What Should I Do If I’m involved in a Major Car Accident in Las Vegas?

Car Accident

While most car accidents are minor fender-benders that cause little more than property damage, some collisions are much more serious. Major car accidents often cause severe injuries that require hospitalization. Common injuries include broken bones and the spine, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. Fatalities are also not uncommon. Las Vegas, in particular, is known for its busy roads and highways. With so much traffic, the risk of a serious car accident is always present. If you’re involved in a major car accident in Las Vegas, it’s important you take these steps to protect yourself and your rights.

Seek Medical Attention

There’s a higher risk of serious injuries in a major car accident than in a minor one. Confirm whether you’ve suffered any injuries. Even if you were the only one in your vehicle, it’s always advisable to offer reasonable assistance to anyone else involved in the accident. If you are able, render aid to any injured parties and then call emergency services. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A medical checkup will also document your injuries, which will be important if you need to file a lawsuit.

Contact The Police

When the police visit the scene, there will be an official accident report, which can be useful in an insurance claim or lawsuit. The report will document the details of the accident. It’s important to note that, in Nevada, some accident laws require you to report to the DMV within 10 days if the accident was severe, and there was over $750 in property damage or if anyone was injured or killed. However, this won’t be necessary if the police have already reported it.

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Move Away from Traffic and Exchange Information

It’s always a good idea to move your car to the side of the road, if possible, as this will help prevent further accidents from happening. Once you’re in a safe spot, exchange contact and insurance details with the other drivers involved. Don’t forget to get the names and contacts of any witnesses as well.

Inform Your Insurance Company

You’ll need to call your insurance carrier as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurer will then open an investigation and may likely dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the accident scene. Be sure to cooperate with the investigation, but don’t give a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

Contact an Attorney

Insurance companies are not always fair, and they may try to lowball you on your settlement. And in the case where a criminal act led to the accident, you can file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV might also help with evidence gathering, including obtaining the police report and witness statements.

Conclusion

Although unfortunate, being involved in a major car accident is not uncommon. If it does happen to you, be sure to take precautionary steps to safeguard your rights and interests. Seek medical attention, call the police, move to safety, cooperate with investigations, and contact an attorney. Taking these steps will also help guarantee you receive the compensation you deserve.