Category Archives: Car Driver Safety

Current Nevada Car Seat Requirements

As of 2021, Nevada car seat law requires that the driver secure any child in a car seat when the child is under 60 pounds and under the age of six years old. In Nevada, children must have a car seat that is appropriate for their size. In addition, the car seat must be properly secured to the vehicle and installed properly. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your car seat is properly installed, any fire station in Las Vegas or Henderson will help you make sure the car seat is properly installed if you stop by. Once a child reaches the age of six years old or weighs 60 pounds, this rule no longer applies. The Silver State imposes penalties of a fine or community service for the first-time violation of non-use of a car seat against the driver. If you receive such a citation, you also have the option to undergo training and inspection of the car seat being installed to waive or reduce the amount of the penalty.

The use of car seats has saved countless children over the recent decades. The rate of motor vehicle crash deaths per million children younger than 13 is less than a quarter of it what it was in 1975. In fact, the rate at which children are killed as passengers in motor vehicle accident has decreased 60% since 1975. Additionally, the rate at which children are killed as pedestrians and bicyclists is less than 1/10 of the 1975 rates. Our children are much safer now than when their parents were children. The use of seatbelts, car seats, airbags, bicycle helmets, and driver awareness has greatly protected our children over the past several decades. It is important to continue to bring these numbers down and to use all possible safety systems to protect our children from serious and even fatal injuries and accidents. Although it is governed by law, it is our most sacred duty to protect the children in our community. The use of proper restraints can save our children. In 2018, 193 children that were unrestrained or improperly restrained were killed in car accidents. Therefore, it is important that child safety restraints are properly installed and used at all times when children are riding as passengers. There should never be a moment where we are “just going to the store”, or “just running down the street”, where they are not used. https://www.iihs.org/topics/child-safety

The Difference Between A Booster Seat and A Car Seat

We have all seen the full car seat where the child has a five-point harness and then the smaller booster seat where it is really just like a child almost sitting on a stack of books. Although it is not required, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles still recommends the use of a booster seat until a child is at least eight years old or 80 pounds. A standard seatbelt fits properly once the child reached 80 pounds and they will be protected while in the vehicle with a seat belt at that time. Small children are not secured properly with the use of only a seatbelt due to their size. Some smaller children may require a booster seat up until the age of 12. Protecting our children is our most important and sacred duty as adults and it is important that we provide them every opportunity to remain safe in the event of an automobile collision.

Taxi Cabs in Las Vegas

Surprisingly, a car seat is not required to ride in a taxi cabs in Las Vegas. Nevada revise statute 484B. (7)(a) says that Nevada’s seatbelt laws do not apply to top public transportation. Such public transportation includes taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and buses. Therefore, it is a better idea not to use public transportation unless necessary with a child, or to bring a booster seat for your child’s safety even though it is not required by the law.

When Can Children Legally Ride in the Front Seat

In Nevada there is no law on the books that prevents a child from being in the front seat of a vehicle at any particular age. However, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles suggests that children should ride in the backseat until they are 12 years of age. They refer to the use of car seats and booster seats which are more safely used in the backseat of the vehicle. But, under Nevada law, the driver can determine when it is safe for a child to sit in the front seat. Car seat laws still apply in that a child that if the child is six years of age or below or under 60 pounds, he or she needs to be in a car seat whether in the front or in the back.

Penalties for Non-Use of Car Seats.

In Nevada fines can range from $100 to up to $1000 for the driver’s failure to secure a child into a car seat. The first offense for failure to use a car seat is a fine of $100-$500 or 10 to 50 hours of community service. If it is a second offense the penalty can be from $500 to $1000. For first offenders of failure to use a car seat, a driver has the chance to complete a class regarding child seat education and safety and have their car seat inspected. If they bring such documentation of completion of the class and car seat inspection to the court, they can have the fine reduced. However, if you should be negligent enough to have a third offense of getting pulled over by a police officer and failing to have your child or a child in your vehicle secured in a car seat who is six years of age and below or 60 pounds or less, you could have your driver’s license suspended from 30 to 180 days. Protecting our children is a serious matter that should be taken seriously by all drivers and all those charged with the care of children. It is always a very difficult case for us to see children that have been injured. Their best chance at preventing catastrophic and even fatal injuries is to be well protected in a car seat. At TheOnelawyer.com, we have handled many accidents involving children over the years. Children that have been secured in the proper child restraint seat have generally suffered little to no injury in accidents where other passengers have sustained more serious injuries. We urge you to protect your children and use proper booster and car seats for all children who ride in your vehicle.

Limited Exemptions

Nevada car seat laws do provide some exemptions to the requirement. This generally applies to children in wheelchairs who have a different form of restraint in the vehicle for the wheel char. A child may be exempted from the requirement if use of a car seat creates danger to child. However, to fall under this exemption, the driver must carry a signed statement from a doctor stating the child is exempt at all times to present to the officer.

