you can receive. Here, we explain the types of compensation awarded in auto collision cases.

Types of Compensation Awarded in Henderson Auto Crash Claims

In Nevada, you are entitled to be fully compensated for your injuries by the negligent driver who caused your collision. You can receive these types of damages:

Property Damages Following A Car Wreck

You are entitled to be reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, car rental fees while your vehicle was repaired, and your towing expenses.

Medical Expenses For Your Car Crash

Ambulance fees, doctor bills, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and medications are common expenses that you are entitled to be reimbursed for. If you need assistive aids, like crutches or a wheelchair, or in-home services, you may be reimbursed for these expenses as well.

Lost Wages After A Car Accident

When you must take time off work while you recover, you are entitled to your lost wages, lost sick and vacation time, bonuses, commissions, and other perks of your job. You may also request lost earning capacity damages if you become permanently disabled or must take a salary cut and a career change due to your injuries.

Pain And Suffering Resulting From An Auto Accident

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the pain you suffered due to the accident and your injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your day-to-day activities and ability to work, this portion of your settlement could be substantial.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death action. Types of compensation can include reasonable funeral expenses, medical bills incurred between the accident and death, and the loss of support, advice, and companionship of your family member. 

Punitive Damages Can Be Included In Your Acar Accident Claim

If the negligent driver’s actions were especially egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish him. In Nevada, punitive damages are capped at triple the compensatory damages or a maximum of $300,000.

You need the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney to value your claim and negotiate a settlement so that you receive what you deserve. At Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers, we have years of experience fighting for the rights of Henderson victims of auto crashes. To learn how we can help you, contact us online or call our Henderson office at 702.405.6000 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Related Links: How the Settlement Process Works in a Car Accident Case How to Find Out the Negligent Driver’s Policy Limits Expert Witnesses That Can Help in Your Car Accident Case

If you were injured in a car accident in Henderson caused by another driver, you will most likely have to talk to two insurance companies—the negligent driver’s and your own. This may happen even before you leave Henderson Hospital. When you are speaking to an insurance adjuster, you do not want to make the mistake that some victims make and say things that could hurt your claim for compensation.

What Should You Avoid Saying When Talking to an Insurance Adjuster?

You need to be very careful about what you say when speaking to an insurance adjuster because you may not realize that something you have said could be misinterpreted or used by the insurance company as a reason to deny or reduce your claim. Here is what you should do:

• Don’t give opinions. You want to avoid giving opinions on anything that you do not know. This could lead to you giving an inaccurate answer based on what you think, but that may not be true. Stick to what you know, such as where the crash occurred, when it happened, and who the parties involved in it were.
• Don’t apologize. If you are like many people, you may apologize for things when you did nothing wrong. You do not want to make “I’m sorry” or other similar statements when talking to an insurance adjuster because they can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
• Don’t say you were not hurt. Avoid making statements indicating that you were not hurt in the collision or that your injuries are not that serious. The reality is that the symptoms of back, neck, and spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury, and many other injuries may not be apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
• Don’t agree to a recorded statement. A recorded statement is a tape-recorded question-and-answer session with the insurance adjuster. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and you could inadvertently say something that can be interpreted to mean something that hurts your case.
• Don’t agree to a settlement. You never want to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first obtaining the advice of an experienced car accident attorney to be certain that you are receiving what you deserve. Many initial offers are for less than what the claim is worth.
• Don’t admit to not having an attorney. You do not want to admit to the insurance adjuster that you do not have a lawyer. This may lead him to try to take advantage of you and offer you less than you are entitled to in a settlement.

Your best strategy is to leave talking to the insurance adjuster to an experienced car accident attorney. If you are filing a claim for compensation following a car accident in Henderson, NV, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help. Please feel free to contact us online or call us directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule your free consultation.

When a negligent driver causes you or a family member to suffer injuries on your way to Adventuredome, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, or anywhere else in Henderson, you need to hold him accountable for compensating you for your injuries. You may be surprised at how complicated the process can be for filing your claim with his insurance company. You will need to make many decisions as you negotiate your settlement, and even simple ones—such as whether to sign a medical release—can be more important than you realize.

