Table of Contents
OUR EXPERTISE
Car Accident Injury Attorney in Las Vegas
SJW is a team of car accident lawyers in Las Vegas, NV who represent people who are hurt or injured due to any kind of automobile accident. Unfortunately, there are a lot of car accidents in Las Vegas every day. If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident in the Las Vegas area, our attorneys can help. We understand that car accident injuries can be an overwhelming experience and that you will likely have questions and concerns.
The attorneys at SJW have significant experience handling all manner of motor vehicle collision cases and are here to help. If you’re here because you searched for an “auto accident attorney near me” and the accident was in Las Vegas or Nevada, contact us.
The people involved in car accidents don’t want to be just another Las Vegas car accident statistic and usually have a lot of questions and need answers immediately. One of the most common types of questions that car accident victims in Las Vegas ask themselves is when to get an attorney for a car accident. They might think things like, “Do I need a car accident lawyer?”, “What are average typical personal injury settlements in Nevada?”, “I’ve been in a car accident, do I need a lawyer?”, or “What are average settlements for car accidents in Nevada?” or “what is the average settlement for car accident neck injuries, average settlement for a shoulder injury, or head injury settlement amount?”. Every auto accident injury attorney at SJW Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas is here to help. We hope the information on this page answers your questions and helps you understand what to do when you get in a car accident, and what not to do.
It’s also possible for a motor vehicle accident victim to recover pain and suffering compensation. Learn more about calculating pain and suffering damages.
Of course, each car accident is different, and having one of SJW’s injury attorneys there to handle this process can significantly reduce the stress, worry, and hassle of getting your life back on track after a crash.
So the better question is not if you should talk with an auto accident attorney near you, but when to get an attorney for a car accident – and the answer to that is as soon as possible following the crash.
One of the first steps in any car accident claim is obtaining a copy of the police report. Learn about the process of Mesquite police report lookup, Laughlin police report lookup, Lincoln County police report lookup, or Clark County police report lookup.
Call Now: (702) 291-8007
Consultations are completely free
Insurance Coverage & Car Accidents in Las Vegas
Assuming that you know everyone involved in the car accident is safe and not injured, the next thing that often comes to mind is how you’re going to get your car repaired.
Getting your car repaired after an accident can be frustrating and it’s hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, let your insurance handle repairs if you have collision coverage. This will help ensure you are not taken advantage of by the insurance companies and avoid mistakes that can harm your claim.
For a more in-depth look into what to do until your car accident claim or case is resolved, visit our what to do after a car accident page.
There are some downsides to using your own insurance to get your car repaired.
For example:
- You will likely have to pay your deductible at the time of the repairs, but you should be reimbursed for the full amount of the deductible if and when the other insurance admits fault.
- If you cannot afford the deductible, you can request that your insurance company pay it for you. Some insurance companies will do this when they expect the deductible will be reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company.
It is possible (though we have found it unusual) for your insurance company to increase your rate, even if the other driver’s insurance later admits they were at fault, and reimburse your insurance for the repairs.
It is unusual, in our experience, that your insurance company will increase your rates because they will have been reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.
Also, an accident that was not your fault usually does not indicate to them that you are a risky driver.
If you do not have collision coverage or if you just prefer to go through the other driver’s insurance directly, you will likely have to wait until they determine their driver was at fault for the car accident.
This can take a while and the other driver’s insurance may never admit fault. This can happen even when the police cited the other driver as being at fault.
The other driver’s insurance company is not required to repair your vehicle if they do not think their driver was at fault.
Learn more about what happens when you get into a car accident without insurance.
Once you begin the process of getting your vehicle repaired, whether you go through your insurance or the other driver’s, that insurance company will have several “preferred body shops” they will recommend that you use to get the needed repairs.
They will often even “guarantee” any repairs done at one of their preferred shops.
Please know that if you are getting your vehicle repaired after a car accident, you do not have to use one of the insurance company’s preferred body shops.
And, because of the mutually beneficial relationship between insurance companies and their preferred body shops, we would advise you to be skeptical of any repair estimate you receive from such a shop.
Further, as car accident attorneys, we recommend that you get a repair estimate from a body shop that is not on the insurance company’s preferred list.
Once you do so, look to see if there are any needed repairs that the preferred shop missed.
