Driving without the required amount of insurance in Nevada is against the law. Unfortunately, that does not stop hundreds of people from getting behind the wheel without insurance in Nevada every day. If you get into a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may need to hire a Las Vegas car accident attorney to help you with the recovery process.
How Much Automobile Insurance Is Required in Nevada?
Nevada is a fault-based car insurance state. Under this law, all drivers are required to purchase and maintain minimum amounts of liability automobile insurance. This type of coverage pays for the medical bills and property repairs of others after an at-fault accident.
The minimum required amounts of insurance in Nevada are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $20,000 in property damage liability insurance. Anything less than this is a violation of the state’s car insurance laws.
What Happens if You Get Into an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Las Vegas?
A car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver means that, unlike a standard car accident case, you may not be able to rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay for your losses. Instead, you will have to turn to your own car insurance policy for coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance are two types of optional coverage in Nevada. If you want to opt out of purchasing this insurance, you must do so in writing. Otherwise, it will automatically be added to your policy.
Call your own car insurance company after an accident involving an uninsured/underinsured driver to find out if you have UM/UIM insurance that can pay for your losses, such as your medical costs, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
If you don’t have this type of insurance, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage, your health insurance and other types of insurance may be available to help you pay for gaps in coverage created by an underinsured driver.
Filing a Lawsuit for an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident in Las Vegas
If you don’t have adequate first-party coverage available, you should consult with an attorney about your other legal options. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for causing the crash. However, this may not result in the compensation that you need, as uninsured drivers often do not have the assets to pay for crash damages out of pocket.
If a third party caused or contributed to your accident, this may provide another source of financial relief. You could bring a claim against a vehicle manufacturer for a defective auto part, for example, or the Las Vegas municipal government for a road defect that caused the crash. An attorney can carefully evaluate your case to identify all potential sources of coverage.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help
It is possible to recover financially from a motor vehicle collision involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Las Vegas. However, you need to understand your legal rights and options to proceed the right way. The most effective way to handle your case is by contacting an experienced car accident lawyer for assistance and legal guidance.
An attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to explore all of your options for financial compensation. Then, your lawyer can file claims and negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf, including your own insurer. If necessary, your attorney can take your car accident case to trial in Clark County in pursuit of maximum compensation.
To discuss a recent uninsured or underinsured vehicle accident in Las Vegas with a knowledgeable attorney, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates at (702) 508-7334 24/7 for a free consultation.