At TheOneLawyer.com, we are here to serve our community and provide legal services in the Henderson and Las Vegas area. We are a boutique law firm providing experienced and personal representation to injured clients. At the Law Offices of Laura Payne-Hunt, TheOneLawyer.com we provide professional and personal service to each and every one of our clients on various legal matters and have over 15 years of experience in reviewing insurance policies and in Nevada insurance law. If you have a question regarding any type of personal injury or paying your medical bills from an accident, please do not hesitate to call the offices of TheOneLawyer.com and speak directly to attorney Laura Marie Payne-Hunt, Esq. a Henderson Injury Attorney for over 15 years. Laura is recognized as one of Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers. She has the experience and knowledge to obtain the maximum settlement you deserve. Please call our office if you or a loved one is injured. We can make sure that you receive the care you need and deserve and advise on how to preserve evidence.

At our office, we are experienced in helping injured victims get the compensation they are entitled to. Insurance companies never have the best interest of the injured person at the top of their priorities. They want to pay as little on every claim as possible. Having worked for an insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my boutique law firm specializing in helping injured people, I have reviewed thousands of auto accident claims and policy provisions.

At the Henderson and Las Vegas Accident injury law offices of TheOneLaweyer.com, Laura Marie Payne-Hunt and her staff are here to help you and your family in the event that accidents and tragedies occur. For any of your legal needs, do not hesitate to contact our Henderson and Las Vegas Accident injury offices. TheOneLawyer.com is a boutique, family-owned law firm that specializes in helping injured people and the community of Las Vegas and Henderson Nevada with legal issues involving auto accidents, wrongful deaths, slip and falls, truck accidents, injuries to children, bicycle accidents, dog bites, product liability claims, and all types of injury claims. Please do not hesitate to call us anytime you have a legal question or you or a loved one has sustained an injury at 702-450-(HUNT) 4868 and text 24/7 at 702-600-0032.

SEAT BELTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN IN NEVADA

In the state of Nevada, the law requires that passengers in both the front seat and the rear seats of passenger vehicles wear a safety belt or, if under a certain age, be in a child restraint seat. (NRS 484D .495). Any police Officer or emergency responder will tell you that seatbelts save lives and they have responded to scenes where, tragically, life has been lost for failing to wear a seatbelt. In the event of an automobile accident or a sudden breaking, the car can come to a sudden stop. However, your body will keep moving in the vehicle until you are stopped by either something inside the vehicle or possibly even going through the windshield. Seatbelts prevent the movement of your body from out of the seat in the event of an auto accident. The following is the specific Nevada law that requires all occupants of motor vehicles to be in a seatbelt while they are riding in the vehicle. NRS 484D.495 states as follows:

NRS 484D.495 Safety belts and shoulder harness assembly; requirements for driver, child and other passenger; penalties; exemptions. [Effective until the date the Federal Government rescinds the requirement for the installation of automatic restraints in new private passenger motor vehicles, if that action is based upon the enactment or continued operation of certain amendatory and transitory provisions contained in chapter 480, Statutes of Nevada 1987.]

1. It is unlawful to drive a passenger car manufactured after:

(a) January 1, 1968, on a highway unless it is equipped with at least two lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

(b) January 1, 1970, on a highway unless it is equipped with a lap-type safety belt assembly for each permanent seating position for passengers. This requirement does not apply to the rear seats of vehicles operated by a police department or sheriff’s office.

(c) January 1, 1970, unless it is equipped with at least two shoulder-harness-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

2. Any person driving, and any passenger who:

(a) Is 6 years of age or older; or

(b) Weighs more than 60 pounds, regardless of age,

 who rides in the front or back seat of any vehicle described in subsection 1, having an unladen weight of less than 10,000 pounds, on any highway, road or street in this State shall wear a safety belt if one is available for the seating position of the person or passenger.

3. A citation must be issued to any driver or to any adult passenger who fails to wear a safety belt as required by subsection 2. If the passenger is a child who:

(a) Is 6 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age, regardless of weight; or

(b) Is less than 6 years of age but who weighs more than 60 pounds,

 a citation must be issued to the driver for failing to require that child to wear the safety belt, but if both the driver and that child are not wearing safety belts, only one citation may be issued to the driver for both violations. A citation may be issued pursuant to this subsection only if the violation is discovered when the vehicle is halted or its driver arrested for another alleged violation or offense. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection 2 shall be punished by a fine of not more than $25 or by a sentence to perform a certain number of hours of community service.

4. A violation of subsection 2:

(a) Is not a moving traffic violation under NRS 483.473.

(b) May not be considered as negligence or as causation in any civil action or as negligent or reckless driving under NRS 484B.653.

(c) May not be considered as misuse or abuse of a product or as causation in any action brought to recover damages for injury to a person or property resulting from the manufacture, distribution, sale or use of a product.

5. The Department shall exempt those types of motor vehicles or seating positions from the requirements of subsection 1 when compliance would be impractical.

