If a negligent or reckless driver injured you, the last thing you need is legal guesswork. You’re likely in pain, missing work, and worried about how to cover mounting bills. In more serious cases, you may be facing long-term medical treatment and a future that feels uncertain.
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Reno can make the difference between recovering what you need and being stuck with expenses that weren’t your fault. Speaking with an experienced Reno car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and the next steps toward recovery.
In Nevada, every accident sets off a chain of legal and financial consequences. If another driver caused the crash, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, property damage, and more. But that right isn’t automatic. The steps you take now matter, and so does the guidance you rely on.
Many websites focus on what to do at the scene of a crash: call 911, exchange information, and take pictures. That’s useful in the moment. But if you’re reading this, you’re likely past that point. You’re dealing with what comes next and need practical, reliable advice on how to protect your claim, deal with insurance, and get your life back on track.
Key Takeaways
- What you do in the first few weeks after a car crash can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation and the amount you may receive.
- Gaps in medical care or inconsistent documentation can weaken your injury claim.
- You are not required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company and doing so may hurt your case.
- Working with a Reno car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
- Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP provides personalized legal guidance for injured people across Northern Nevada. Call (775) 284-8888 for a free consultation.
The Hidden Cost of Injury: Financial Toxicity After a Car Accident
The financial fallout from a car accident can be just as damaging as the physical injuries. Many people think the most challenging part of a car accident is the physical recovery. But for most injured victims, financial toxicity is the lasting damage they didn’t see coming.
A 2019 study published in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that 88% of trauma patients experienced financial toxicity in the year following a serious injury, with more than half reporting unemployment, reduced income, and chronic financial stress.
Financial toxicity isn’t about unexpected bills alone. It’s the long-term health impact of financial stress. The study confirmed that victims who suffered financial toxicity had worse physical health outcomes, lower emotional well-being, and higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress. These effects grew more severe as financial stress increased.
Injury victims in Reno face the same risk. High-deductible insurance plans, unpaid medical bills, and time off work can spiral into lasting financial instability, especially for families without strong support systems. Younger adults, people without insurance, and those in larger households are most vulnerable.
The legal system can’t undo your injuries, but it can help stop the financial tailspin. Pursuing full and fair compensation with the help of a qualified Reno car accident lawyer can help you regain control over your finances, your recovery, and your future.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
Once you’ve been medically treated or evaluated for your injuries, there’s a window of time during which your actions or inaction can affect the strength of your claim. These are the most critical steps after a car accident in Reno to protect your legal rights and financial recovery.
Hire a Reno car accident lawyer early in the process
Insurance companies usually start the process of limiting their liability for a car accident immediately, especially if the crash involved a serious injury or death. The longer you wait to hire an experienced Reno car accident lawyer, the more leverage insurers may gain in shaping the outcome of your claim.
If you don’t have a lawyer managing your case, you risk saying the wrong thing to insurance adjusters or accepting a low settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering your long-term costs.
An auto accident attorney can take over the communication, preserve evidence, and start building your case from the ground up. They can also help you avoid common traps, like giving the insurer a recorded statement or signing documents you don’t fully understand.
You don’t need to wait for medical treatment to be complete or for an insurance offer to arrive. In fact, the sooner a lawyer can help you take control of your case, the better positioned you’ll be for a favorable outcome.
Keep every medical appointment and follow the treatment plan
Insurance companies track everything. If you skip appointments or stop treatment early, they may argue your injuries weren’t serious or that you caused the delay in your own recovery.
Following your doctor’s plan consistently builds a record that proves the severity and scope of your injuries. That includes:
- Attending every scheduled physical therapy or follow-up session
- Filling prescriptions and taking medications as prescribed
- Seeking referrals for specialists if advised by your physician
Even short gaps in treatment can be used against you during settlement negotiations or in court.
Create a journal to document pain and recovery
Your injuries are more than what shows up on an X-ray. Pain, fatigue, loss of mobility, and the emotional weight of a serious crash affect your daily life, and they matter when calculating non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
It’s difficult for people to see the intensity of your pain, your emotional trauma, and all the ways your life just isn’t the same. Keeping a written or video journal helps other people see your less visible injuries. Consistently record your:
- Daily pain levels and how they affect your ability to work or function
- Activities you can no longer do
- Sleep issues, mental health challenges, or emotional distress
- Any new diagnoses or complications over time
This type of record-keeping isn’t required, but it can strengthen your claim for pain and suffering damages and help your attorney present a full picture of your experience.
Save every bill, receipt, and repair estimate
The more financial documentation you have, the more complete your claim will be. Many clients think only medical bills count, but Nevada allows you to recover compensation for all accident-related expenses, including:
- Hospital and ER visits
- Follow-up care and therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Ride-share costs to and from appointments
- Vehicle repair or replacement estimates
- Home modification expenses (if applicable)
If you’re not sure whether something is reimbursable, save it anyway. Your attorney can determine what’s recoverable and what’s not.
