If you were a passenger injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, you have necessary legal rights and multiple options for compensation. Nevada law allows injured passengers to recover damages whether the at-fault driver was operating the car you were in or another vehicle entirely.
At Temple Injury Law, our experienced car accident lawyers have helped countless car accident victims secure settlements and awards for their injuries. As a car accident lawyer team with years of experience in Nevada personal injury law, we know how to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Passenger Rights Under Nevada Car Accident Laws
Nevada follows a fault-based insurance system, not a “no-fault” one. This means that the person responsible for causing the crash or their insurance company is legally responsible for covering all resulting damages.
As a passenger, you are almost never at fault for a collision, which makes your personal injury claim particularly strong under Nevada law. Whether the at-fault driver was behind the wheel of your car or another vehicle, you can seek compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Key Points to Remember
- Passengers have a legal right to compensation if they’re injured because of someone else’s negligence.
- The Nevada statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Claims can be made even if the driver is a friend or family member. The claim goes through their insurance company, not against them personally.
Understanding these rights early helps prevent insurance adjusters from undervaluing or denying your claim.
Filing a Claim: Who You Can Sue
Depending on the facts of the crash, passengers may have several potential options for whom to file a claim against:
- The at-fault driver of another vehicle, if that driver’s negligence caused the crash.
- The driver of your vehicle, if your driver was speeding, distracted, or intoxicated at the time of the accident.
- Multiple negligent parties, in cases where both drivers share responsibility under Nevada’s comparative negligence rule.
- The vehicle owner’s insurance applies if the car was borrowed and the driver was not the owner.
- Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, if you were injured as a rideshare passenger in Las Vegas.
Under Nevada’s comparative negligence system, your claim can involve multiple insurance policies. Each responsible party may owe you a percentage of your total damages.
Compensation Available to Injured Passengers in Car Accident Cases
If you’ve suffered car accident injuries, you may be entitled to several types of financial compensation. This includes both economic and non-economic damages designed to restore your health, income, and quality of life.
Economic Damages
- Medical bills and treatment costs, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care or therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work
- Property damage for personal items destroyed in the crash
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries such as broken bones or traumatic brain injuries
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of daily living
Nevada does not impose a specific cap on pain and suffering damages in standard car accident claims, meaning passengers can recover the full value of their losses.
Car Insurance Coverage and Claim Options
Insurance coverage is central to determining your car accident settlement. Depending on the type of policies involved, injured passengers may file claims under several sources of coverage:
- The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage (The primary source for most claims).
- The driver’s MedPay (Medical Payments) coverage (Covers your medical expenses regardless of fault).
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage (Applies if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.)
- Your own health insurance (covers medical costs upfront, with reimbursement possible later through subrogation).
Because these coverage layers can overlap, a Las Vegas accident attorney can help identify all available policies to maximize your payout.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident as a Passenger
Knowing what to do immediately after the crash can significantly impact your ability to claim compensation. Protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim by following these steps:
- Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed. Official documentation supports your claim.
- Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries like concussions or whiplash may appear later.
- Gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photos, videos, and collect witness statements and insurance details.
- Avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Consult a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer quickly to guide you through the claims process and protect you from unfair tactics.
Hire a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Working with an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your outcome. At Temple Injury Law, we handle every stage of your personal injury claim, from investigation to negotiation to litigation if needed.
Our attorneys can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of liability
- Gather and preserve important evidence and medical documentation
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit when insurers refuse to pay
An experienced personal injury attorney ensures that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the rightful compensation from insurance claims.
Call Our Auto Accident Attorney to Handle Your Car Accident Claims
At Temple Injury Law, we understand that being injured as a passenger in a car accident can leave you feeling uncertain about your next steps. Beyond handling the legal process, our focus is on helping clients heal, rebuild confidence, and move forward with peace of mind.
One of our clients, Ebony Petty, shared her experience after trusting our firm with her injury case:
This law firm is more than great. I walked in and told Jeff about my accident and he took it from there. I didn’t have to worry about the calls or the paperwork from the insurance companies — Jeff and his team handled it all. And let’s not forget the settlement amount which was way more than I expected. If you need an injury lawyer, choose Jeff Temple — you will not regret it!!
If you or a loved one were injured as a passenger in a Las Vegas car accident, Contact Temple Injury Law for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Jeff Temple focuses his practice in the area of personal injury. As a skilled personal injury attorney, he handles a broad range of cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. He is a graduate of the Radford University, he later attended the University of Miami School of Law and studied abroad at University College London. Upon graduating, Jeff relocated to Las Vegas and founded Temple Injury Law in 2022.
