When you're injured in a crash caused by someone else’s careless or reckless driving, you shouldn’t have to pay the price. Medical bills stack up fast, your job may be on hold, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies only adds to the pressure. If you need answers, a way forward, and a trusted legal team that knows how to get results, Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP can help.
Our Reno car accident lawyers bring over a century of combined experience to every case, but what matters most is how we use it—to help people rebuild their lives. We know no amount of money can undo the pain or restore everything you’ve lost. But the right compensation can lift financial burdens, give you access to the care you need, and create space for healing.
That’s what we fight for, and that’s what you can expect from the moment you call us.
Key Takeaways for Reno Car Accident Lawyer
- Reno is among the top U.S. cities for fatal rush-hour crashes, especially along I-80, U.S. 395, and the Spaghetti Bowl interchange
- Most car crashes in Reno are preventable and caused by human error, including speeding, distracted driving, and impairment
- Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault as long as you weren’t mostly responsible.
- Car accident injuries often require ongoing care and have ripple effects on your physical, emotional, and financial health
- Car accident victims should seek legal help immediately to protect their rights and avoid common insurance traps
- Our lawyers build strong claims for maximum compensation and provide hands-on, compassionate guidance through every step of the process
Why Choose Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP?
We don’t take every case. We aren’t a high-volume firm or settlement mill. We only take cases where we believe we can make a significant difference in your recovery and future. Here’s why people across Washoe County and Northern Nevada trust our team:
You work directly with a trial lawyer
Our experienced Reno car accident lawyers take the lead on your case from day one. We build every case with trial in mind, which strengthens our position at the negotiating table and keeps the pressure on the insurance company.
We’ve won major results in tough cases
Our case results include millions recovered for victims injured in crashes involving drunk drivers, commercial vehicles, and negligent property owners. We’ve handled everything from mild whiplash to fatal injuries, and we know how to build winning cases from the ground up.
We keep you informed and involved
When you call, we answer. You’ll never be left in the dark about where your case stands. We take pride in offering responsive, clear communication that gives you confidence in what comes next.
We charge no fees unless we win
You do not have to worry about affording a lawyer. Our car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only earn an attorney's fee if we recover compensation for you. Our agreement clearly explains how you pay nothing upfront and are not responsible for case costs unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
Where Do Serious Car Accidents Happen in Reno?
Reno has one of the highest rates of fatal rush-hour crashes in the country. According to a study using federal data, 28% of deadly collisions in the Reno metro area happen during morning and evening commute hours—the highest percentage of any U.S. city studied.
Of course, car accidents can and do happen anywhere and anytime in Reno, but some of the consistently risky areas are:
Most Dangerous Roads and Highways
- Virginia Street / US-395 BUS: Highest crash rates citywide; heavy traffic, lots of intersections, many rear-end/sideswipe crashes.
- 4th Street: Large crash total for a city street; dense downtown traffic, heavy pedestrian use, many driveways.
- 6th Street: Notably high accident rates from busy intersections and fast, complex traffic.
- Mount Rose Highway (SR 431): Steep, winding, and hazardous in snow/ice; frequent winter crashes.
- Interstate 80 ("Spaghetti Bowl" interchange): Congested, confusing ramps and merges; consistently high accident counts.
Riskiest Intersections
- I-80 & Wells Avenue: High-speed merging, confusing traffic flow.
- I-580 & Moana Lane: Heavy ramp traffic, signal light issues.
- Kietzke Lane & Mill/McCarran Blvd: Multiple turn lanes, complex crossings.
- Pyramid Way & McCarran Blvd: Uneven lane design, high volume, confusing layout.
Multi-User Danger Zones
- Virginia Street Corridor (esp. downtown/Grove Street): Wide, high-speed lanes; poor visibility, lots of bike/pedestrian crashes.
- Moana/Lakeside, Arlington Ave, 4th St west of Evans: Frequent conflicts for cyclists and walkers due to limited visibility and driver yielding issues.
