Reno Car Accident Lawyer

Handling the aftermath of a car accident in Reno feels overwhelming when you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and mounting medical bills. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize what they pay, which puts crash victims at a disadvantage during one of the most stressful times in their lives. A Reno car accident lawyer levels the playing field and protects your rights throughout the claims process.

Leverty & Associates has represented Reno crash victims for over 40 years. The firm’s deep Nevada legal experience, combined with specialized insurance law knowledge, helps injured people navigate complex claims and fight for fair compensation. Patrick Leverty holds board certification in personal injury law by the Nevada Justice Association, and Gene Leverty previously served as Nevada’s Deputy Insurance Commissioner.

Whether your crash happened on Virginia Street, the I-80/I-580 interchange, or North McCarran Boulevard, a free consultation provides clarity about what your claim involves and what steps make sense for your situation.

Why Choose Leverty & Associates for Your Reno Car Accident Case

Finding the right legal representation after a crash means looking for attorneys who understand both Nevada law and insurance industry tactics. Leverty & Associates brings more than 100 years of combined legal experience to car accident cases. The firm has recovered over $150 million for clients throughout its history through thorough case preparation, strong negotiation skills, and a willingness to take cases to trial when insurers refuse fair settlements.

Insurance Law Background

Patrick Leverty holds a master’s degree (LLM) in insurance law, providing deep understanding of policy language and coverage disputes. Gene Leverty’s background as Nevada’s Deputy Insurance Commissioner provides insider knowledge of how insurers operate and evaluate claims. This insurance law experience becomes particularly valuable when companies deny claims, delay payments, or attempt to shift blame to crash victims.

Decades of Reno Experience

The firm has served Northern Nevada communities for over 40 years. This local presence entails understanding Reno’s traffic patterns, identifying which intersections are prone to frequent accidents, and recognizing how Washoe County courts handle injury cases. Attorneys who practice in the community where crashes occur bring practical advantages that out-of-town firms cannot match.

Contingency Fee Representation

Leverty & Associates handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, receiving payment only if they recover compensation for you. You pay no upfront costs for legal representation, which removes financial barriers and aligns the firm’s interests with yours.

Car Accident Compensation in Reno

The value of a car accident claim depends on multiple factors that vary from case to case. Nevada law allows injured people to pursue several types of compensation, though the specific amount depends on your injuries, treatment needs, and how the accident affects your life.

Types of Compensation Available

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. Medical expenses include emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Lost wages account for time missed from work during recovery. Property damage addresses vehicle repairs or replacement costs. Nevada law allows compensation for future medical care, lost earning capacity, and other long-term impacts of permanent injuries when conditions require ongoing treatment or create permanent limitations.

Non-economic damages address physical and emotional impact beyond direct financial costs. Pain and suffering reflects the discomfort and limitations injuries cause in daily life. Loss of enjoyment of life applies when injuries prevent participation in activities you previously enjoyed. Emotional distress may be compensable when crashes cause psychological trauma.

Factors That Influence Claim Value

Several elements affect how much compensation you might recover. The following factors play significant roles in claim valuation:

• Injury severity and whether conditions create permanent impairment or long-term limitations
• Treatment duration and whether recovery requires extensive medical intervention
• Liability clarity, as disputed fault complicates negotiations under Nevada’s comparative negligence rules
• Insurance policy limits that sometimes cap available compensation regardless of injury severity
• Documentation quality through thorough medical records and evidence of how injuries affect daily life

A Reno car accident lawyer helps identify all applicable damages and documents losses thoroughly to support fair compensation.

Understanding Nevada Car Accident Laws

Nevada’s legal framework directly affects your ability to recover compensation after crashes. State-specific rules help explain why certain case factors matter more than others and what challenges you might face during the claims process.

Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule under NRS 41.141. Injured people recover damages if their fault is 50% or less. If they are found 51% or more at fault, they recover nothing. If they are found 30% at fault, compensation is reduced by 30%.

This rule makes liability disputes extremely important. Insurance companies have strong financial incentives to argue that crash victims share responsibility, even in situations where fault might seem clear.

Filing Deadlines and Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nevada is two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline means losing your right to pursue compensation permanently. Evidence disappears as time passes, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become less willing to negotiate fairly.

Local Traffic Patterns and High-Risk Areas

Washoe County sees thousands of motor vehicle crashes annually. Major corridors like Virginia Street, McCarran Boulevard, and the I-80/I-580 interchange handle heavy traffic volumes daily. Intersections account for a significant portion of collisions, often involving left-turn accidents, rear-end crashes, and red-light violations.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Car accidents happen in various ways, each presenting different legal and factual challenges. Leverty & Associates represents Reno crash victims in all types of motor vehicle collisions.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions often result from following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops. These crashes commonly cause whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma. The rear vehicle typically bears fault under Nevada traffic laws, though insurance companies sometimes might argue that the front driver stopped suddenly or unnecessarily.