Refrain from social media while your claim is active
Anything you post online, such as photos, comments, check-ins, or messages, could be used by the insurance company to dispute your injuries. This includes:
- Photos of you at events or vacation spots
- Comments that downplay your pain or recovery
- Posts that suggest physical activity or work performance
- Videos or photos of you your friends tag you in and share publicly
Even seemingly innocent posts can be twisted out of context. If your case involves a significant injury or long recovery, staying off social media altogether is the safest approach.
Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company
You are not legally required to talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company. In fact, doing so can damage your case.
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements early in the process. They may seem friendly, but their questions are designed to minimize or deny your claim. If you say you’re “feeling okay” or speculate about fault, those comments can be used to argue against you later.
Let your attorney handle all communications. They’ll ensure that your side of the story is presented accurately and in a way that supports your claim.
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident in Reno
In the days and weeks after a serious car accident, you may feel like you’re at the mercy of insurance companies. But Nevada law gives you clear rights as an injury victim, and when used correctly, those rights can help you recover compensation for every aspect of your loss.
You have the right to pursue compensation
If another driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle damage and personal property loss
- Loss of quality of life
In Nevada, injured parties can file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance or file a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered. Your attorney will help you choose the best path based on the severity of your injuries and the available insurance coverage.
You have the right to reject a low settlement offer
Insurance companies often try to close claims quickly. But early offers almost always fall short of what’s needed for long-term recovery. If you agree to a settlement offer and sign a release, you forfeit your right to additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new injuries are discovered later.
You don’t have to accept an offer that doesn’t reflect your losses. A Reno car accident lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim, including future costs and non-economic damages, and push for a fair resolution.
You have the right to not be unfairly blamed
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means your compensation is reduced if you're partly at fault, but only if your share of the blame is less than 50%. If you're found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
This rule makes it critical to dispute unfair blame. Insurance companies often try to assign partial fault to avoid paying full compensation. Your lawyer can counter this with documentation, witness statements, and expert opinions.
Reno Car Accident Risk Is Higher Than You Think
Reno ranks first in the nation for the percentage of fatal crashes occurring during rush hour, according to an analysis of federal traffic data. In one recent five-year period, 28% of fatal crashes in the Reno metro area happened between 6–9 a.m. or 4–7 p.m.—the highest rate among 70 U.S. cities studied.
This is especially concerning given:
- Reno’s growing population and busy corridors like McCarran Blvd, Virginia Street, and I-580
- Common causes of local crashes include failure to yield, distracted driving, and speeding
- Winter weather and high-altitude roads can create additional hazards
Because these types of crashes often involve serious injuries, multiple vehicles, and conflicting stories, legal help becomes essential. Your lawyer can sort through crash reports, insurance policies, and traffic camera footage to support your claim.
FAQs: What Reno Drivers Need to Know After a Crash
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Nevada?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims (NRS 11.190). For property damage claims, the deadline is three years. Exceptions apply in cases involving government vehicles or minors, so talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
You should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries from car accidents, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately but can become serious or lead to complications if left untreated.
Delays in treatment don’t necessarily end your case, but they give insurers room to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. Prompt medical records create a clear link between the accident and your condition, which makes your claim much harder to challenge. If you haven’t been evaluated yet, make that appointment today.
What should I avoid saying to the insurance adjuster?
Avoid guessing, minimizing your injuries, or agreeing to a recorded statement. Don't say things like “I’m fine” or “I’m not sure what happened.” These comments can be used to deny or undervalue your claim. The best course of action is to politely decline to talk to the adjuster and provide them with the name and number of your lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer even if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Yes. Even if liability seems clear, insurance companies may still dispute the severity of your injuries or the value of your claim. A lawyer protects your rights and fights for the compensation you need to cover the full extent of your losses.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP?
Selecting the right lawyer after a serious crash comes down to proven results, courtroom readiness, and a fierce commitment to clients through some of the toughest times of their life.
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP, we don’t take every case that comes through the door. We take the ones we believe in and we give them everything we have. We’ve helped clients in Nevada recover millions for injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents, dangerous property conditions, and several other types of personal injury claims.
Every case we take gets our full attention. When we say we’ll fight for maximum compensation, we mean it. Our trial lawyers prepare every case with the possibility of court in mind, and insurance companies know we’re ready; we understand when a personal injury case goes to trial and what it takes to win.
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Protect Your Rights After a Reno Car Accident
If you're trying to figure out what to do after a car accident in Reno, you’ve already taken the right first step by researching your rights. The next step is to get help. Let our personal injury lawyers take over the legal side of your recovery while you focus on healing.
We’ll handle the insurance company, the paperwork, and every legal deadline. More importantly, we’ll advocate for the maximum compensation allowed under Nevada law so you can focus on recovering and moving ahead. Call (775) 284-8888 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk today.