6. The provisions of subsections 2 and 3 do not apply:

(a) To a driver or passenger who possesses a written statement by a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse certifying that the driver or passenger is unable to wear a safety belt for medical or physical reasons;

(b) If the vehicle is not required by federal law to be equipped with safety belts;

(c) To an employee of the United States Postal Service while delivering mail in the rural areas of this State;

(d) If the vehicle is stopping frequently, the speed of that vehicle does not exceed 15 miles per hour between stops and the driver or passenger is frequently leaving the vehicle or delivering property from the vehicle; or

(e) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 484D.500, to a passenger riding in a means of public transportation, including a school bus or emergency vehicle.

7. It is unlawful for any person to distribute, have for sale, offer for sale or sell any safety belt or shoulder harness assembly for use in a motor vehicle unless it meets current minimum standards and specifications of the United States Department of Transportation.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 1209; A 1985, 1953, 2294; 1987, 1106; 2001 Special Session, 151; 2003, 274, 506, 2080; 2019, 510) — (Substituted in revision for NRS 484.641)

Back Seat Passengers

The statute is clear that you must wear your seatbelt no matter where you are located in the vehicle. Everyone sitting in the vehicle who is not a minor child is required to wear a seatbelt at all times in the state of Nevada. The law does not specifically address front seat or backseat, it is simply stating that everyone who is six years or older or weighs more than 60 pounds is required to wear a seatbelt at all times when they are in a vehicle that is moving. In fact, the driver can get a ticket for a violation of the seatbelt law if any of the passengers are not seat belted properly.

Penalties

The penalty in Nevada for not wearing a seatbelt is not extreme and unfortunately, may not be that big of a deterrent for people to follow the law. There is a fine that will be imposed of $25 for failing to wear your seatbelt. However, no points are assessed against your license that would impact insurance rates and your DMV driving record. It is basically a nonmoving violation. Considering the extraordinary importance and ability of seatbelts to save lives and prevent serious bodily harm, it is sad that our state legislature chose to only make the failure to wear a seatbelt a minor infraction that does not impact your record or does not come with any significant fine. Therefore, although it is the law to wear the seatbelt many people still choose not to follow it. At the law offices of TheOneLawyer.com we urge all our readers to always wear a seatbelt when in a moving vehicle. We have sadly witnessed the consequences of failure to wear seatbelts resulting in extraordinary bodily harm and even death.

Exemptions

There are several exemptions for people who drive for a living and make a lot of stops that do not have to wear a seatbelt based upon the requirements of their job. These exceptions include postal employees who are delivering the mail or delivery drivers that make frequent stops and do not exceed 15 miles an hour in between the stops such as newspaper delivery people etc. You can also obtain a note from a doctor, which I do not believe a doctor should issue lightly, that would exempt you from wearing a seatbelt if there were any medical reasons. Finally, people using public transportation are not required to use seatbelts and generally public transportation is not equipped with seatbelts.

Civil liability for injury

Although the statute noted above in section 4 states that non-use of a seatbelt cannot be considered as negligence or causation in any civil action, insurance companies will often try to argue that failure to wear your seatbelt caused your own injury. Do not put yourself in that situation or subject yourself to injury that did not need to happen. Always, always wear your seatbelt.

At TheOneLawyer.com, we are here to serve our community and provide legal services in the Henderson and Las Vegas area. We are a boutique law firm providing experienced and personal representation to injured clients. At the Law Offices of Laura Payne-Hunt, TheOneLawyer.com we provide professional and personal service to each and every one of our clients on various legal matters and have over 15 years of experience in reviewing insurance policies and in Nevada insurance law. If you have a question regarding any type of personal injury or paying your medical bills from an accident, please don’t hesitate to call the offices of TheOneLawyer.com and speak directly to attorney Laura Marie Payne-Hunt, Esq. a Henderson Injury Attorney for over 15 years. Laura is recognized as one of Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers. She has the experience and knowledge to obtain the maximum settlement you deserve. Please call our office if you or a loved one is injured. We can make sure that you receive the care you need and deserve and advise on how to preserve evidence.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

If you or a loved one is trying to decide whether to hire a personal injury attorney like a electric saw accident lawyer to handle your injury claim, this blog contains some important information for you to consider. Hiring a professional for any job will yield a better result than doing it yourself for the first time. The benefit of having an experienced, professional, knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side fighting for your rights cannot be understated. When you hire an attorney to handle your personal injury claim, you receive the following immediate benefits:

1) A HIGHER SETTLEMENT

2) BETTER MEDICAL CARE

3) A HIGHER SETTLEMENT FOR YOUR VEHICLE

4) EXPERIENCE FIGHTING INSURANCE COMPANIES

5) REDUCED STRESS OF NOT HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE

INSURANCE COMPANY

EXPERIENCE

When hiring a personal injury attorney, experience is critical. I have over twenty years of experience in dealing with insurance companies. I have the knowledge of the law, as you can see on this page, and personal experience in dealing with the methods used by insurance companies in handling claims. I worked for a major insurer for nine years and trained insurance adjusters in dealing with attorneys. This experience is critical in representing injured victims against these large corporations.

NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS

At the Law Offices of Laura Hunt, PC, we pay for all of the costs of your case including obtaining records, court costs and expert fees. We make sure the other side pays the costs and the attorney’s fees. No payments will come out of your pocket. Personal injury matters often involve claims of disputed liability. A person is injured and an insurance company or corporation wants to claim that it is their fault. Contant Law, P.C. describing their personal injury law firm says that it is imperative to obtain the appropriate experts while evidence is still available. Without an attorney, you will not be able to have an expert inspect the premises or the scene of an accident in time to preserve your claims. Attorneys have resources to pay for these costs on behalf of their clients that can also often be substantial. I have worked with many experts over the years and can retain the proper expert for your case while evidence is still available. Often times, the retention of experts early in the case can lead to a timely settlement and avoid a trial that would take place without such experts being retained.

WE HANDLE YOUR PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM

I was shocked the first time I learned that many personal injury attorneys do not assist clients with their property damage claim. I have always handled this part of a claim for clients and made sure that their cars were warranted after repairs and that they received the highest amount possible for a total loss of their vehicle in those cases. Often times we go back-and-forth many times with the insurance company on a total loss to make sure that our client receives a fair market value of their vehicle. Many law firms will tell you that you need to handle the property damage yourself because they are not taking a percentage of that matter. I have always handled this at no cost to my clients as part of their personal injury claim.

WE ALLOW YOU TO FOCUS ON RECOVERY

Dealing with insurance companies takes a great deal of time and causes you a lot of frustration. The insurance company is not on your side. They will try to trick you and this is a stress you do not need to deal with when you are injured. You do not have time to collect your medical records, police records, review documents and talk to the insurance adjuster over and over again. Let my years of experience as an insurance defense lawyer work for you.

ATTORNEYS HAVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO HELP YOU

Insurance companies will use every possible argument to not pay your claim. A strong understanding of the law and access to medical, biomechanical, police and premises experts are often necessary to prove your case. Often there are also insurance coverage issues that require an experienced understanding of insurance law. As an insurance defense attorney for over 10 years, I have the experience to handle any coverage issue that could arise in your case.

ATTORNEYS ARE OBJECTIVE

As an injured victim, you can be frustrated and furious with the insurance process which often moves slowly and requires a ridiculous amount of duplicitous paperwork. Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer to handle all of those details and remain calm and focused in order to guide you seamlessly through the process.

AN ATTORNEY WILL ADVISE YOU THE BEST WAY TO RESOLVE YOUR CASE

With many years of experience handling these matters, I know that an adjuster will not always offer a fair settlement in a timely manner. In fact, often times, a lawsuit is necessary to obtain a fair settlement of your claim. At my office, we prepare every case to be ready to go to trial or arbitration or mediation and will advise you of the best option for your case.

LAWEYERS ARE EXPERIENCED IN UNDERSTANDING HOW OTHER MATTERS CAN IMPACT YOUR CASE

Often times, other matters in your life may seem unrelated but can actually impact your injury claim. Events like a pending bankruptcy can be substantially impacted by a personal injury action. For example if you have filed a bankruptcy within the last few years and are currently paying on the bankruptcy plan the bankruptcy court must be notified of any substantial settlement that you receive. In fact failure to notify the bankruptcy court can be considered a fraud upon the court and you could be required to pay back all of your debts or turn over your settlement funds to the court. Lawyers can also advise you on how to handle matters like social media during a pending personal injury matter. Insurance companies can be ruthless in their efforts to investigate and discredit claimants. Likewise prior criminal matters can sometimes impact your case and can be handled by an attorney to minimize or avoid impact on your personal injury case. The same holds true for prior injury claims. Insurance companies will always want to blame any injury you have on a prior claim or a work claim. Attorneys know how to handle these matters. I have worked with many people over the years who have sustained multiple injuries and we have successfully recovered for each of their injuries

YOU WILL RECEIVE MORE MONEY WITH AN ATTORNEY

It is a known fact that the clients who have attorneys receive higher settlements than Claimants who do not. And it is not always only about how much money is paid by the insurance company, it is often about how that money is distributed. An efficient injury attorney will maximize all conflicting policies including health insurance subrogation lien’s, Medicare and medical payments coverage to make sure that the expenses are as low as possible and that the client receives the maximum settlement of the funds. Personal injury attorneys can also make sure the client receives medical care desperately needed in the event that health insurance is not available or too difficult for the client to obtain the treatment needed.

AN ATTORNEY CAN HANDLE YOUR CASE TO ITS NECESSARY CONCLUSION

Finally insurance companies always know if a claimant does not have an attorney they do not have the ability to take the matter to the final stage, which is a jury trial, if a settlement cannot be agreed-upon. Unfortunately insurance companies will take advantage of people because of this fact and never offer a reasonable settlement that a jury would award in their case because they know the claimant does not have the ability to go to a jury trial without an attorney. You should protect your rights from the beginning. I have tried dozens of cases and also see it as a trial judge on a part-time basis. I have the experience in the court room that you need to receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to receive

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident call our office immediately and we will make sure that you receive the care you need and deserve, and advise on how to preserve evidence. If you have been in any type of accident and have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices today. At my office, we are experienced in helping injured victims get the compensation they are entitled to. Insurance companies never have the best interest of the injured person at the top of their priorities. They want to pay as little on every claim as possible. Having worked for an insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my boutique law firm specializing in helping injured people, I reviewed thousands of auto accident claims and policy provisions. Just go to Hale Law, P.A. and contact the best legal advice near you.

