Car Accident Attorney

Motor vehicle accidents can result in serious temporary and permanent injuries; some injuries not manifesting their symptoms for several years. Nationwide, there are so many auto accidents every year that the insurance companies do everything they can to limit financial recovery for accident victims. If you have suffered a personal injury in a car crash or motor vehicle accident in Nevada, you need a skilled and experienced Nevada car accident attorney to help ensure that you get the financial compensation you deserve. At the Law Office of Kathleen A. Sigurdson, Esq. in Reno, Nevada, we have the experience needed to represent victims of motor vehicle accidents. We represent car crash victims throughout Northern Nevada. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.

Contact the motor vehicle accident attorneys at the Law Office of Kathleen A. Sigurdson, Esq., to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your claim.

We do not charge a fee if we do not recover compensation on your personal injury claim.


Motor Vehicle Accidents - An Overview

Cases arising out of automobile accidents are by far the most common type of personal injury case in our court system today. This is not surprising, given that every 10 seconds, someone in the United States is involved in a car accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Except in those states where "no-fault" legislation has been passed, these cases are typically governed by the law of negligence. Generally, people who operate automobiles must exercise "reasonable care under the circumstances." A failure to use reasonable care is considered negligence. A person who negligently operates a vehicle may be required to pay for harm to a person or property, caused by his or her negligence. The injured party, known as the plaintiff, is required to prove that the defendant was negligent, that the negligence caused the accident, and that the accident caused the plaintiff's injuries. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney experienced in automobile accident cases in order to best protect your interests.

Injuries and Compensation

Generally, an individual injured in an automobile accident may bring a claim or lawsuit to recover the actual expenses associated with property damage and medical costs, economic damages, and emotional and physical pain and suffering. Litigation involving motor vehicle accidents can be extremely complicated. Retaining an experienced lawyer familiar with motor vehicle accident damages will place you in the best position to receive the recovery that you deserve.

Insurance Claims Dos & Don'ts

    Do call the police and file a written report. Make sure you get the case number from the police officer before they leave the scene.
    Do go to your doctor as soon as you can. If you need emergency care, tell the police to call an ambulance for you.
    Do call your agent immediately to report the accident. Ask your agent if you have medical payments coverage. This will help pay for any medical care you need.
    Do NOT give a recorded statement to the other insurance company. Contact an attorney to know your rights before you take to them. The other parties' insurance company is NOT your representative or your friend. They are there to protect their own financial interests.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists

Many drivers ignore motor vehicle insurance requirements, cannot afford to purchase insurance, or carry insufficient insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage is a form of insurance that pays compensation for bodily injury that results from an accident with a driver who is legally responsible for the injuries, but has no liability coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage pays compensation for bodily injury that results from an accident with a driver who has liability insurance with limits that are lower than the injured party's underinsured motorist coverage limits. If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important that you contact an attorney at an experienced personal injury law firm immediately so you do not waive valuable legal rights.

What to do if you are in an accident

If you are involved in an automobile collision, stop. Most states require an individual not to leave the scene of an accident, even a minor one, without first stopping to see whether there are damages or injuries. A person may be criminally prosecuted for leaving the scene of an automobile accident.

    1. Call the police for assistance and file a written report with the officer.
    2. Ask for an ambulance if you are seriously injured.
    3. Report your accident to your insurance company.
    4. Go to your doctor as soon as possible to be checked and treated for any injuries you may have suffered.
    5. Follow your doctor's direction for treatment.
    6. Do NOT give the other insurance company a statement without the help of an attorney. They are not your friends.
    7. Do NOT accept any money from the other insurance company for your bodily injuries before you are done with your treatment. Once you accept money, you cannot ask for money later on if you need more treatment later.
    8. If you are seriously injured, seek legal assistance. This can be very complicated and you need to focus on getting well. Let a professional deal with the insurance company.