Why Not to Agree to Sign a Medical Authorization for the Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company After a Henderson Car Accident

Soon after your auto wreck in Henderson, you will most likely receive a call from the insurance adjuster for the negligent driver. This could even occur while you are still at Henderson Hospital. One innocent-sounding request will be to sign an authorization for release of your medical records. However, here is why you do not want to agree to do this:

• The form is a blanket authorization for release of all of your medical records, not just the ones involving your accident.
• The insurance adjuster wants all of your medical records to try to find information he can use to deny or reduce your claim, such as evidence of pre-existing injuries or inconsistent statements you made to your doctor.
• If you sign the authorization, you are allowing the insurance adjuster to obtain potentially private and sensitive information about your medical history that is irrelevant to your claim for compensation and that invades your privacy.

How Should You Handle a Request for Your Medical Records Following A Henderson Car Wreck?

The insurance adjuster for the negligent driver has a duty to the insurance company to investigate your claim and your injuries, so he will need your medical records pertaining to the injuries caused in the accident. However, you do not need to sign the insurance company’s medical authorization to provide this information. Your best strategy is to retain an experienced car accident attorney who can obtain the medical records that the insurance company truly needs and provide them on your behalf. He can also take over the communications with the insurance adjuster and negotiate your settlement so that you receive what you need and deserve.

Do you or a loved one need to file a claim for compensation following a car accident in Henderson or nearby Las Vegas? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us online or call us directly at 702.405.6000 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to start learning about your legal options.

Related Links: Recorded Statements in Henderson Nevada Car Accident Claims What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim? Steps You Need to Take After Your Car Accident

If a negligent driver caused your car accident in Henderson, you could suffer serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments and be off work for months or longer. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries from the negligent driver. However, the process of filing your claim may be much more complicated than you realize, and you will have many decisions to make before reaching a settlement with the insurance company. One important decision is whether to agree to give a recorded statement.

Do Not Agree to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

Once the negligent driver notifies his insurance company about the car accident, the insurance adjuster will begin an investigation. One of the first requests he may make of you is to give a recorded statement. This is a question and answer session between you and the adjuster that is tape recorded and is transcribed into a written document. Even when you were not at all to blame and have nothing to hide, you should not agree to give a recorded statement. Here are some reasons to avoid it:

• It is not required. There is no requirement that you give a recorded statement when you make a claim following a Henderson auto crash in order to receive a settlement. In addition, giving one will not convince the insurance company to settle your claim more quickly or fairly. The adjuster is taking your statement to look for ways to deny or reduce your claim.
• Inconsistent statements. The adjuster will compare the answers you give in a recorded statement to statements you give to the police, your doctors, and others throughout the settlement process. If you make any inconsistent statements, the insurance company could try to use these inconsistencies to argue that you are not a credible witness.
• Inadvertent errors. Like attorneys, insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions about car accidents in ways to hopefully gain helpful information from the person being questioned. You could inadvertently give an incorrect answer or an answer you did not mean in response to a confusing question that could later be used against you in court or in settlement negotiations.

Do not make the mistake of other Henderson car accident victims and agree to give a recorded statement. Your best strategy is to politely refuse this request and then immediately contact an experienced car accident attorney who can take over the communications with the insurance adjuster and negotiate your settlement for you. To learn more about your legal options for compensation for your injuries, contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 today to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: How to Find Out the Negligent Driver’s Policy Limits What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim? Steps You Need to Take After Your Car Accident

If you are visiting Las Vegas on vacation or for business, you might find using Uber ride services more convenient than renting a vehicle. Even if you live here, you may use Uber from time to time. While using an Uber driver is usually safe, in some instances the driver could be negligent and cause a car accident. If you are injured in one of these accidents, either as a passenger in a Uber or in a vehicle hit by an Uber driver, it is important to understand how these crashes differ from traditional auto accidents.