Most serious accidents happen because someone failed to yield, drove distracted, or ran a traffic signal. Rear-end crashes, sideswipes, and T-bone collisions are especially common during peak congestion.
Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?
You might, especially if the other driver acted carelessly or broke traffic laws. Nevada law allows injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians to seek compensation when another person’s negligence causes them harm.
To bring a successful claim, your Reno car accident attorney must prove the following:
- The other driver had a duty of care, such as following traffic laws and driving safely.
- They breached that duty by speeding, running a red light, or otherwise acting negligently.
- Their actions directly caused your injuries—there’s a clear link between what the other driver did wrong and the harm you suffered.
- You suffered damages, such as medical expenses, missed wages, or pain and suffering.
In some cases, more than one party may be liable. For example, a trucking company that failed to maintain its fleet or a bar that overserved an intoxicated driver could share responsibility. Our Reno car accident lawyers will investigate all potential sources of fault and build a case that holds each liable party accountable.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Nevada applies a rule called modified comparative negligence. You can still file a claim as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will decrease by your percentage of blame. But if you’re 51% at fault, you won’t recover any damages.
This rule can work in your favor, but it can also be used against you, especially if the other side tries to shift more blame onto you. A skilled car accident lawyer will defend you from unfair allegations and protect the value of your claim with evidence-based facts.
Even if you think you were partially to blame, don’t make that call yourself. Let a Reno auto accident attorney evaluate the full picture.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Reno?
Medical attention after a car accident is vital for your health and for your case. Some injuries take time to surface, and a doctor can document your symptoms if your injuries worsen. That medical record connects your injuries to the crash—a link that the insurance company may try to dispute.
After you’ve seen a doctor, there are other steps that matter just as much to protect your claim:
- Hire a lawyer right away: A car accident lawyer can immediately start protecting your claim. That includes gathering time-sensitive evidence, communicating with insurers, and making sure you don’t say or sign anything that could work against you later.
- Follow your treatment plan: Insurance companies track your medical visits closely. If you skip appointments or ignore medical advice, they may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you made them worse.
- Keep a recovery journal: Daily notes about your pain, physical limitations, and emotional struggles create a personal timeline that supports your claim. Judges and juries want to understand how your life changed after the crash. Doing this supports your claim for pain and suffering damages.
- Save everything: Keep every receipt, prescription, and medical record. These documents show how the accident has affected you financially and physically, and they provide hard proof when it’s time to negotiate a settlement.
- Don’t post on social media: Insurance investigators monitor your online presence. Even innocent posts or photos can be used to question the severity of your injuries or the truth of your story.
Every choice you make after the accident can shape the outcome of your case. Taking these steps shows that you're serious about your recovery.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Our team has decades of experience handling a wide range of crashes throughout Reno and Northern Nevada, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk and drug-impaired driving accidents
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Rollover accidents
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Crashes caused by mechanical failure or road defects
Multi-vehicle crashes can happen on icy roads near Mount Rose Highway, and construction zones around the Tesla Gigafactory in Sparks can create serious hazards for drivers. These areas and others across Northern Nevada present unique challenges. Our team understands how to build strong, fact-driven claims rooted in the realities of driving in and around Reno.
Common Injuries From Reno Car Accidents
Even at low speeds, a crash can leave you with more than just vehicle damage. Some injuries are immediately obvious. Others develop slowly but can disrupt your life for months or years. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for:
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal trauma
- Whiplash, a soft tissue injury that can cause lasting neck pain, stiffness, and limited mobility—especially after rear-end collisions
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries, which may require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term mobility support
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from concussions to long-term cognitive impairment
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Facial injuries, including broken bones and dental trauma
- Emotional trauma and PTSD, which can affect sleep, mood, and the ability to return to normal routines after the crash
If your injuries interfere with your ability to work, enjoy life, or care for yourself or your family, you may have a strong personal injury claim. A Reno car crash attorney can help you document those losses and fight for maximum compensation.
