Have you been in an accident in Las Vegas and do not know who is to blame? The idea of an “at-fault” driver is not always clear. If you were partly to blame for the accident in Nevada, your share of the damage you caused can affect how much money you get in settlement.
To talk to a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, go to acelawgroup.com. This article goes into detail about what contributory negligence means in Las Vegas and how it impacts cases of car accidents.
What is contributory negligence?
Contributory negligence is a legal concept that says a person can get less money in a personal injury case if they did something that made their injuries worse. To put it another way, if it turns out that you were partly to blame for the accident, you may get less money or not get any money at all.
Let us say someone hits you from behind at a stoplight. While the driver behind you may have been clearly at fault for the accident, you could also be held partly responsible if you were going too fast.
Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law.
Nevada uses a method called “modified comparative negligence.” This means you can still get money for your injuries even if you were partly to blame for the accident, as long as your part in the accident was less than 50%.
The amount of pay you get, however, will depend on how much fault the other party is found to have. To help you understand better, here is a table:
| Your percentage of fault | How much compensation you can recover |
| 0% | 100% |
| 25% | 75% |
| 49% | 51% |
| 50% or more | 0% |
Of course, the more responsible you are thought to be, the less money you will get. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, which is the worst case, you will not be able to get any kind of compensation.
How does contributory negligence affect your car accident claim?
When you make a claim for a car accident in Las Vegas, the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident will look into it to figure out how much fault each person has. As part of this process, police files, witness accounts, and medical records are often looked over.
If the insurance company thinks you were partly to blame for the accident, they might try to lower the settlement or even deny your claim. That is why it is important to have good proof to back up your claim.
Tips for maximizing your compensation after a car accident in las vegas.
Here are some ways to get the most compensation after a Las Vegas car accident:
- Gather proof.
Photograph the scene of the crash, your injuries, and any damage to your car. Collect witness accounts and keep copies of all medical bills and papers linked to your injuries.
- You should get medical help right away.
This will not only help you get the care you need, but it will also help the doctors keep track of your injuries. This can also strengthen your claim.
- Get in touch with a skilled Las Vegas car crash lawyer.
A skilled attorney can help you understand the difficulties of the claims process, fight for the pay you deserve, and ensure your rights are protected. Make sure you talk to a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.
You can improve your chances of getting fair pay for your injuries by using these tips, even if you were partly to blame for the accident.
Do not forget that contributory negligence can be a tricky judicial problem. If you have been involved in a car crash in Las Vegas, it is important to speak with an expert to understand your rights and choices.
