Suffering injuries in a Las Vegas car accident is always a daunting experience—but when the driver who caused the crash is uninsured, the sense of worry and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, car repair costs, and lost income all compound the stress. Howard Injury Law understands these challenges and is dedicated to helping injured victims find a pathway to recovery, even when the at-fault motorist lacks liability insurance. Call us at Howard Injury Law 24/7 at (702) 331-5722 for a free consultation or fill out our 24/7 web form.
Uninsured Accidents in Las Vegas
Uninsured motorist accidents occur when the driver responsible for a crash does not have valid auto insurance. In Nevada, all drivers are legally required to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. Yet, roughly 10% of Nevada drivers are uninsured—a figure that means thousands of local residents are at risk for uncompensated injuries each year.
LIABILITY INSURANCE:
What it is:
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage expenses when you cause harm to others or their property in a car accident.
What it covers:
It pays for claims made against you by other parties involved in an accident that you caused.
Nevada legal requirement:
Drivers must carry at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
What it doesn’t cover:
Your own medical bills or vehicle repairs are not covered by liability insurance.
UNINSURED UNDERINSURED MOTORIST (UM/UIM) INSURANCE:
What it is:
UM/UIM coverage is optional insurance that kicks in when you are injured by a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance.
What it covers:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene (hit-and-run).
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers your losses when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to pay all your damages.
Nevada status:
Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage, but you have to choose to buy it or formally decline it in writing.
What it doesn’t cover:
UM/UIM does not cover damage to your vehicle—that is typically covered by collision insurance. It also doesn’t pay if the at-fault driver has enough insurance to cover your expenses.
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Las Vegas, do not lose hope. There are several avenues for financial recovery available, and experienced car accident lawyers can guide you through Nevada’s complex insurance and liability system.
Common Causes of Uninsured Driver Accidents
In Las Vegas, uninsured accidents most often result from:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive maneuvers and violations, like running red lights
- Financial hardship leading to lapsed insurance coverage
Many uninsured drivers take risks that endanger everyone on the road. That’s why it’s critical to work with attorneys who can uncover the facts and maximize your compensation.
How Can You Recover Damages After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
When the driver at fault does not have insurance, you usually cannot file a claim against their policy. Instead, Nevada law provides two main options:
1. Filing a Claim Against Your Own Uninsured Motorist Policy
If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Prescription medications
- Costs tied to rehabilitation and physical therapy
UM/UIM claims apply whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, or injured as a pedestrian. Your insurance company will investigate fault and damages, sometimes requiring you to show police reports or medical records.
2. Using Medpay and Health Insurance
Medpay, an optional auto insurance benefit, immediately covers accident-related medical costs, including for passengers and injured pedestrians. Unlike liability insurance, Medpay does not require a fault determination and pays without co-pays or deductibles.
You may also use your regular health insurance, but most providers will request reimbursement from any settlement you receive later. Understanding how these benefits coordinate is key to preventing financial hardship.
3. Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries and you lack UM/UIM coverage, you can file a direct claim against the at-fault driver. This process may be more complicated if the driver has limited assets, but a qualified car accident lawyer in Las Vegas NV can help pursue the case vigorously.
Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Accidents
Las Vegas sees elevated rates of hit-and-run collisions, which are also treated as uninsured motorist cases if the at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified. In these situations, timely police reporting and prompt claims against your own policy are essential.
What to Do After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Las Vegas
To protect your rights and claim maximum compensation, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention—even mild injuries should be documented for your claim.
- Report the crash to local law enforcement and obtain an official report.
- Notify your insurance company, stating that the other driver is uninsured.
- Gather evidence: photographs of the scene, damaged vehicles, contact information for witnesses, and copies of all medical bills.
- Consult an experienced car accident lawyer Las Vegas NV for uninsured driver cases, who can review your insurance policy, negotiate with insurers, and prepare your claim or lawsuit.
Why Do Some Drivers Go Uninsured?
Drivers may be uninsured due to financial hardship, lack of knowledge about state laws, or due to suspended or revoked licenses. Their decision puts innocent victims at risk, making uninsured motorist coverage an especially valuable protection for all Las Vegans.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in when you are injured by a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. The two main types are:
- UMBI (Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- UMPD (Uninsured Motorist Property Damage): Handles vehicle repair and property damage costs.
Your insurer reviews accident details, police reports, and bills to determine compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, arbitration or legal action may be required. The process can be daunting, but having skilled legal counsel is vital to fight for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing an uninsured motorist claim in Nevada?
Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, though prompt action is always recommended.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Yes. If a driver flees the scene and cannot be identified, your UM/UIM policy applies.
Can I still recover damages if partially at fault?
Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule allows partial recovery if you are less than 51% at fault.
What if my insurance company denies my UM/UIM claim?
A car accident lawyer Las Vegas NV for uninsured driver cases can help dispute denials or take legal action against the insurer for a fair settlement.
The Importance of Legal Experience
Every insurance company has its own claims process and objectives. At Howard Injury Law, our attorneys have decades of experience with uninsured and underinsured accident cases, handling negotiations, gathering strong evidence, and advocating for full financial recovery.
We’ll assess your situation, review your insurance policies, and push back against unfair settlement tactics. If necessary, our firm is prepared to take your case to court, ensuring justice for injuries caused by uninsured motorists. With over 20 years of legal experience and over $75M in settlements, we’re here to fight for you!
Contact Howard Injury Law
Uninsured driver accidents are an unfortunate reality on Las Vegas streets. Don’t let an irresponsible motorist derail your future. At Howard Injury Law, we expertly guide you through the legal process as your dedicated personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas.
From the initial FREE consultation to the resolution of your case, our experienced car accident attorneys or personal injury lawyers serve Nevada, California, Colorado, and Arizona, and are committed to providing comprehensive support and representation. We understand the complexities and challenges that come with personal injury claims, and we’re here to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Call or fill out our free online form!
Free Consultation with Howard Injury Law:
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