If nothing was missed by the insurance company’s preferred body shop, it may be faster and easier to have the repairs completed there. Those shops are used to dealing with that insurance company and can often get the needed repairs approved and completed quickly.
You can also choose to skip getting the damage repaired and opt to receive a check for the estimated cost of the repairs.
We often encounter this question when a car is still drivable after an accident. However, please understand that if you still owe anything on your vehicle, your agreement with the lender usually requires you to have the repairs made, and failing to do so could be a breach of the terms of your loan.
However, if your vehicle is paid off, simply ask the insurance company to send you a check directly. Please note that cashing such a check will be considered a full and final settlement of your property damage claim.
If you need help getting your vehicle repaired after a car wreck, call us at (702) 291-8007 or contact us online to book a free case review today with a top-rated car accident attorney in Las Vegas.
Under Nevada law, either insurance company can find that your vehicle is a total loss after a car accident.
If the cost of repairing the vehicle is greater than 65% of the fair market value of the vehicle just before it was damaged in the crash, the insurance company can declare your vehicle a total loss.
One thing to be aware of is that your insurance company has a lot of discretion in determining what the fair market value of your vehicle is. While the insurance company will have a set of factors they use to make this determination, such as the make, model, mileage, condition, and the year of the vehicle, people rarely feel the value the insurance company comes up with is “fair.”
This is especially true for people with newer vehicles as the fair market value an insurance company must pay you is the same as the replacement cost of your vehicle.
Since new vehicles tend to depreciate significantly right after they are purchased, the fair market value is often a lot less than the actual cost to replace the vehicle.
Even worse, the amount offered by the insurance company can be significantly less than what is still owed on the vehicle loan. It is then up to the victim of the car accident to pay off the remainder of the loan out of their pocket.
This process, understandably, leaves a lot of people frustrated. They spend their money to buy a new or newer vehicle, someone else crashes into them, their car is totaled, and now they are being told they will only be paid a portion of what their car actually costs and, sometimes, less than what they still owe.
This is an unfortunate and common situation for car accident victims. But it is important to understand that you can push back on the insurance company.
If you think your car may have been totaled, be prepared to push back on whatever “fair market value” the insurance company assigns to your vehicle.
Determine what your actual mileage was, have your maintenance records, find the records for any recent improvements or repairs, and research the price of other similar used vehicles in your market.
While you may not get the insurance company up to a number that actually represents the real value of your vehicle, you may get significantly more just by pushing back on the insurance company’s initial offer.
If the insurance company is still unwilling to give you an adequate offer, you can decline but your remaining options will likely take time.
During this time, you may want to find the best car accident attorney in Las Vegas – someone who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If your vehicle was totaled in a car accident and you have questions, feel free to give us a call or come by our office at SJW Injury Attorneys.
Call Now: (702) 291-8007
Consultations are completely free
If You Are Left Without a Car After a Car Accident
It is not uncommon for vehicles in a car accident to be towed from the scene of the crash.
If a Las Vegas tow truck took your vehicle to a tow yard, as opposed to your home or directly to a body shop, it is important that you find out which tow yard and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.
Tow yards charge significant storage fees, often on a per-day basis. While you will likely need to pay storage fees yourself, you can later seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company and, if needed, possibly your own insurance for some portion of those fees.
Of course, finding out what is going to happen to your vehicle after a car accident and then getting it either repaired or replaced will take time.
This often leaves people who have just been in a car wreck, and sometimes their entire families, worried and wondering how they will get around until they get their car fixed or replaced.
This is often true even when someone has been seriously injured as, unless they are in the hospital, they will need a way to get to their various doctor appointments.
If the other driver caused the car accident, they are responsible for the reasonable cost of a rental car until your car is repaired or deemed a total loss.
However, the other driver’s insurance will not provide you with a rental car or reimburse you for a rental car that you paid for until they admit fault.
As people in a car accident need a rental car immediately, waiting for the days, weeks, or even months it might take the other driver’s insurance to admit fault is often unrealistic.
So, unless the other driver’s insurance admits fault immediately, the best option is often to go through your own insurance company.
If you have rental coverage, your own insurance should be able to get you into a rental car quickly and easily.
Your insurance company will then request that the other driver’s insurance reimburse them later. If you are using your insurance company, the rental period they will cover is often limited to a certain number of days.