At the Law Offices of Laura Hunt we are here to help you and your family in the event that accidents and tragedies occur. For any of your legal needs, do not hesitate to contact our offices. The Law Offices of Laura Hunt is a boutique, family owned law firm in Henderson that specializes in helping injured people and the community with legal issues involving auto accidents, wrongful deaths, slip and falls, truck accidents, injuries to children, bicycle accidents, dog bites, and all types of injury claims. Please do not hesitate to call us anytime you have a legal question or you or a loved one has sustained an injury at 702-450-(HUNT) 4868 and text 24/7 at 702-600-0032.

GET READY FOR SPRING BREAK, DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE COVER ME ON A RENTAL CAR?

Before leaving for your trip, call your insurance agent and ask if you are covered on a rental car. Most of the reputed ones like Wedding Cars Birmingham will have them covered.
Before leaving for your trip, call your credit card company to see what coverage they offer on
rental cars, and use that care to rent the car.
Before leaving, verify that you have collision coverage. If not, purchase collision coverage on the rental car like Limo Hire Derby.
Before leaving for your trip, check the rates for insurance through the company online and check rates when booking.

Spring break is approaching and many people and families will be hitting the road for vacations. Often time’s people are flying to their destinations and renting a car or there are even large groups of people looking for used bus sales to travel more comfortably like driving a rental vehicle from party buses in tampa fl to their destination and some even look to offer transportation so people can avoid excess miles on their private vehicles. Before you decide to hit the open road and spring for a rental car, you should know what kind of coverage you already have on a rental car through your own policy and credit cards. You’ll need this information before you can determine whether or not you need to buy the rental car insurance offered through the rental car company. It is not a decision you want to make at the rental car counter. It’s a complicated decision. You may already be covered through your existing car insurance or your credit card. “Your personal auto car coverage usually does cover rental car coverage,” says Merle Scheiber of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The new orleans personal injury lawyer can help in case one has been in an accident.

However, only the personal coverages that you pay for would apply to the rental vehicle. This means that if you do not carry collision on you vehicle which is coverage for damage to your vehicle, you would not have coverage for damage to the rental car if you did not purchase the rental car company’s collision coverage. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you have collision coverage on your own policy, which pays for damages to your vehicle from accidents involving other cars or objects. “For people who already have collision coverage on the rental car, getting the rental car insurance policy is a waste of money,” says Neil Abrams, an auto rental consultant of Abrams Consulting Group based in Purchase, N.Y. But if you do not have collision coverage on your own vehicle, you’ll want to purchase that coverage at the rental car counter or use a credit card that provides this coverage.

A number of major credit card companies offer rental auto insurance to cardholders, such as Visa and American Express. However, not all Visa or American Express cards carry the same benefits, and therefore, it is very important that you call your credit card company and find out what your card offers. It is important to listen closely. It is not sufficient that you find out that you “have coverage by using your credit card.” You need to find out what coverages you have which are generally collision (damage to the vehicle you are driving) and liability (damage to other vehicles and injuries to other persons) You need both and your credit card company may only provide liability. In addition, certain cards only offer such coverages to elite members or certain card holders, so check with your credit card company first.

So What exactly are the benefits of buying insurance from the rental company? It protects you from out-of-pocket expenses caused by loss or damage to the vehicle, including theft. Rental car insurance can cost approximately $20-$25 per day, depending on what option you select. The collision damage waiver, aka the “optional vehicle protection or loss damage waiver”, can cost as much as $19 per day and changes liability for collision damage from the person renting the car (you) to the car rental company. It is important to note that even if you carry collision on your personal auto policy, you will be liable for you deductible when you turn the car in regardless of fault for the damage to the rental car at that time. Your insurance carrier may reimburse that money to you at a later time if it is not your fault and the other driver was insured.

Liability insurance generally costs between $7 and $14 a day and is for damage you cause to another person or property while driving the car. However, your auto insurance on your own car should already include liability insurance and will generally cover you on a “non-owned vehicle.” Before leaving on any trip where you will be renting a car, call your agent or the 800 number on you card and ask what type of coverage you have for a “non-owned vehicle” and they should be happy to assist you. Their customer service agent should be able to explain what coverage you have on a rental car. If they are not pleasant and helpful, you should look for an insurance company that is pleasant and helpful to their own insured’s.

Although the rental companies are required to provide statutory minimum liability coverage on the vehicles they rent by state law, you do not want to be in a situation where you are reliant on a rental car company who’s’ interests will come first to protect you. In a serious accident, that’s not going to do much to protect you and your personal assets. Statutory minimum liability coverage provides some protection to renters involved in an accident while driving a rental vehicle but they have don’t have the same duty to you as your insurance company. “It’s not insurance, in the technical sense, that rental companies offer,” Abrams says. Rental companies are not licensed insurance agents in every state. Instead, they offer a protection package. “It doesn’t help where clear negligence is involved,” Abrams warns. “If you leave your car with the engine running and the key in the ignition, and the car disappears, the rental company may have a problem with that.”