Differences Between Uber and Auto Accidents That Could Affect Your Claim

In certain ways, an Uber auto accident is similar to other vehicle crashes. You must prove that the Uber driver or another driver was negligent in order to be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, there are some important differences in these claims:

• More complicated issues. You could face more complicated issues in an Uber accident, especially concerning insurance. It may be difficult to determine whether the Uber driver’s insurance policy or the Uber company insurance policy would cover your injuries—or both. The driver should have purchased a policy that covers him as a commercial driver, but may only have a personal insurance policy that would not cover your accident. In addition, Uber does not consider its drivers employees, and only considers itself liable in certain situations. There could be disputes regarding their responsibility, for example, if the driver was waiting to pick up a passenger or not logged into the Uber system.
• More liable parties. In a passenger vehicle accident, there is usually only one party who would be liable for compensating you—the negligent driver. In an Uber accident, the Uber driver and Uber could face liability. In addition, if both drivers involved in the accident were negligent, you may need to file claims with three insurance companies.
• More insurance. In a passenger vehicle accident, there could be much less insurance coverage to pay you what you are owed. In Nevada, the minimum liability insurance required is $15,000/$30,000 in liability coverage to compensate victims for injuries of a wreck. If you were injured in an Uber accident, you could hopefully pursue a claim under the Uber driver’s insurance policy and Uber's, which has $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

 

The experienced car accident attorneys at Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers handle accidents caused by Uber and taxi cab drivers as well as those caused by other negligent drivers. In addition, we gladly represent victims who live out of state or outside of the Las Vegas area as well as right here in Henderson. If you or a family member was injured in an Uber car accident contact us online or call our office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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Related Links: Contacting Your Insurance Agent After Your Auto Accident Should I Give a Recorded Statement After My Car Accident? Steps You Need to Take After Your Car Accident

If you were injured in a slip and fall or other accident while on vacation or business in Las Vegas, hopefully you are taking a first smart step and retaining a local Las Vegas attorney to represent you. Unless you have used an attorney here before for a slip and fall claim, you should interview a few attorneys before making a final determination on who to hire. This can seem impossible when you were hurt in Las Vegas but live in another city or state. Thankfully, there are easy solutions.

How to Interview an Attorney When You Live Outside of Las Vegas

If you do not live in the Las Vegas area, you do not have to travel back here to interview attorneys, although this is certainly an option. Attorneys who accommodate clients who live elsewhere will have alternative ways to schedule an initial consultation and maintain regular communication with you throughout your case. This can include the following:

• Telephone calls
• Emails
• Skype or similar Internet calls

It should be a red flag in terms of hiring a lawyer if he cannot accommodate the fact that you are not local. Ideally, you want to talk to the attorney rather than just email him because this will give you a better sense of how well he communicates with you and how much you trust him.

You should prepare a list of questions to ask the attorney during your interview. Here are some questions to include:

• What types of cases do you primarily handle?
• Have you handled cases like mine before? If so, how many and what were the results?
• Will you be the attorney working on my case? If not, who will be the attorney assigned to my case? Can I meet him?
• How many cases have you taken to trial? What were their outcomes?
• How long will it take to resolve my case?
• What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
• How will you keep me updated on the progress in my case?
• How do you prefer to communicate and how long does it take you to return calls or respond to emails?
• What investigation of my accident do you plan to conduct?
• Do you anticipate hiring any expert witnesses? If so, what type of expert and how much does he charge?
• How much will it cost me to hire you?

The experienced slip and fall attorneys at Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers are happy to represent clients outside of the Las Vegas area as well as local residents. We are committed to answering your questions and keeping you informed about your case no matter where you live. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us directly at 866.299.0558. If you live outside of Las Vegas, be sure to let us know this, and we will be glad to accommodate you.

Related Links: Steps a Vacationer Should Take in an Injury Accident Claim How a Slip and Fall Case Really Works How Do I Find a Local Attorney If I Was Injured on Vacation in Las Vegas?

 

Casinos in Las Vegas are a fun destination for out-of-town guests here on vacation or business and for residents who want to go out on the town. However, they can become dangerous places where guests can injure themselves when casino owners and staff do not take their duty to keep guest safe seriously enough. These accidents can happen at the casino buffet and restaurants, in the public bathrooms, at their hotels, in the parking lots, and in the casino gaming area.

What Types of Accidents Occur in Casinos?