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents involve left-turn collisions, red-light violations, and failure-to-yield situations. Determining which driver had the right-of-way becomes critical because Nevada law establishes specific priority rules for different intersection scenarios.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Multi-vehicle pileups involve three or more vehicles and create complicated liability situations. Each driver’s insurance company tries to shift blame to others. Determining the sequence of events becomes essential for establishing who caused the initial collision.

Uninsured Driver Cases

Unfortunately, many Nevada drivers are uninsured. If the at-fault driver lacks coverage, you will need to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. To be successful, you must prove that the uninsured driver caused the accident and that your injuries qualify for compensation under your specific policy. Be prepared for your insurance company to contest the UM claim, similar to how a third-party insurer would challenge a claim.

Fighting Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses that prioritize their financial interests. Understanding their common tactics intended to lower the amounts they pay out helps crash victims recognize when they need legal protection.

Early Settlement Pressure

Quick settlement offers tend to arrive before you fully understand your injuries. Adjusters contact victims within days of crashes and present offers that typically undervalue claims. Many injuries don’t manifest fully for days or weeks after accidents. Accepting early settlements means giving up your rights to additional compensation if your condition deteriorates.

Recorded Statement Tactics

Recorded statements create opportunities for insurance companies to use your words against you later. Adjusters frame these requests as routine claim processing, but they’re evidence-gathering tools designed to lock you into specific narratives before you understand your injuries or legal rights. Nevada law doesn’t require you to provide recorded statements to other parties’ insurers.

Blame-Shifting Arguments

Blame-shifting tactics attempt to make you partially or fully responsible for crashes you didn’t cause. Nevada’s comparative negligence rule gives insurers strong motivation to argue you share fault. Insurance companies sometimes misrepresent traffic laws, ignore witness statements favorable to you, or emphasize minor mistakes while downplaying major violations committed by their insureds.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage Limits

When at-fault drivers carry insufficient insurance to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage through your own policy may provide additional compensation. Underinsured motorist coverage is subject to your policy limits and may not cover all damages if your injuries exceed the available coverage. Accessing this coverage requires demonstrating to your insurer that your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s liability limits.

How Legal Representation Protects You

Leverty & Associates protects clients from insurance company tactics through experienced legal representation. The firm handles all insurance communications, preventing clients from making statements that hurt their claims. Attorneys document injuries thoroughly, gather evidence that establishes liability clearly, and counter blame-shifting arguments with factual responses. When insurers refuse fair settlements, the firm’s trial experience motivates better negotiation outcomes.

What to Do After Your Reno Car Accident

The steps you take after a crash affect your ability to recover fair compensation. Following these guidelines makes your case stronger regardless of your specific situation.

Prioritize Medical Treatment

Following medical recommendations remains the most important action after an accident. See doctors promptly when symptoms appear, attend all scheduled appointments, and complete prescribed treatment plans. Gaps in medical care give insurance companies opportunities to argue your injuries weren’t serious or didn’t result from the crash.

Document Your Losses

Keeping detailed records creates documentation that supports your compensation claim. Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and treatment summaries. Document lost wages with pay stubs and employer letters. Take photos of injuries as they heal and vehicle damage. Keep a journal noting daily symptoms and how injuries affect your normal activities.

Obtain the Police Report

The police report provides an official accident record that includes driver information, witness statements, officer observations, and sometimes preliminary fault determinations. Request a copy from the investigating agency shortly after your crash.

Consult an Attorney Early

Bring all available information to your free consultation to help the attorneys evaluate your case accurately. Leverty & Associates reviews police reports, medical records, insurance policies, and any correspondence you’ve received from insurers. Early consultation helps prevent mistakes that might harm claims later.

FAQ for Reno Car Accident Claims

How much does a Reno car accident lawyer cost?

Leverty & Associates handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. The firm receives payment only if we recover compensation for you. You pay no upfront costs, which removes financial barriers that prevent injured people from accessing experienced attorneys.

What if the insurance company says I caused the accident?

Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as your fault is 50% or less. If insurers argue you share responsibility, legal representation becomes critical. Attorneys investigate independently and challenge inaccurate liability determinations that reduce your compensation unfairly.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy provides compensation when at-fault drivers lack insurance. These claims require proof that the uninsured driver caused the crash and often face resistance from your own insurer. Legal representation helps you to navigate UM claim requirements and pursue full compensation despite the lack of third-party coverage.

Get Help From an Experienced Reno Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and financial stress after a car accident feels overwhelming. You don’t have to handle these challenges alone. Leverty & Associates offers free consultations that provide clarity about your legal rights, what your claim involves, and what steps protect your financial recovery.

The firm’s 40-plus years of Reno experience, combined with insurance law knowledge, helps our clients navigate complicated claims and fight for fair compensation. Patrick Leverty’s board certification in personal injury law and Gene Leverty’s background as Nevada’s Deputy Insurance Commissioner give the firm unique insights into how insurers handle motor vehicle claims.

Contact Leverty & Associates today to discuss your Reno car accident case. Call (775) 322-6636 for a free consultation with attorneys who understand Nevada law and pursue fair compensation for injured people. The firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Speak With a Reno Car Accident Attorney