Understanding the Las Vegas car accident case timeline is important for victims as they pursue financial justice. Two families may have need for such understanding after losing their loved ones in a recent motor vehicle accident on north Lamb Boulevard near Kell Lane. The 54-year-old and 67-year-old men were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by an SUV driven by a teen driver.

Motor vehicle accidents often result in serious injuries or death, which can leave those harmed struggling with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Through a motor vehicle accident lawsuit, however, victims and their families can seek the compensation they need.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle wreck, you have rights. Call George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, 702-388-2005. We will help you understand your options, and guide you through the Las Vegas car accident timeline. We offer FREE initial consultations.
Who Is Liable for Las Vegas Car Accidents?
Determining liability in Las Vegas car accidents can be challenging. Generally, the driver who caused the crash is held liable. However, in some cases, multiple parties, or those not even at the scene, may bear financial responsibility. Factors that may impact car accident case liability include:
Negligence
If drivers fail to exercise reasonable care, they may be considered negligent and be held liable for resulting damages. Negligence on the part of a driver may include speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence.
At the time of the recent fatal traffic accident on Lamb Boulevard, the 16-year-old was speeding. Traveling at excessive speeds is dangerous for drivers of all ages, but particularly so for teens.
Vehicle Defects
Vehicle manufacturers or repair shops may be responsible if car malfunctions cause motor vehicle collisions. For instance, defects, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, increasing the risk of them hitting other vehicles or objects on the road.
Road Hazards
Some car wrecks are due to poorly maintained roads or hazardous road conditions. In such cases, the responsible government agency may be liable for resulting injuries.
Third-Party Liability
Third-parties can also be liable for the negligence of drivers. For instance, the employer or company may be financially responsible for accidents caused by delivery or rideshare drivers.
When Are Parents Responsible for Accidents Caused by Teen Drivers?
Through vicarious liability, Nevada parents can be held responsible for accidents caused by their teen drivers under certain circumstances. Situations in which parents may be liable for motor vehicle collisions caused by their teenage drivers include:
Permissive Use
If parents knowingly allow their teen to drive a vehicle they own, they may be held responsible for the accidents caused by their child’s negligence.
Negligent Supervision
If parents fail to adequately supervise their teenager’s driving habits or fail to enforce strict driving restrictions, they may be liable for resulting damages.
The teen in the fatal accident that occurred in Las Vegas recently was unlicensed. It was not reported whether the 16-year-old had parental permission to drive the vehicle, nor who owns the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, the family of the decedent may seek to hold the teen driver’s parents liable.
What Are the Stages of a Las Vegas Car Accident Case?
The Las Vegas car accident case timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. However, the common stages of the Nevada personal injury process include:
Initial Investigation
Law enforcement is often called by victims, at-fault drivers, or bystanders in the case of serious motor vehicle accidents. They will create a report detailing the accident, including information about the involved parties, witnesses, and the cause of the crash.
In addition to notifying law enforcement for an investigation, those harmed in car wrecks should also file auto insurance claims.
Medical Treatment and Documentation
Even if their injuries seem minor, those involved in serious auto accidents should promptly seek medical attention. Doing so helps identify and treat injuries, such as internal bleeding, that may not cause symptoms right away. It also establishes a record of treatment for the injury, as well as its cause.
Hiring a Lawyer
An experienced Nevada motor vehicle accident attorney may offer much-needed guidance and support through each step of the Las Vegas car accident case timeline. A lawyer can help victims understand their options, as well as aid in the process of helping them obtain the compensation they need.
Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Before proceeding to a civil lawsuit, people involved in Las Vegas car accidents seek to recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While they may seem as though they are compassionate to the needs of victims after a wreck, insurance companies often seek to minimize their payouts. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer will handle these negotiations on behalf of their clients and work to obtain full and fair compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, car accident victims may pursue a civil case to recover compensation for their associated losses through the court system. Through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, motor vehicle collision victims or their families may seek to recover damages for losses including lost wages, associated medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Discovery Phase
After filing and before trial, the case will go through the discovery phase. At that time, the parties involved will exchange information and documents relevant to the case. Such information and documents may include various evidence gathered, such as law enforcement accident reports and medical records.
Pre-Trial Motions and Settlement Negotiations
During and after the discovery phase, there is time allowed for both parties to file motions and engage in settlement negotiations. Pre-trial motions may include requests not to allow evidence, for example.
Trial
When settlements cannot be reached, Las Vegas personal injury cases go to trial. At that time, a judge or jury will review evidence and listen to testimony to decide liability.
Judgment and Appeal
After a hearing, the court will issue a judgment. If either party disagrees with the decision, they may choose to appeal it.
Does the Process Differ for Fatal Crash Cases?
The processes for personal injury cases and wrongful death cases stemming from Las Vegas car accidents share similarities and have differences. Unlike injury lawsuits, which are initiated by victims themselves, wrongful death lawsuits are filed by the family members of the deceased. In addition to seeking compensation for the losses that decedents’ family members suffer, victims’ estates may file survival actions to recover damages for their pain and suffering before their deaths. Las Vegas wrongful death lawyers help families understand these differences and navigate the path before them.
How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take in Las Vegas?
The duration of a Las Vegas car accident case can vary significantly, depending on several factors. A case with minimal injuries and clear liability may be resolved within a few months. However, more complex cases, such as those including deaths or where there are questions about fault, can take much longer. The most common factors affecting how long it takes to get a car accident settlement include:
The Complexity of the Case
Cases involving multiple parties, serious injuries, or disputed liability tend to take longer. While some motor vehicle accident claims are settled early in the process, others must go through all the stages before a resolution is achieved.
The Cooperation of the Insurance Companies
The willingness of insurance companies to cooperate and promptly settle claims can impact the case timeline. If insurance companies are cooperative and willing to fairly assess the claim and offer a reasonable settlement, the process can move much faster. However, if insurance companies deny claims, undervalue damages, or engage in protracted negotiations, it can delay the resolution of the case.
Court Backlogs
Courts in some jurisdictions have backlogs, which may draw out the timeline for a car accident case going to trial, particularly if it goes to trial. Such delays may cause additional stress and financial hardship for accident victims and their families.
In the aftermath of a Las Vegas car accident, the timeline for recovering compensation can vary, which may only add to the stress and challenges victims and their families experience. We offer FREE initial consultations at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices. Our attorney, George Bochanis, has more than 30 years of legal experience, and has helped recover millions of dollars on behalf of those injured through the negligence of others. To discuss your case, and the expected timeline you may anticipate, contact us today.