Under Nevada law, casino owners have a duty to keep the casino reasonably safe, to anticipate and correct hazards, and to put up warning signs of dangers when necessary. Because of the high volume of guests and staff at casinos on a daily basis, this is a big job that owners often fail to fulfill. Common ways that casino guests injure themselves in accidents include:

• Slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents are probably the most common way that people injure themselves at casinos. Spills of food and drinks, dirty and wet bathrooms, poor lighting, and cracked and worn flooring are a few of the reasons slip and fall accidents occur.
• Food poisoning. Casinos offer food in restaurants, buffets, fast food services, and room service to millions of guests yearly. When food is not prepared properly, staff do not keep their hands clean, or food is left out too long, guests can become seriously ill from food poisoning.
• Injuries on shuttle buses. Many casinos offer shuttle bus services to and from airports, hotels, and casinos. People can slip and fall when steps are not clearly marked or debris or luggage is left in the aisles. In addition, if the driver causes a vehicle accident, riders can suffer catastrophic injuries or death.
• Falls from slot machine chairs. Slot machine chairs get an incredible amount of use on a daily basis, causing them to wear down and break more frequently. When casino owners fail to repair or replace them on a regular basis, an unsuspecting guest could fall and seriously injure himself if a chair breaks.
• Burns. Some casino owners allow people to smoke in the casino. Intoxicated or inattentive guests can burn others with their cigarettes. In addition, faulty irons in hotel rooms and electrical cords can cause fires that result in victims suffering horrific burns, scarring, and disfigurement.
• Assaults. Because people visiting casinos often carry large amounts of cash, they can be the victim of assaults and robberies when casinos do not provide adequate lightening and security.

Were you injured in an accident at a casino? Whether you are an out-of-town guest or a local resident, you need an experienced local attorney to help in your fight with the casino and its insurance company to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call our office directly at 866.299.0558 today to schedule a free consultation. Learn how Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers can help you.

Related Links: Steps a Vacationer Should Take in an Injury Accident Claim How a Slip and Fall Case Really Works Experts Who Could Be Vital in Your Slip and Fall Case

Filing a claim for compensation after a car or slip and fall accident is never easy. It can become even more stressful and complicated if you were injured while on vacation in Las Vegas. Even if you live in another state, you will need to pursue your claim here. Hiring a local attorney is essential if you want to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How to Choose a Local Personal Injury Attorney When You Live Out of State

You must retain an attorney who is licensed in Nevada, understands the laws that apply to your case, and can file a lawsuit for you if this becomes necessary. While it can be more challenging to find an experienced attorney when you don't live then the area, it doesn't have to be as hard as you may think. However, you do not want to pick just any attorney.

You need an attorney who has lots of experience handling personal injury cases, has a track record of success, and is not afraid to take your case to trial. Here are ways to find the attorney that is right for you:

• Referral. If you know family or friends in the area who have used an attorney in the past, you may be able to get the name of an attorney from them. However, for most people on a vacation or business trip here, this is not an option.
• State bar referral. You may be able to obtain a referral from Nevada’s state or local bar association. However, you will still need to research the attorneys you are referred to.
• Internet search. You can research local attorneys on the Internet. You want to look carefully at their websites to see if they have any helpful information regarding your type of legal matter, successful results in cases similar to yours, and client reviews. Any lawyer can put up a website, but an experienced one who is successful is more likely to provide much more information for potential and current clients than just what types of cases they handle.
• Interviews. You should always take advantage of an attorney’s offer of a free consultation. This is an opportunity to interview him whether you are hiring someone where you live or out-of-state. Once you have narrowed down your list of attorneys, you should schedule your free appointments. An attorney who handles these cases for out-of-state residents will be able to conduct this consultation over the telephone. As well as learning how the attorneys believe that they can help you, you want to interview them to learn about their experience, how they communicate with clients, and how they handle cases for people who do not live in the area. Your interview will be crucial in determining whether the attorney has the experience and track record handling cases like yours and if he is someone you feel you can trust.