Abrams adds that some people are protected through their homeowner’s policy. Home owners can extend the liability when the policyholder is not in their home, i.e., while renting a car. However, the provisions vary from one policy to another, so be sure to check ahead of time. This would only cover a stolen vehicle or goods in the vehicle, not damages to the vehicle or injuries.

Jan Zobel, a tax preparer in Oakland, Calif., rents a car when she travels to Hawaii several times a year. Zobel receives coverage using her American Express card, which charges her $17.95 per rental. “I’m not a big AmEx card user, but you can bet that I pay for every rental now with that card,” she says.

If you chose to buy insurance through the rental car company, be sure to read the fine print. Even go online before you leave and review their coverages. Many people do not read the rental agreement when renting a car. That’s why you should make these decisions before you get the rental car counter. Every car rental agreement is different, and you should be aware of that when renting a car. Do your research. Most agreements are similar but like anything, when you sign your name to something, you should know what you are signing. You can be contractually obligated. Another issue, for example, the agreement might only cover one driver, so that would prevent you from taking turns on the road with someone. Don’t be afraid to call the rental car company and ask questions before you take the insurance policy.

Most important, make sure you have some form of insurance on the rental car at the time you pick it up. You do not want is to get into an accident and find out you are underinsured—or worse, uninsured. Many rental companies will allow uninsured customers to rent a car. For example, if you reserve from Hertz at the airport, the reservationist will not ask you for your insurance policy, nor do you have to show proof of insurance, experts say. If you are not insured, you must understand exposure and liability, what coverage you may have through credit card or homeowners, and look at the protection packages offered from the rental company. I would highly urge you to do this before you leave for your trip so that you do not waste money on coverages you already have but also have the coverages you need.

If you are involved in an accident while in a rental car, contact our offices today. By contacting a lawyer immediately, you can receive the most money for your damages. At my office, we are experienced to handle all types of automobile injury claims and property damage claims. Having worked for the insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my boutique law firm specializing in helping injured people, I reviewed thousands of auto accident claims. With extensive experience in the insurance field, I can help you review all of the coverages available to maximize the money you receive.

When is a U-Turn Legal in Nevada and in Henderson?

Henderson and Nevada drivers in general are often unsure if it is legal to make a U-turn or not. I will attempt to clarify this issue in our community. According to the Nevada driver’s handbook:
“U-turns are generally allowed if they can be completed safely. In business areas, you must be at an intersection or on a divided highway where an appropriate opening exists. U-turns are not allowed where prohibited by a traffic sign or signal, or if there is less than 500 feet visibility in both directions.” (NRS 484B.403) Specifically, NRS 483B.403 states as follows:

TITLE 43 PUBLIC SAFETY; VEHICLES; WATERCRAFT
Chapter 484B Rules of the Road

NRS 484B.403 When U-turns are authorized and prohibited; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone.

1. A U-turn may be made on any road where the turn can be made with safety, except as prohibited by this section and by the provisions of NRS 484B.227 and 484B.407.
2. If an official traffic-control device indicates that a U-turn is prohibited, the driver shall obey the directions of the device.
3. The driver of a vehicle shall not make a U-turn in a business district, except at an intersection or on a divided highway where an appropriate opening or crossing place exists.
4. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, local authorities and the Department of Transportation may prohibit U-turns at any location within their respective jurisdictions.
5. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to the additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130.

In addition, NRS 484B.227 governs U-turns on the highway and states as follows:

NRS 484B.227 Driving on divided highway: Prohibited turns; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone.

1. Every vehicle driven upon a divided highway must be driven only upon the right-hand roadway and must not be driven over, across or within any dividing space, barrier or section or make any left turn, semicircular turn or U-turn, except through an opening in the barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection established by a public authority.
2. A person who violates any provision of this section may be subject to the additional penalty set forth in NRS 484B.130.

Also, NRS 484B.407 governs vehicles turning on curve or crest of grade prohibits U-turns in these circumstances. It states that a “vehicle shall not be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet.”

Generally, a driver can make a U-Turn if there is no sign prohibiting a U-Turn. Nevada traffic signs can control whether a U-turn is permitted by law or not. A driver in Henderson, Nevada or Las Vegas, Nevada who makes a U-turn at an intersection where a posted “No U-Turn” sign exists has executed an illegal U-turn, and a traffic ticket could be issued. According to Nevada Highway Patrolman Jason Buratczuk (as quoted in the local newspaper):

“A U-turn can be done anywhere it is safe to do so,” Buratczuk said. “The only time it says in the law you can’t make a U-turn is when there is a sign posted advising no U-turn. Driving on or across medians and such is illegal as well, but I don’t want to open that can of worms. So at the intersection in question, if there is no sign specifically stating no U-turn, then a U-turn is permissible.”