You could be responsible for the cost of the rental if you keep the rental car longer than the covered period. This is true even if your vehicle is still being repaired.
If you do not have rental coverage, you will likely have to rent a car at your own expense and seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance if they admit fault and it is unlikely they will do so right away, unless you were rear-ended – if this is the case you should consult with a Las Vegas rear end accident attorney.
Learn more about rental car reimbursement for accident injuries.
When requesting that the other driver’s insurance company provides you with a rental car, they may request that you give them a statement regarding the car accident.
They may even claim that your statement can help them determine if their driver is at fault and whether they will pay for your rental car.
Again, you should avoid giving the other driver’s insurance company a statement. It is our experience that your statement is unlikely to change their decision on whether they believe their driver is at fault.
It is much more likely that they will try to use your statement against you to avoid paying a fair settlement.
Call Now: (702) 291-8007
Consultations are completely free
Reasons Why People May Miss Work After a Car Accident
Unfortunately, when you are injured in a car wreck, especially when you are seriously injured, it has an effect on all aspects of your life including your job.
People often need to miss work after being hurt in a car accident for several reasons.
One of the main reasons is that people need time to recover from their injuries. Some injuries – like back pain – can take days or weeks to appear, and even longer to heal. Learn more about how back injury lawyers can help you with car accident back injury settlements in Nevada, and explore the average knee injury settlement to ensure you receive fair compensation.
It is also common for people to miss work in order to get the medical care they need. For example, people injured in a wreck often need time to see various doctors, to get diagnostic testing done, to see physical therapists and chiropractors, and time to recover from surgery.
If you are required to miss work because of injuries you sustained in a car accident, the other driver and their insurance are responsible to reimburse you for the work you missed.
If your injuries are so serious that you can no longer work, such as when someone is permanently disabled, you may be entitled to recover the present value of the amount you would have earned during the remainder of your life.
Like any other type of damage you claim as the result of a car wreck, you will need evidence that you missed work because of your injuries.
This is commonly done through documents provided by your employer showing: how much you normally make, the days you missed, and any paid leave or vacation days you had to use.
If you missed work or can no longer work, contact us for free case review with the car accident attorneys in Las Vegas here at SJW Law Firm.
We will answer any questions you have about the car accident and recovering lost wages.
Call Now: (702) 291-8007
Consultations are completely free
How to Handle Social Media After a Car Accident
Continue to avoid posting anything related to your wreck or injuries on social media. Also, avoid posting anything that could give the appearance that you are not injured.
Again, this is not as simple as not posting about the car accident or your injuries directly.
If you post something that makes it seem as if you are happy and healthy, the other driver’s insurance company will likely try to claim it shows you were not really injured or not as injured as you claim.
This is often the case even when you post a photo that was taken before the car accident occurred or when there is a reasonable explanation as to why the photo gives the appearance you were not hurt when you really were.
The insurance company and their lawyers will still try to use the photo or other post against you and leave it to you to try and explain why it gives the wrong impression.
Looking for a Nevada accident attorney? Contact us today for a free consultation.
It is also important to avoid commenting on, liking, or otherwise promoting other people’s posts or comments on polarizing issues of the day.
Insurance companies and their lawyers may try to get your position on these issues into the case in the hopes that it hurts your likelihood of recovering any amount for your injuries because of the chance it would alienate some jurors if the case went to trial.
So, if you were hurt in a car accident, especially if you were seriously hurt, it is important to avoid any social media posts regarding the wreck, your injuries, or anything else that could be used to paint you in a negative light. If you’re in need of a car wreck lawyer in Las Vegas, contact us for a complimentary consultation. Also, rest assured that if you decide to engage our services, you won’t owe us any fees unless we secure a victory.
Call Now: (702) 291-8007
Consultations are completely free
Common Types of Auto Accidents We Represent
Our office is located near North Las Vegas in Centennial Hills, but we serve the entire Las Vegas area and all of Nevada. So, whether you’re looking for car accident injury lawyers in North Las Vegas or Las Vegas accident lawyers near you, contact us.