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The experienced legal team at Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers handles cases for many victims of accidents while in Las Vegas on vacation or business as well as local residents. Review our testimonials and case results to see how we have helped clients like you, then contact us online or call us directly at 866.299.0558 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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If you are injured in a slip and fall, car accident, or other injury accident while in Las Vegas on vacation, getting the medical care you need for your injuries and compensation from the negligent party can seem complicated. It may be even more overwhelming if you do not know anyone in Las Vegas—common if you are a tourist. However, if you want to receive the compensation you are entitled to, you need to take certain steps to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

Take These Steps to Protect a Future Claim

There is really no difference between what you will have to do if you are injured on vacation and if you are injured at home. Unfortunately, the steps will be more difficult when you are away from home. Try to do the following when you are injured:

1. Seek medical care. This is obvious if you know you suffered injuries, but it is also important if you do not think you were hurt. You may have hidden injuries with symptoms that will not develop for days or weeks after your accident. You may need care for these symptoms and will want to document them for your claim for compensation. Keep in mind that you will need your medical records when you file your claim.
2. File an accident or police report. If you suffered a slip and fall accident, you should file an accident report with the business. You should contact the police if you were involved in a car accident. You will need to obtain a copy of the incident or police report to provide to the insurance company when you file your claim.
3. Take pictures. You want to take pictures of the accident scene, any defect, spilled liquids, or other causes of a slip and fall accident, and your injuries. If you were in a car crash, be certain to take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks, weather conditions, or other important information regarding your crash.
4. Get contact information. You want to obtain the contact information for the negligent party and any witnesses to your accident. It is important to contact potential witnesses soon after your accident before they disappear or their memories of what happened fade.
5. Do not give a recorded statement. You do not have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company for the negligent party and should not agree to give one. You could accidentally say something that could hurt your case.
6. Follow up on your medical care. Many victims of accidents hurt their claim by failing to follow up on the medical treatment advised by their doctors. This makes it seem like their injuries are not that serious. Do not make this mistake in your case.

 

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The Most Important Step Is to Call a Lawyer

One of your first steps after obtaining medical care and reporting your accident should be to retain an experienced personal injury attorney in the Las Vegas area. An attorney can investigate your accident, get copies of your accident or police report and medical records, and negotiate a settlement of your claim. A local attorney will be licensed to practice law in Nevada—necessary to file a lawsuit—and will understand the laws and practices unique to this area that govern your case. In addition, he will have a network of local qualified experts that you may need to prove your case.

At Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers, we gladly handle accident injury claims for tourists vacationing in the Las Vegas area as well as clients who live here. We are happy to accommodate you if you have already returned home. You will receive the same quality representation as you would if you lived here. Contact us online or call our office directly at 866.299.0558 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Steps to Take After Your Slip and Fall Accident How a Slip and Fall Case Really Works Experts Who Could Be Vital in Your Slip and Fall Case

Slip and fall accidents outside buildings happen for many reasons. Cracked pavement, spilled liquids and food, and potholes in the parking lot a few of the hazardous conditions that could cause you to fall and suffer serious injuries. You may have a right to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experience due to your injuries. However, like with many issues in slip and fall accident cases, it is not always easy to determine who is responsible for compensating you if you are hurt outside a business.

How to Determine If a Business—or Another Party—Is Liable for Your Injuries After a Fall Outside of a Building

While a business’ liability for a dangerous condition that its owner or staff knew about in the building is fairly straightforward, responsibility can be much more complicated when an injury happens outside the building. A number of factors will determine whether the business, another party, or both are responsible for compensating you. Some of the considerations include:

• Does the business own the property? If the business owns the building, the business would be responsible for the upkeep of the common areas, parking lot, and sidewalks. In this situation, it is likely that you can hold the business liable for your injuries.
• Does the business rent its space from the property owner? When a business leases its store, office, or other structure, it can become much more challenging to determine who is responsible for the upkeep of the building and the areas surrounding it. You would need to review the lease to see if the owner of the property or business had control of and was responsible for the upkeep of the outside of the property. If this was the owner’s responsibility, you may need to pursue your claim against the owner and not the business. However, if the business knew about the dangerous condition, such as a large pothole, and did nothing to warn guests of the danger or to get the property owner to correct the problem, the business could face some liability as well.
• Is there a contract with a third party to maintain the outside of the building? Some businesses or property owners will enter into a contract with a third party to maintain the outside of a building, such as landscaping, care of a parking lot, or removal of snow. If this was the situation in your case, this third party could also be at least partially responsible for compensating you. Depending on the facts in your case, you may be able to file a claim with the business’ or property owner’s insurance company as well.

An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you identify the negligent party and obtain a copy of the business’ lease, which you probably will not be able to get on your own. If you injured yourself in a slip and fall accident outside a business, fill out an online form to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss your situation with you and learn about your legal options.

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