If you were involved in a car accident while driving a leased car, you must report what happened to:
- Your insurance company
- The leasing company
- Law enforcement
Contacting these entities might seem intimidating, especially if you’re suffering injuries from the accident. If you hire a lawyer from our firm, we can take over all communication and help you recoup your damages stemming from the accident.
Who to Inform about the Accident
Notifying certain parties about the leased car accident is one step towards protecting yourself in the legal process. All of the following entities require you to tell them about the accident:
Law Enforcement
The State of Nevada requires you to notify the police and file a Report of Traffic Crash (SR-1) with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you were in an accident in which:
- Someone was injured.
- Someone died.
- A vehicle sustained more than $750 worth of damage.
You might not have to file a report because it is part of the officer’s duty once they arrive at the scene.
They also might call an ambulance if anyone was seriously hurt. We encourage you to go to the hospital to get checked following an accident. Not only will medical attention be good for your health, but its documentation can be used as evidence to link the accident to your injuries.
The Insurance Company
You can start your insurance claim by seeking compensation through the at-fault driver’s policy within the limits of their coverage. The following minimum insurance coverage that the Nevada Division of Insurance (DOI) requires is:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
An insurance representative from the other party’s insurance company will determine how much they will cover within the policy limits. If the total repair or replacement costs go beyond your limit, you can use your Gap coverage. It is common for drivers who lease cars to purchase this coverage because it makes up the difference between your remaining payments and the total value of the car.
Don’t worry if you didn’t purchase Gap insurance. There are other avenues that can help you recover the costs of your vehicle.
The Leasing Company
The leasing company might have a specific protocol for repairs, as they might have you go to the dealership or let you choose your local mechanic.
If you do not inform them of the accident or repair it according to the company’s policy, you might have to pay extra fines when your lease ends.
For a free legal consultation, call (855) 605-2959
Pursuing Compensation Beyond Insurance Policy Limits
If your insurance doesn’t completely cover all of your damages, you can file a claim with the other party’s insurance company to recoup them. If they are resistant to paying you what you need, you might have grounds to file a lawsuit. Under NRS §11.190(4)(e), you have two years from the day of the accident to bring a civil suit against the other driver.
In either your claim or lawsuit, you may be able to sue for damages, such as:
- Past and future medical bills: If your injuries called for emergency and ongoing care
- Property damage: If you need help covering repair and replacement costs
- Past lost wages: If you couldn’t work after suffering your injuries
- Future loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to your regular job after the accident
- Past and future mental anguish: If your mental health suffered after the accident
- Past and future pain and suffering: If you are in serious physical pain or can’t participate in activities you once enjoyed
If your loved one lost their life in a leased car accident, you could recover the costs of their medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and your own loss of consortium, loss of support, and more.
Our Accident Lawyers Can Represent You on Contingency
Should you hire our firm for legal representation, we will handle every aspect of your case on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay us a dime unless and until you win compensation. We can:
- Gather evidence
- Take witness statements
- Study applicable insurance policies
- Identify who is liable for the accident
- Fight for a settlement on your behalf
- Take over communication with all involved parties
- Assist you with complying with state deadlines
- Champion you in court, if need be
Never hesitate to contact your law firm if you have any questions regarding the legal process. We want to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible for you.
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Get Started on Your Leased Car Accident Case with the Attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law Today
We have won hundreds of millions of dollars for clients with our combined 60-plus years of experience. Let us help you after you were in a car accident while driving a leased car. For a free consultation with one of our team members, call us today at (702) 444-3228.
Call or text (855) 605-2959 or complete a Free Case Review form