Car accidents may be common among residents in certain areas, but when they involve out-of-state drivers, everything becomes more complicated.
Causes of Car Accidents Among Tourists
The main cause of car accidents for Las Vegas residents? Simply not paying attention to where they’re going. This is also true for people who are “just visiting.” While residents may be in a rush to make lights or get around other vehicles, tourists are sometimes too busy trying to figure out where they are, or where they’re going.
Before a tourist knows it, he’s hit another car, motorcycle, or pedestrian and is now officially involved in an out-of-state vehicle accident. And if there are any injuries, the injured parties may be entitled to compensation. When this happens, Nevada is very strict about who may represent injured parties in personal injury claim, and even who may speak to the insurance companies.
Filing a Claim and Finding a Lawyer
Personal injury claims for car accidents that happen in Las Vegas can be filed in Nevada, regardless of where the injured party—or the person accused of causing the crash—lives. If that at-fault person is the out-of-state party, the car accident claim may also be filed in their own state.
The Nevada State Bar is very clear on the fact that only lawyers with a license to practice law in Nevada may do so. Other states may allow out-of-state attorneys to represent clients within the state, but Nevada is not one of them. This is one way in which Las Vegas car accidents involving out-of-state drivers can become complicated.
If the injured party is not from Las Vegas, he or she will either need to wait until home to file a personal injury claim, or will need to hire a lawyer licensed to practice in Nevada. This obviously makes things more difficult; add to that the fact that The Nevada State Bar strictly prohibits any lawyer not licensed from even speaking to any insurance company about the accident.
If you have been involved in a car accident involving an out-of-state driver, contact one of our attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We’re attorneys licensed to practice in Nevada, and one of our live representatives is waiting to speak with you.