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Semi-Truck (Tractor-Trailer) Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- DUI Related Car Accidents
- Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use
- Distracted Driving
- Texting While Driving
- Car Accidents Involving Taxi Cabs
- Uber, Lyft, and other Las Vegas Rideshare Accidents
- Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians or People in Crosswalks
- Hit and Run Car Accidents
- Car accidents involving motor vehicle that would fall under Nevada lemon laws
- Car Accidents Involving Passengers
- Rear-End Car Accidents
- Left Turn Related Car Accidents
- Right Turn Related Car Accidents
- U-Turn Related Car Accidents
- Car Accidents Without Insurance
- Road Rage-Related Car Accidents
- Car Accidents Involving Tourists
- Marijuana-Related Car Accidents
- Running Stop Sign Accidents
- Running Red Light Accidents
- Failure to Yield Accidents
- Car Accidents Involving Prescription Drugs
- Car Accidents Resulting in Death (also called “Wrongful Death“)
- Car Accidents Resulting in Serious Injury
- Car Accidents Involving a Rental Car
- Bus Accidents
Contact Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada and are Googling for an “accident lawyer near me”, contact the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Sandoval James & Walkenshaw by calling (702) 291-8007 or using our online form today (24/7) for a free consultation.
Our cases. Your results.
Las Vegas Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Nevada
$1,000,000
Gross Settlement | Auto Accident
The team at SJW Injury Attorneys successfully obtained a $1,000,000 car accident settlement on behalf of our client after she was hit from behind by another driver.
$830,000
Gross Settlement | Wrongful Death
Settlement in a wrongful death cased caused by the decedent’s exposure to benzene in diesel fuel and other petroleum-based products. Before retaining SJW our clients were dropped by another, well-known, Las Vegas personal injury law firm. SJW took on the case and obtained a successful result for the family of the deceased.
View More$300,000
Gross Settlement | Work Injury / Premises Liability
Our client was injured while attending an after-hours work event. The team at SJW was able to obtain a $300,000.00 settlement on his behalf.
$270,000
Gross Settlement | Failure to Yield Right of Way Vehicle Accident
Our client suffered injuries to his neck, shoulder, and knee after a driver failed to yield the right of way at an intersection and collided with our driver side of our client’s vehicle.
View More$235,000
Gross Settlement | Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
Our client suffered a concussion as well as injuries to his knee, neck, and back after a driver ran a stop sign and collided with our client’s vehicle at a high rate of speed.
View More$200,000
Gross Settlement | Auto Accident
Our client was hit from behind at low speed by a drunk driver. Our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer fought to successfully obtain a rear-ended accident settlement of $200,000 on her behalf.
View More$125,000
Gross Settlement | Rear-Ended in Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
Our client suffered injuries to her back, shoulder, knee, and ankle after being rear-ended and then pushed into another vehicle.
$125,000
Gross Settlement | Failure to Yield Right of Way Auto Accident
$111,000
Gross Settlement | Rear-Ended in Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
$100,000
Gross Settlement | Failure to Yield Right of Way (FTYROW) Car Accident
$100,000
Gross Settlement | Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
Our client suffered injuries to her neck and back after being rear-ended.
$77,000
Gross Settlement | Rear-Ended in Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
$76,000
Gross Settlement | Rear-Ended in Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
$75,000
Gross Settlement | Failure to Yield Right of Way Accident
Our client suffered injuries to his chest and knee after a driver failed to yield the right of way and caused a collision with our client’s vehicle.
Reviews of Car Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada
“Amazing results! The best in Las Vegas! I was rear-ended by a drunk driver at a red light. I was hesitant to seek legal representation. It became apparent in the week following my accident that my pain was increasing and I had multiple injuries. It was difficult to get doctors’ offices to even see me once they heard that it was a motor vehicle accident. The auto insurance company offered me a trivial amount of money that I knew wasn’t even going to cover my copays for the treatment I would need. My friend encouraged me to call Shawn & it was the best decision I could have made. Shawn and his team helped me get the medical care I needed. They walked me through every step of the process with patience and respect. I will be sending my friends and family to Shawn. Call him. You will be glad you did.”
