Walking through the streets of Reno should be a safe way to travel, but a single moment of driver inattention can change everything. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the physical and financial toll often feels overwhelming. Families are left to manage sudden medical bills and the stress of a long recovery while trying to hold the responsible party accountable. While nothing can undo the accident, working with a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured parties hold the at-fault driver accountable.
At Jensen Personal Injury Law, we understand the grief and uncertainty that follow these catastrophic events. Bob Jensen brings over 40 years of experience to every case he handles. As a certified personal injury specialist, he provides the high level of expertise needed to manage complex litigation for those sustained by irreplaceable loss.
Why You Need a Reno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Your Claim
Securing a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer early in the process is a vital step in protecting your rights. Insurance companies often move quickly to protect their own interests, sometimes reaching out before you have fully assessed your injuries. Having a legal representative ensures that someone is fighting for you while you focus on healing.
A local attorney offers a distinct advantage because they understand Reno-specific corridors and the nuances of the local court systems. Whether an accident happened near the casino districts or in a residential neighborhood, our firm uses local expertise to help build a strategic case. We act as your advocate, managing the heavy lifting of the legal process so you can find peace of mind during a difficult time.
Navigating Insurance and Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
In most pedestrian cases, the primary source of recovery is a claim against the driver’s auto insurance policy. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, the next avenue for recovery will be a claim against the pedestrian’s auto insurance. If neither party is covered by an active auto insurance policy, coverage may still be possible through other means.
Household members or relatives may have resident relative policies that can potentially apply to the situation. Because every insurance contract is different, a lawyer can help you identify all possible avenues for compensation. We look for every available resource to help you cover unmanageable medical bills and lost pay.
Understanding Your Rights and Nevada Personal Injury Laws
Nevada laws provide a framework for victims to seek justice, but these rules require precise application. The legal team at Jensen Personal Injury Law maintains a compassionate approach while handling the technical details of your claim. We aim to make the law accessible, helping you understand how local statutes might affect your recovery.
Types of Damages Available to Pedestrian Victims
Victims of a pedestrian accident could be entitled to several types of damages. These are generally split into two categories:
- Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses like current and future medical bills, as well as lost wages from missing work.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address subjective experiences such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the loss of enjoyment of life.
Nevada Comparative Fault and Your Recovery (NRS 41.141)
Nevada follows a modified comparative fault rule under NRS 41.141. This means a victim can seek recovery as long as their percentage of fault is not greater than the other party’s fault. This is often referred to as the 51% bar. To provide a balanced view, it is important to note that your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds you were 20% responsible for the accident, your final award would be reduced by that same 20%.
When the Municipality Shares Liability for Infrastructure
There are cases where a government entity, such as the City of Reno, may be responsible for an accident. This might happen due to signal timing errors, poorly marked crosswalks, or dangerous intersection designs. It is important to know that claims against a municipality involve different timelines. Since notice requirements for government claims are typically much shorter than those for private citizens, immediate legal consultation becomes critical.
Proactive Steps to Support Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Taking specific actions immediately after an accident can support the legal team in building the strongest possible case. These steps help preserve the truth of what happened before evidence disappears. Whether you are dealing with a vehicle collision or need the specialized insight of a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer, following these protocols is vital for protecting your recovery.
Step 1: Secure Immediate Medical Attention and a Police Report
The first action to take is calling 911. This ensures that emergency responders can assess your injuries and that law enforcement documents the scene. A police report provides an official, unbiased record of the event. This document is a critical piece of evidence for future legal proceedings.
Step 2: Capture Scene Evidence and Identify Witnesses
If it is safe and you are able to do so, use a phone to take photos of all vehicles involved and their positions on the road. Be sure to capture traffic signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Additionally, gather contact information from any eyewitnesses. Their testimony could be vital if the case moves to trial.
Step 3: Act Quickly to Preserve Local Surveillance Footage
In Reno, nearby businesses and casinos often have cameras that capture traffic or pedestrian activity. However, you cannot assume this footage will be there when you need it. Many local security systems use a “looping” recording cycle that overwrites old data to make room for new footage. Depending on the system’s storage capacity, critical video can be permanently lost in as little as 48 to 72 hours.
When you contact a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer, the team moves quickly to identify these cameras and send formal spoliation letters to property owners. These legal notices require the business to preserve specific footage that might be relevant to your claim. Without this immediate action, the strongest witness to your accident could be deleted before your case even begins.
Step 4: Avoid Detailed Statements to Insurance Representatives
Avoid signing documents or providing recorded statements to the other party’s insurance agent without legal counsel. Statements made in the heat of the moment might be taken out of context. Your lawyer should handle all communications with the insurance company to prevent inadvertent harm to your claim.
Contact a Reno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you are looking for a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer, our firm is ready to help. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we win your case. This policy removes financial barriers, allowing you to seek aggressive and experienced representation without upfront costs.
Let our team manage the litigation and negotiations while you focus on your physical recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support your path toward fair compensation.