The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reported car accident data on Washoe County. In 2021, there were 7,125 motor vehicle accidents. Less than half of these resulted in an injury or fatality. Of these accidents, 3,084 resulted in an injury and 33 were fatal. Many car accidents in Reno happen during the evening hours and on urban roads. Our Northern Nevada personal injury lawyer is here to dive deeper into this data and show how it applies to Reno auto accidents, and what you can do if you or a loved one get injured in a crash.
Types of Reno Auto Accidents
Zero Fatalities has insightful crash data about the causes of car accidents in Nevada. Different types of Reno car accidents include:
- Impaired driving is the leading cause of fatal traffic accidents. In an impaired driving accident, the injured party will often file a claim to recover costs that insurance companies may try not to pay. Those costs may include lost wages, additional medical expenses, and non-economic damages. In a DUI-related injury case, the injured party has a lesser burden to prove negligence because the criminal case establishes that the defendant breached their duty of care.
- Lane departure accidents often happen for a wide variety of different reasons and are the second leading cause of fatal car accidents. Some drivers might not signal before changing lanes and hit a driver that they don’t see in their blind spot. Lane departures also happen when someone temporarily loses control of their vehicle.
- Speeding and intersection accidents can also result in a fatality. These Reno auto accident cases involve high speeds, rushing through a yellow light, or failing to understand when to yield. These accidents happen in downtown Reno, on busy ramps to the freeway, and at busy intersections. They can involve breaking a traffic law or driver confusion.
- Pedestrian accidents are also fairly common in downtown Reno and were the fifth leading cause of fatal accidents in Nevada. Pedestrian accidents frequently happen when a driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection. They also can happen when a pedestrian doesn’t use a crosswalk.
What Fatal Car Collisions Are Most Common?
According to a recent Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts (NTSCF) report, impaired driving—defined as cases where a driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher and/or tested positive for drugs—accounted for 51% of all traffic fatalities in Nevada from 2018-2022. These stats show that impaired driving is the leading cause of fatal crashes in the state.
Among these fatal accident collisions, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that angled crashes (a.k.a. t-bone or broadside wrecks) are the leading type of car collision that result in the greatest number of deaths.
Injuries After Reno Auto Accidents
Reno car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries:
- Brain injuries
- Spine and neck injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Facial injuries from flying glass and debris
- Broken bones and fractures
Unfortunately, some accidents have fatal consequences, resulting in families dealing with both emotional distress and unexpected financial challenges. A Reno injury lawyer can offer compassionate support and legal guidance to those who have lost a loved one in a car accident and are seeking to file a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney can assist you in seeking compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, lost future earnings, and emotional distress.
When Should You File a Reno Car Accident Claim?
After a car collision, you’ll face a choice on whether or not you should accept the first settlement offer presented to you. If you can walk away from an accident with a short-term injury, the settlement from the insurance company may be enough to cover medical expenses and property damage. However, most initial insurance settlements do not cover lost wages or non-economic damages like pain and suffering, nor do they offer a punitive damages option.
For more severe injuries, you might want to pursue a settlement that will cover things like lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of future income, and even loss of companionship. A Reno personal injury attorney, like Lerner and Rowe, can help you recover the highest amount of funds that you may be entitled to after a car wreck.
That’s why it is important to think carefully about accepting an initial settlement from an insurance company. Once you accept an insurance settlement, you may no longer have the opportunity to pursue a higher amount.
How Much Are Reno Auto Accidents Settlements?
If you choose to take a settlement from an insurance company, the amount should at minimum equal your losses in the accident up to the amount insured for the at-fault party. According to the Bureau of Justice, the average car accident case that makes it to court has an average damage amount of $15,000. However, some cases have damages awarded of over $1,000,000.
How to Retain a Lawyer after a Reno Auto Accident
Don’t wait to get the representation you deserve when you need it most! Our northern Nevada personal injury lawyer works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees until compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Call 775-644-4444 to schedule a free consultation with our Reno car accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe. They can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to and advise you on the right course of action to take with your case.