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Reno Car Accident Lawyer — We Go to Trial

By the Apis Felix Law Trial Team — Licensed in Nevada & UtahAttorney-reviewed — July 5, 2026

Reno sits at the intersection of two major routes: Interstate 80 running east-west through the city, and US-395 running north-south along the base of the Sierra Nevada. Together they carry a steady flow of commuters, interstate travelers, and commercial traffic through and around Reno and neighboring Sparks. Northern Nevada's mountain and high-desert setting also means winter driving conditions — snow, ice, and reduced visibility — are a real factor for part of the year in a way they generally aren't in the southern part of the state. Whatever the setting or the weather, the legal and insurance questions that follow a Reno car accident are the same ones every injured driver in Nevada has to work through: who was at fault, which insurance policies apply, how much the claim is actually worth, and how long you have to act.

Local court context: Second Judicial District Court

Car accident lawsuits arising from crashes in Reno are generally filed in the Second Judicial District Court, which covers Washoe County. That is a distinct court from the Eighth Judicial District Court that handles cases from Clark County and the Las Vegas area, and it's worth working with a firm that is familiar with the procedures and local practice specific to the Washoe County courthouse.

Why trial posture changes how insurers respond

Insurance companies do not value every claim the same way. Adjusters and claims managers make internal judgments about how a particular law firm is likely to handle a case — whether it is set up to negotiate a quick settlement or whether it is genuinely prepared to take the case in front of a jury if a fair offer never comes. That internal assessment can influence how a claim is evaluated from the very first conversation, long before any lawsuit is filed. A firm built around trial work builds the record as if it will need to be presented to a jury, not just faxed to a claims desk — and insurers who know that option is real tend to negotiate differently than they do with a firm that never intends to file suit at all.

What to do now if you were just in an accident

If the crash is recent, a few steps make a real difference. Seek medical evaluation even if you feel "okay" at the scene — some injuries, including whiplash and concussion, take hours or days to fully present. Document what you can: photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene and road conditions (including weather, if relevant), and the other driver's information and insurance card. Be cautious about recorded statements to any insurance adjuster, including your own, before you understand how the claim is likely to be valued and what you are and are not required to say. Follow through on medical treatment as recommended, keep records of missed work and out-of-pocket costs, and avoid discussing the crash on social media while the claim is pending.

How the contingency fee works

Apis Felix Law handles car accident cases on a contingency fee: the consultation is free, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Before you sign anything, we walk through exactly how that works in plain language. It's also important to understand that a client may be responsible for case costs and litigation expenses, and for the opposing party's costs, even if the case is not successful — we explain what that means for your specific situation before you decide whether to move forward.

The Nevada filing deadline — and why it isn't the only clock running

Nevada law generally requires a personal injury lawsuit arising from a car accident to be filed within two years of the crash, under NRS 11.190(4)(e). That deadline governs when a lawsuit must be filed in court — not when an insurance claim must be opened, and not when negotiations with an adjuster must conclude. Exceptions can shorten or extend deadlines, particularly when a government vehicle or government property is involved, when the injured person is a minor, or when other case-specific facts apply — confirm yours with a lawyer rather than assuming the general rule covers your situation.

Waiting until close to that deadline to get help is rarely a good strategy even where the deadline itself isn't at risk. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and building an accurate picture of your medical situation takes time that a rushed timeline doesn't allow.

This page is general information, not legal advice; reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and deadlines and rules change — confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed lawyer. A client may be responsible for case costs and litigation expenses, and for the opposing party's costs, even if the case is not successful. Apis Felix Law, a trade name of Deseret Lawyers PLLC. Attorney advertising. Kevin Peterson is the attorney responsible for this content and is licensed in Nevada (Bar No. 14598) and Utah (Bar No. 18723). Privacy Policy