Aimee T
“I was involved in an accident January 2021 the driver was out of control and he jump in my lane and slammed the break immediately when the police came the realize he was under the influence and they give him a test he fails and was arrested and taking to jail I was injured when I got home I called all the personal injury attorneys that I seen on tv they all told me because I hate him from the rare they would not take my case because I was wrong I been check the telephone book after 15 more attorneys would not take my case the 16th attorney that I contacted I told him my story and he told me on the phone that he would take my case because he said I wasn’t wrong, the Law firm was SJW injury attorneys at law I was told to come to his office and my wife drove me there my attorney Shawn Walkenshaw and he was so sympathetic and very kind also Natasha his paralegal was always so friendly throughout this entire year Shawn rich the settlement on my case and also sued my insurance because my insurance made a bad decision and sighted with the man that caused the accident so he settled with my insurance company as well I was very very impressed with my Lawyer Shawn that got me a lot of money for my accident I Joseph Madira recommend SJW Injury Attorneys”
Belinda M
“Honestly, the best experience I have ever had when it has come to lawyers. I was in a car accident where I was hit from behind. My car showed no damage but I was hurt from the accident. No one wanted to help me out but SJW Injury Attorneys did. SJW Injury Attorneys also allowed me to choose my own chiropractor which is nice because you know that when they do something like this, they are not buddy buddies with someone who is trying to work together to just fatten their pockets. I also loved how friendly and nice Natasha was during the whole time the case was being settled. As I was recovering from a concussion, she was checking in on me weekly and also kept me updated on the case on a frequent basis. When I had to come in and sit with Mr Walkenshaw, he was very kind and took his time to explain everything about the case. Overall, the best experience I have had as a client compared to a car accident experience I had many years prior. I recommend that anyone who needs a trustworthy lawyer who takes their time to help you and make you feel as a valued client, I recommend SJW Injury Attorneys.”
Gil S
SJW are the best car accident attorneys out there. I originally did not want to get an attorney but after realizing the at faults party’s insurance company was going to give me the run around, I decided to contact SJW. SJW’s entire staff are honest, caring, compassionate and professional. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and always answered any questions I had. While a car accident can be very stressful, they made the entire process feel as smoothe as possible. I highly recommend SJW.”
Angelina N
“HARDWORKING & COMMITTED! SJW Injury Law was the best decision that I could have ever made when I was hurt in my auto accident. They took the time to listen to me and they made sure that I got thoroughly treated from the accident. Throughout the process they had the highest level of communication, customer service, and direction. They flat out overdelivered in my case and I couldn’t be happier. If you are in any accident don’t make a mistake and go somewhere else… you will regret it if you do. Thank you SJW Law Injury Team you all where AMAZING!”
Antonio T
Being involved in a car accident is probably one of the most stressful events in life. Most of us don’t know the laws or what course we need to take. Contacting SJW-injury attorneys was the best decision ever. They took over all of the legal work and kept me in the loop on everything that was going on. They told me to just get well and let them handle everything else. Natasha is a superstar that handles all the calls dealing with medical and insurance issues. They all do a outstanding job, but she is my favorite. I have recommended close friends to their firm and they have been very happy with the results. Thanks 🙏🏾 again for all you do.”
Keith B
“Working with SJW has honestly been the easiest process I have experienced. We never wish to be in an accident, but I am grateful I chose the right people to walk me through everything. Natasha was on top of everything and went above and beyond from simple car seat replacement to quickly answering questions/setting up appointments. She always kept me in the loop. I greatly appreciate everything and will be referring everyone over to them.”
Denise H
“The lawyers at SJW are the best car accident lawyers in Las Vegas!!! I was rear ended on the freeway. They got me an amazing result, and got it to me quick, and they helped me get the medical care I needed. Anyone I know that gets in a wreak I’m sending them to these guys.”
JED D
“I am extremely happy with the results I had with SJW. I was rear ended and soon began to deal with injuries and car problems that came with the wreck. Was frustrated and didn’t know where to begin. Shawn personally helped to get my car repaired in a timely manner , helped me schedule physical therapy, and settled my case quickly during Covid. I was extremely happy with my results. He made the process easy and I felt he truly cares for my best interest. So thankful for him and his team at SJW law.”
AMY D
“Shawn represented me in my car accident case. I must say that I am extremely happy with the representation that I received. Shawn is professional, knowledgeable, responsive, attentive, and truly cares about his clients. They kept me informed regarding the status of my case and were always available to answer questions. The staff was amazing. They were always welcoming and friendly. If you ever need an attorney, Shawn is the person you want to represent you.”