By: Gary Thompson, Personal Injury Attorney
After more than 30 years practicing personal injury law in Las Vegas, I’ve heard just about every myth, rumor, and misconception imaginable. Unfortunately, these myths often lead people to make decisions that cost them compensation, delay their recovery, or leave them completely unprotected.
So, let’s clear the air. Here are five of the most common myths I hear from clients across Nevada and the real truths behind them.
Myth #1: “I wasn’t badly hurt, so I don’t need a lawyer.”
The Truth: Minor accidents are rarely “minor.”
Here in Nevada, I’ve seen countless clients walk away from seemingly small car accidents on I-15, the 215 Beltway, or city streets thinking they were fine… only for pain to show up days or weeks later.
By that point, many had already:
- Given a recorded statement
- Accepted a quick lowball settlement
- Missed key medical documentation
All of which severely hurts a case. Insurance companies love when people try to handle things alone, because they know you don’t know what your case is truly worth. Even one free consultation with a Nevada personal injury attorney can protect you from making mistakes you can’t undo.
Myth #2: “Personal injury lawsuits take years and cost a fortune.”
The Truth: Most personal injury cases settle out of court – often in a matter of months.
And here’s what most people don’t realize: You pay nothing out of pocket.
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- You pay nothing unless your attorney wins
You focus on getting medical care. I handle the legal side. And if we don’t win? You owe nothing.
Myth #3: “Hiring a lawyer makes things more complicated.”
The Truth: A good attorney makes your life easier, not harder.
My job is to simplify the entire process by handling:
- Insurance adjusters
- Medical records
- Documentation and deadlines
- Evidence gathering
- Claims negotiations
You heal. I handle everything else. For most clients, having an experienced attorney is the reason they finally feel relieved instead of overwhelmed.
Myth #4: “I can wait to file my claim – there’s no rush.”
The Truth: Nevada law gives you two years to file most personal injury claims… but waiting is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Here’s why delaying hurts your case:
- Surveillance videos in casinos, parking lots, and stores are quickly erased
- Witnesses forget details
- Medical documentation becomes harder to trace
- Insurance companies question credibility
In a city like Las Vegas where accidents happen daily on the road, in hotels, and at businesses – timing matters. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Myth #5: “If I was partly at fault, I can’t recover anything.”
The Truth: Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
For example:
If you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. Many Nevadans walk away from legitimate compensation because they assume any fault on their part disqualifies them. It doesn’t. Don’t leave money on the table because of misinformation.
Don’t Let Myths Cost You Thousands
These myths exist for a reason: they benefit insurance companies, not injured people. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, rideshare crash, or any incident anywhere in Las Vegas or across Nevada, you deserve real answers from someone who knows this work inside and out. For more than three decades, I’ve helped injured Nevadans protect their rights and secure the compensation they’re entitled to.
Call (702) 383-6040 for a free consultation. Let’s talk through your situation – no pressure, no cost, just honest answers from someone who’s been doing this for a long time.
Your case matters. Let me help you get it right.