What to Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas is a must for your safety, legal protection, and insurance claims.
Many people make the common mistake of not knowing what to do after an auto accident. Having insurance is essential, but what you say and do immediately following the accident can impact your compensation. In Nevada, individuals are 27% more likely to die in a vehicle crash than the average American. This highlights the importance of being well-informed about post-accident procedures.
This guide details what you need to do immediately and in the aftermath, ensuring you comply with Nevada laws and safeguard your interests.
1. Make Sure You Are Safe
Your top priority after a car accident should be your own safety and the safety of others. If there are any visible injuries or if the accident appears severe, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Staying at the scene until emergency services arrive is required by Nevada law and helps prevent more accidents while ensuring important information is recorded.
While waiting for emergency services, make sure your vehicle is in a safe position, if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. This will alert other drivers and help prevent additional collisions. Documenting the accident scene is important for preserving crucial evidence. Take detailed notes and photographs of all vehicles involved, the accident location, and any visible injuries.
2. Call Emergency Services
Calling 911 is an essential step amidst the chaos following a car accident. Inform the dispatcher of any injuries or immediate dangers at the accident scene. This call ensures that both police and medical assistance are dispatched to your location, providing the necessary support for all parties involved.
The police will document the accident and create an official report. This is necessary for handling insurance claims and potential legal actions. Stay at the scene until all emergency services have arrived and completed their assessments.
3. Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Once everyone’s safety is ensured and emergency services are called, information will be exchanged with the other drivers involved. If you are conscious with minor injuries, make sure to gather:
- Names
- Contact details
- Driver’s licenses
- Insurance details
- License plate numbers from all parties
This information is essential for filing insurance claims and understanding liability.
If it’s not possible to gather all the information at the accident scene, remember that some details can be obtained later through police reports or insurance companies. However, getting as much information as possible immediately can streamline the claims process and help avoid future complications.
4. Document the Accident Scene
Documenting the accident scene thoroughly can impact your ability to claim compensation. Use your phone to take multiple photographs, capturing damage to all vehicles, their positions, skid marks, and any relevant environmental factors. These photos serve as important evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings.
Also, take notes on the location, weather conditions, traffic signs, and other details that might have influenced the accident to establish the facts when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
5. Gather Witness Information
Witness statements powerfully support your version of events. If possible, speak to any bystanders who saw the accident and collect their contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Witnesses provide unbiased accounts that can corroborate your claims and clarify how the accident occurred.
Passenger contact information can also be valuable as potential witnesses. Having multiple sources of testimony can strengthen your case to establish liability and secure fair compensation.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault
After a car accident, avoid admitting fault or placing blame. Even a simple apology can be interpreted as an admission of guilt, which can complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings. Stick to factual descriptions without expressing opinions on fault in car accidents.
When speaking with insurance adjusters or other involved parties, maintain this approach. Avoid making statements that could be used against you later. This approach protects your rights and ensures fault is determined based on evidence.
7. File a Police Report
After a car accident, filing a police report is necessary. This official document offers an unbiased account of the incident, including details of the involved parties, citations issued, and accident diagrams. It is essential for establishing fault and is often required by insurance companies.
In Nevada, accidents involving injuries or significant property damage must be reported to the DMV within ten days. If you realize later that the accident needs to be reported, Nevada law allows for a delayed report within this window. Check the police report for accuracy and obtain the report number for follow-up.
The police report is a vital piece of evidence in the claims process, supporting your case and helping to secure fair compensation. Without it, proving the details of the accident can be much more challenging.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
After a car accident, promptly contact your other driver’s insurance company. Report the accident within 24 hours and provide the basic facts, including the other driver’s insurance details. Understanding your insurance policy and coverage is crucial for navigating the aftermath of the accident.
Avoid making recorded statements to your insurance company without legal advice, as these can be used against you. Avoid giving recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company as well. Providing accurate and comprehensive information helps process your claim and seek compensation for damages and injuries.
9. Seek Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident addresses more than just visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries can manifest later, making a prompt medical evaluation crucial. Visiting a doctor identifies hidden injuries and provides a medical record to substantiate your claims.
Maintaining thorough records of all medical treatments and expenses is essential for substantiating compensation claims. Accurate medical documentation links your injuries to the accident, supporting your legal case and aiding in settlement negotiations. Request copies of all medical reports and keep detailed records of your care.
10. Keep Detailed Records
Comprehensive records after a car accident are vital for ensuring fair compensation. These include:
- Medical bills
- Repair estimates
- Any communication with insurers
These records provide a clear picture of your economic and non-economic losses, essential for negotiating settlements and legal claims.
Do not discard, alter, or repair the damaged vehicle or property without your insurer’s consent. Speak with a personal injury attorney before making any changes to protect important evidence.
11. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident attorney can be invaluable after a car crash. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. They assist in calculating compensation for medical bills, damaged property, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Consult your attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, but your attorney can negotiate to ensure fair compensation.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with a car accident requires careful steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and secure your financial well-being. Each step is essential, from staying safe immediately after the accident to consulting a car accident attorney.
The702Firm Injury Attorneys are here to support you through this process. Whether it’s managing insurance claims or tackling legal challenges, our experience can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.