Something else important to point out is a statutory exception to the U-turn rules. That is, you cannot make a U-turn in a school zone when children are present. Specifically, NRS 484B.363 states as follows:

NRS 484B.363 School zone or school crossing zone: Speed limit; designation; signs; U-turn and overtaking another vehicle prohibited; determination of hours in which speed limit is in effect; additional penalty if driver is proximate cause of collision with pedestrian or person riding bicycle.
1. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour in an area designated as a school zone except:
(a) On a day on which school is not in session;
(b) During the period from a half hour after school is no longer in operation to a half hour before school is next in operation;
(c) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or
(d) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.
2. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 25 miles per hour in an area designated as a school crossing zone except:
(a) On a day on which school is not in session;
(b) During the period from a half hour after school is no longer in operation to a half hour before school is next in operation;
(c) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or
(d) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.
3. The driver of a vehicle shall not make a U-turn in an area designated as a school zone or school crossing zone except:
(a) When there are no children present;
(b) On a day on which school is not in session;
(c) During the period from a half hour after school is no longer in operation to a half hour before school is next in operation;
(d) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or
(e) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone or school crossing zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.
4. The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction in an area designated as a school zone or school crossing zone except:
(a) On a day on which the school is not in session;
(b) During the period from a half hour after school is no longer in operation to a half hour before school is next in operation;
(c) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or
(d) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone or school crossing zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.
5. The governing body of a local government or the Department of Transportation shall designate school zones and school crossing zones. An area must not be designated as a school zone if imposing a speed limit of 15 miles per hour would be unsafe because of higher speed limits in adjoining areas.
6. Each such governing body and the Department of Transportation shall provide signs to mark the beginning and end of each school zone and school crossing zone which it respectively designates. Each sign marking the beginning of such a zone must include a designation of the hours when the speed limit is in effect or that the speed limit is in effect when children are present.
7. With respect to each school zone and school crossing zone in a school district, the superintendent of the school district or his or her designee, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation and the governing body of the local government that designated the school zone or school crossing zone and after consulting with the principal of the school and the agency that is responsible for enforcing the speed limit in the zone, shall determine the times when the speed limit is in effect.
8. If, while violating any provision of subsections 1 to 4, inclusive, the driver of a motor vehicle is the proximate cause of a collision with a pedestrian or a person riding a bicycle, the driver is subject to the additional penalty set forth in subsection 4 of NRS 484B.653.
9. As used in this section, “speed limit beacon” means a device which is used in conjunction with a sign and equipped with two or more yellow lights that flash alternately to indicate when the speed limit in a school zone or school crossing zone is in effect.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 640; A 1993, 2586; 1999,

In summary, Henderson drivers and Nevada drivers in general can make a U-Turn anywhere it is safe and there is no sign prohibiting a U-Turn. Remember the exceptions that there are no U-Turns in a school zone when children are present and no U-Turns on the Highway.

If you are involved in a car accident as a result of someone executing an illegal U-Turn, contact our offices today. By contacting a lawyer immediately, you can receive the most money for your damages. At my office, we are experienced to handle all types of automobile injury claims. Having worked for the insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my personal injury law firm, I reviewed thousands of auto accident claims. With extensive experience in the insurance field, I can help you review all of the coverages available to maximize the money you receive.

Tips on How to Handle Driving in Heavy Traffic

This article highlights some of the most critical tips for maneuvering in congested traffic. Drivers will learn about the keys to staying safe. Continue reading →

Effective Tips for Traveling on a Rainy Day

This article provides tips on how drivers can safely navigate in the rain. You will learn the most important precautions to take.

Rainy Days: Tips for Avoiding Danger on the Road

Although areas such as Hawaii (view over here to know about the best place to go in Hawaii to witness dolphin swimming with a group of people) have a mostly dry climate, residents will still experience a few rainy days throughout the year. Traveling in wet weather definitely requires a bit more concentration and just in case, you should always have a valid full coverage car insurance plan for some extra security. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe driving experience.

Reduce Your Speed

Always reduce your speed when driving on a rainy day. Due to the slickness of the road surface, your vehicle will not be able to stop as quickly. If you are traveling on the freeway, you best option will be to remain in the slow lane. Driving at a fast rate of speed dramatically increases your likelihood of having an accident. Never make the mistake of following too closely to another vehicle. If the surrounding traffic begins to slow down, gradually apply pressure to your brakes.

Avoid Getting Stuck Behind Large Vehicles

A powerful rainstorm may cause the streets to become overflowing with water. Due to the sheer size of their tires, large vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses can spray lots of rainwater onto your windshield. To prevent horrible visibility, try to keep your distance. Driving in the blinding rain can be a terrifying experience. If needed, park in a safe location until the storm has passed over.

Watch Out for Reckless Drivers

Although you may be a careful driver, others may tend to ignore the wet driving conditions. In the blink of an eye, a negligent motorist could suddenly lose control of their vehicle. Be sure to remain alert at all times. You may want to consult a car accident attorney in Las Vegas if someone crashes into your automobile.

