Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in Las Vegas? You May Still Recover Compensation
After a car accident, many people assume they cannot recover compensation if they made a mistake or played some role in causing the crash.
That is not true.
In Nevada, you can still recover compensation after a car accident even if you were partially at fault. However, the amount you recover may be reduced depending on your percentage of responsibility.
At Solis Torres Law, we help accident victims throughout Las Vegas understand their rights, push back against unfair blame, and pursue the compensation they deserve after serious crashes.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault in Nevada?
Yes.
Nevada follows a legal rule called modified comparative negligence.
Under Nevada law, you may still recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident.
However:
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation
Example of Shared Fault in Nevada
Imagine your total damages are $100,000.
If you are found:
10% at fault → You recover $90,000
25% at fault → You recover $75,000
50% at fault → You recover $50,000
51% at fault → You recover nothing
This is why fault allocation matters so much after a Nevada car accident.
Insurance companies know that even small increases in your fault percentage can save them thousands of dollars.
Common Situations Where Drivers Share Fault
Many crashes are not completely one-sided.
Shared fault commonly happens in:
Rear-End Accidents
While rear drivers are often blamed, the lead driver may share fault if they:
Slammed on brakes unexpectedly
Had broken brake lights
Reversed suddenly
Intersection Accidents
Fault may be shared when:
One driver speeds through a yellow light
Another fails to yield
Visibility is limited
Lane Change Accidents
Multiple drivers may contribute to lane merge collisions.
Distracted Driving Cases
If both drivers were distracted, liability may be split.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Chain-reaction accidents often involve several parties sharing blame.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Even if you were partially responsible, you may still recover compensation for:
Medical Expenses
This includes:
Emergency room visits
Ambulance costs
Surgery
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Future treatment
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover lost income.
Reduced Future Earning Capacity
Serious injuries may permanently affect your ability to earn money.
Pain and Suffering
Nevada law allows compensation for:
Physical pain
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property Damage
Vehicle repairs or replacement costs may also be recoverable.
How Insurance Companies Use Shared Fault Against You
Insurance companies aggressively look for ways to shift blame.
Why?
Because every percentage point of fault assigned to you reduces what they have to pay.
Common tactics include:
Twisting Your Statements
Simple comments like:
“I didn’t see them.”
or
“I’m sorry.”
can later be used as admissions of fault.
Claiming You Were Distracted
Insurers may try to argue you were:
Texting
Using GPS
Talking on the phone
Not paying attention
Blaming Preexisting Conditions
They may argue your injuries existed before the crash.
Downplaying Vehicle Damage
Adjusters often claim:
“The impact was too minor to cause serious injury.”
even when medical evidence says otherwise.
This is why speaking carefully after a crash matters.
What To Do After an Accident If You Think You Were Partially at Fault
1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Even minor symptoms matter.
Medical records help connect injuries to the accident.
Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
2. Call Police and Get a Report
A police report may contain:
Driver statements
Witness accounts
Traffic violations
Officer observations
This evidence can become critical later.
3. Take Photos and Videos
Document:
Vehicle damage
Road conditions
Traffic signals
Skid marks
Weather conditions
Visible injuries
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not speculate about what happened.
Stick to facts only.
You may not know the full circumstances of the crash.
5. Be Careful With Insurance Companies
Report the accident, but avoid detailed recorded statements without legal advice.
Insurance companies are not neutral investigators.
Their goal is to minimize payouts.
6. Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Early
Early representation can protect your rights before insurance companies try to unfairly assign blame.
How a Lawyer Helps in Shared Fault Cases
Partial fault cases are often heavily disputed.
At Solis Torres Law, we help clients:
Investigate crashes thoroughly
Gather witness statements
Obtain traffic camera footage
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Challenge unfair fault allegations
Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Insurance companies frequently offer higher settlements when they know a law firm is ready to fight.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Nevada?
In most cases, Nevada gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
Waiting too long can permanently bar recovery.
Evidence also disappears quickly after accidents.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Early Matters
Shared fault cases can become complicated quickly.
The earlier you get legal help, the easier it becomes to:
Preserve evidence
Protect your statements
Build your case
Maximize compensation
At Solis Torres Law, we understand Nevada comparative negligence laws and fight to ensure clients are not blamed unfairly.
If you were injured in a Las Vegas car accident and think you may be partially at fault, call Solis Torres Law today at (702) 522-5555 for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still sue if I was partially at fault?
Yes. In Nevada, you may recover compensation if you are 50% or less responsible.
What happens if I am 51% at fault?
You cannot recover compensation under Nevada law.
How is fault determined?
Insurance companies and courts review police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical evidence, and accident reconstruction.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
No. Stick to facts and avoid speculation.
Will insurance companies try to blame me?
Often yes. Reducing your compensation benefits them financially.