What Compensation Is Available in a Reno Car Accident Claim?
When someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, Nevada law gives you the right to seek full and fair compensation for the impact that crash has had—and will have—on your life.
Compensation may cover:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
When a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, Nevada law allows surviving family members to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 41.085, families may pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the profound loss of care, guidance, and companionship.
While no legal action can make things whole, holding the at-fault party accountable can help ease the financial burden and create a path forward.
How a Reno Auto Accident Attorney Builds Your Case
Insurance companies don’t hand out fair settlements voluntarily. That’s where having a skilled legal team makes the difference.
When you hire our firm, we immediately go to work to:
- Investigate the crash using police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements
- Consult accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Analyze your medical records and speak to your treating physicians
- Calculate the full scope of your damages, not just the immediate costs
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Prepare your case for court from day one, even if it settles before trial
This strategic, trial-ready approach lets insurers know we won’t settle for less than what your claim is worth. That’s how we’ve recovered millions for our clients.
Proven Results for Our Clients
We Handle the Insurance Companies
After a car accident, it’s common to hear from the other driver’s insurance company—sometimes within hours. The adjuster may sound helpful and supportive, but their job is to protect the company’s interests, not yours. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Talk to a lawyer if an insurer asks you to give a recorded statement. What you say early on can affect your entire case.
- Wait before signing any release. Once you sign, you give up the right to pursue further compensation, even if your condition worsens. Talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
- Know the full scope of your medical needs. Some injuries take time to diagnose or may require long-term treatment. They may affect you in the future in ways you never expected.
Insurance companies focus on reducing payouts. Our job is to make sure they treat you fairly and that you don’t settle for less than what your claim is truly worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reno Car Accident Cases
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Nevada?
The statute of limitations for most car accident claims in Nevada is two years from the date of the crash, according to NRS § 11.190. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages, you may still have options. We can help you file a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if it’s part of your policy.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Our Reno car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront or hourly fees. We only earn an attorney's fee if we secure a financial recovery for you.
We explain this clearly in our free consultation.
What if I only have minor injuries?
Even minor injuries can lead to big problems down the line. Whiplash, for instance, may not show symptoms right away but can become chronic. A lawyer can help you evaluate the true cost of your injuries and avoid settling too soon.
Can I recover lost wages if I missed work?
Yes. If your injuries caused you to miss time at your job or will affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for those lost wages and potential future income.
What is Nevada’s at-fault car insurance system?
Nevada is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages, usually through their auto liability insurance. To recover compensation, you must prove the other driver was negligent.
Does Nevada require drivers to carry car insurance?
Yes. Nevada law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage limits.
These minimums, often called "25/50/20," include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage
What information should I get from the other driver after a crash?
Politely get the other driver's name, address, phone number, and driver's license number. You also need the name of their insurance company and their policy number. Use your phone to take pictures of their license, insurance card, and license plate. Avoid arguing about fault at the scene.
Do I have to report a car accident to the police in Reno?
You must report any crash to the police that results in bodily injury, death, or apparent property damage of $750 or more. You must also submit a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1) to the Nevada DMV within 10 days, unless a police officer filed a report. We can help you manage this paperwork.
OUR CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES
Ready to Speak With a Reno Car Accident Lawyer?
You’ve got enough on your plate. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Whether your accident happened on I-580, South Virginia Street, or a rural road outside Fernley, our team is here to help you pursue the financial recovery you need and the peace of mind you deserve.
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman LLP, we don’t cut corners. We don’t rush to settle. Our personal injury lawyers prepare every case for trial and fight for the best possible outcome because that’s what your future depends on.
Speak with a Reno car accident lawyer. Reno clients can contact us online or call (775) 284-8888 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available evenings and weekends, and we’re happy to meet you wherever is most convenient.