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Recovering Money from a Personal Injury Matter in Nevada

Writer's picture: Joseph DragonJoseph Dragon


In 2024, Dragon Law Group secured a substantial settlement for a client whose husband tragically passed away in a vehicle accident. We were the fourth firm she consulted. The previous firms incorrectly concluded that the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits (which the driver's insurance company offered as compensation) were the maximum she could recover.


Victims’ financial recovery from personal injury or wrongful death cases often hinges on circumstance. In Nevada, the minimum insurance coverage required for drivers is just $25,000 for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage—amounts that are grossly inadequate for even minor injuries. Learn more about these minimum insurance requirements.


In our client’s case, the at-fault driver’s policy limits were higher than the state minimums but still insufficient for the financial burden she faced after losing her husband. Previous firms assumed that the insurance payout was the maximum she could recover. However, during our initial consultation, we conducted a simple asset search and discovered that the driver owned multiple investment properties, all paid off and collectively worth millions.


While insurance policy limits cap the insurer’s liability, they do not prevent victims from pursuing additional recovery from a negligent driver’s assets. Yes, this process is more challenging than recovering from an insurance company, but it’s what attorneys should do: navigate complexities to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.


In this case, the at-fault driver’s properties were held in a family trust, not under their personal name. In Nevada, most trusts are not separate legal entities, meaning plaintiffs can recover from trust property as they would from personal property. Despite widespread misconceptions, many trusts are not immune to claims. For clarity on trusts and recovery, see Commonly Asked Questions and Answers.


We initiated litigation and requested a preliminary injunction to prevent the defendant from selling or encumbering their properties during the case. This legal leverage allowed us to negotiate a settlement that far exceeded the insurance policy limits.


Key Takeaways


  1. Take Steps to Protect Yourself • Financial recovery often depends on the at-fault party’s assets. Protect yourself with underinsured motorist insurancelife insurance, and other coverage to mitigate financial hardships from accidents or losses.


  2. Research Before Hiring an Attorney • Before hiring an attorney, research the person or entity responsible for the injury to determine if they have assets beyond their insurance policies. Share this information with your attorney during the consultation. For guidance on choosing a lawyer, visit How to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney.


  3. Seek Second Opinions • If one attorney says recovery is impossible, seek a second opinion or conduct your own research. The law is complex, and persistence can lead to better outcomes.


If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation with Dragon Law Group, please contact us. We’re here to help.




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