Avoid Disaster by Staying Clear of Aggressive Truck Drivers

This article explains how to handle an aggressive truck driver.

Avoiding Disaster: Keys to Handling an Aggressive Truck Driver

Tractor-trailers are powerful driving machines that take up a lot of space. Although most truck drivers are skilled professionals, some may jeopardize your personal safety. In order to avoid a collision with a reckless truck driver, you must remain alert while at the wheel. If you happen to encounter a reckless truck driver, use the following tips to stay safe.

Stay a Safe Distance Away

If you were to check here, you’d know that in an effort to meet timely delivery deadlines, some truck drivers tend to travel over the speed limit. Unfortunately, a speeding big truck poses a danger to everyone on the road. In an effort to overtake other vehicles on the highway, some truck drivers will flash their lights. Your best option is to allow the truck to pass. Do not even attempt to communicate with the driver. If you feel intimidated, do not hesitate to call 911. By obtaining the truck’s license plate number, a highway patrol can quickly spot the perpetrator.

If you happen to be in an accident involving a large truck, make sure to protect your rights by getting legal assistance from a semi truck accident attorney.

Contact the Trucking Company

Most trucking companies make sure they only hire professional drivers for their CDL Truck Driving Positions and consider aggressive drivers to be a major liability. In fact, a lot of trucking companies have contact numbers posted on their tractor-trailers. Reckless truck drivers certainly need to be reprimanded for their dangerous behavior.

Keep a Cool Head

Despite your anger, you should avoid getting into a confrontation with an aggressive truck driver. According to a leading truck accident attorney in Las Vegas, many truck drivers suffer from extreme fatigue. Unsurprisingly, tiredness often causes a person to be in a bad mood. Not only will anger escalate the situation, but it will also cause you to lose focus on the road.

Being Safe While on the Road

When driving, there are a wealth of precautions that can be taken to effectively reduce the chances of getting into an accident.

How to Best Avoid an Accident While Driving

Driving can be a frustrating experience, due primarily to the fact that an accident can occur out of nowhere and through no fault of your own. However, there are also times where an auto accident that you’ve been involved in is primarily your fault. To greatly reduce the possibility of being involved in an accident, it’s essential that you follow some handy tips on staying safe and avoiding accidents while driving.

Tips on Staying Safe When Driving

One of the most important safety tips to follow when driving a vehicle is to always wear a seat-belt. This may seem trivial to you, but doing so can save your life if you’re in an accident. If you have children in the car, make sure that they are buckled in at all times. One small instance where they start climbing around and bump into you or make an overabundance of noise could cause you to lose focus and crash. You should never use your cell phone when driving, as it can easily distract you and heavily factors into the percentage of accidents across the U.S. Don’t drive when you’re tired. Take short breaks every 1-2 hours for 15 minutes or so. You need to be attentive and focused at all times. Use caution when changing lanes and stay focused.

It’s Not Possible to Predict How Others Will React

Sadly, many accidents are caused through no fault of your own. Other drivers can be irresponsible when operating a vehicle and can make a mistake that causes an unexpected crash. However, following the aforementioned tips will heavily reduce the possibility of you being involved in an accident.

Remain Calm When Involved in an Accident

If you’re in an accident, remain calm and exchange insurance information with the other drivers in the accident. For the best protection, make sure to purchase extensive coverage with your insurance. Once you have exchanged information, you may want to utilize the services of a Las Vegas auto accident attorney to assist with your case.

The Use of Handheld Devices Behind the Wheel in 2012

Mobile-phone use is more common among drivers in the 16 to 24 age group. Female drivers are more frequently seen text messaging or using hand-held devices.

2012 Data on Mobile Device Use While Driving

In February 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that a National Occupant Protection Use Survey found 1.5 percent of drivers were texting or visibly using mobile devices in 2012. Although not a significant difference, 1.3 percent of drivers participated in these activities in 2011. Overall mobile phone use among drivers remained relatively the same in 2012 at 5 percent.

Holding Cellphones to Ears

The 5 percent of drivers to hold mobile phones to their ears while driving in 2012 means that these drivers were operating about 660,000 vehicles in daylight. Drivers who were the most likely to do this were between the ages of 16 and 24, at 6 percent. By comparison, 5 percent of drivers between 25 and 69 did, and 1 percent of drivers age 70 and older did. Additionally, female drivers were more likely to use cellphones than male drivers.

Visibly Using Electronic Devices

The NOPUS also found that drivers between 16 and 24 were much more likely to be seen using hand-held devices behind the wheel than those in other age groups. Only 1.4 percent of drivers between 25 and 69 visibly used mobile devices, while almost no drivers age 70 and older did. Female drivers were nearly twice as likely to be seen using electronic devices as male drivers.

Nevada Law

Nevada bans the use of mobile phones while driving, including talking and text messaging. Authorities have the power to write drivers tickets solely for talking or texting on hand-held phones. Drivers who cause car accidents because of this are likely to be cited. If people are injured, the victims may reach out to an auto accident lawyer in Henderson for help seeking compensation.