Even a minor fender bender can puzzle you when you’re on the road, let alone severe accidents that result in injuries. Your emotions are high, your heart’s racing, and the worries are quickly piling up: injuries, damages, paperwork, and everything that comes next.
Amidst all that tension, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the settlement process down the road. And with car accidents being very common in Las Vegas, drivers must always know how to navigate the moments after a collision. Here are some critical steps to follow after accidents, from notifying the authorities to consulting Las Vegas car accident lawyers.
Call 911 for Assistance
Unless it’s a very minor collision without any injuries or damages, you should first call 911 and inform them. The sooner you do this, the quicker emergency services can dispatch medical assistance and police to assist you. Ensure that you describe the accident details and injuries as accurately as you can so that they can send the required help (such as an ambulance).
Go to the Emergency Room
If you’ve suffered any injury, medical responders will likely take you to the nearest hospital for an emergency checkup. Don’t skip this; get thoroughly evaluated, even for any pain that doesn’t seem too alarming at first. The adrenaline can mask the actual severity of the pain, which is why many accident victims learn days later that they’ve suffered whiplash, a concussion, a spinal cord injury, etc.
Secure the Scene
Secondary accidents can happen quickly. If you can, you should also try to secure the accident scene to keep others and yourself safe. If possible, move your car off the road and turn on the hazard lights. This will alert the oncoming traffic and prevent further incidents. In case of a major accident where you cannot move, stay inside and wait for assistance.
Call the Police
Besides calling 911, you should also call the police to report the crash. Local responders can arrive at the scene quicker, secure the crash site, assist those injured, and create an official report. Remember, this police report can make all the difference when you file for an injury lawsuit or insurance claim. After completing all the post-accident formalities, contact the police department to obtain an official copy of the report.
Exchange Information With Others Involved
When you speak to the other drivers involved, don’t admit fault or place any blame. Instead, stick to the facts and make sure that you exchange names, registration numbers, driver’s license details, phone numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses around, try to get their statements and contact information as well, as these will strengthen your case.
Document the Scene
Whether you’re going to file a lawsuit or not, this isn’t something you can miss. Take some time to record the scene after making sure everyone is safe and getting immediate care. Try to do this as soon as you can so the vehicle positions and road conditions are similar to what they were when the collision happened. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road signs or signals, the location, number plates, and the weather and lighting conditions.
Inform Your Car Insurance Company
Even if it’s a minor crash that has only left your car with some dents, informing your insurer is necessary. Be cooperative and transparent when you provide them with the facts of the accident. You can also ask them about your coverage and repair or rental options, but do not agree to provide any formal statements without consulting an attorney.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney
Even when you aren’t at fault, accident claims may not be as straightforward as you think. Speak with an experienced car accident attorney to understand how you can navigate the aftermath. They can guide you through the claims process, challenge unfair settlements or negligence claims, and gather all the required evidence to build a strong case.
Wrapping Up
While car accidents are traumatic, dealing with the aftermath becomes a little easier when you know what to do. By following these steps, you can take the right steps and confidently navigate the claims process.
