Knowing what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas can help you protect both your health and your case for compensation. Start by seeking medical attention immediately, even if you didn’t require emergency care at the scene.
Injuries, including whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Next, file a police report, even if law enforcement wasn’t called to the accident scene. This report can serve as a critical piece of evidence later. In many cases, it’s also legally required.
Document as much evidence as possible and obtain the contact and insurance information of the other driver, as well as contact information for any witnesses. Finally, consult a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to explore your options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Take These Five Steps After a Las Vegas Car Accident
What you do after a car accident in Las Vegas can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Taking the right steps immediately after a collision helps preserve critical evidence, which in turn helps a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer establish liability and the extent of your damages.
Acting quickly and carefully ensures you have the documentation needed to demonstrate how the collision occurred and the losses you’ve experienced.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you didn’t require emergency care at the scene, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the collision. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
A medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates documentation that can support your case later.
File a Police Report
Even if you did not call the police to the scene of the collision, you should still file a police report as soon as possible. This document provides an official account of the incident and can serve as a critical piece of evidence if you pursue a claim for damages.
Document the Collision
Gather as much evidence as you can while you’re at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, the accident site, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If there are nearby witnesses, ask for their contact information in case their testimony is needed later.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
If you can, obtain the name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details of the other driver involved in the collision. This information is essential for filing an insurance claim or building a personal injury case.
Consult a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a Las Vegas car accident attorney can take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your health while seeking justice. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and guide you through the process of pursuing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
By following these steps, you can safeguard your health and strengthen your case after a car accident in Las Vegas.
How to Seek Compensation After a Car Accident in Las Vegas
After a Las Vegas car collision, a lawyer can help you file an insurance claim or take legal action to recover compensation. The process begins by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If the insurance company offers a low settlement, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If an insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, you may file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can guide you through this process and represent you in trial if necessary.
If the Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you may still have options for seeking compensation, such as:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): If your policy includes UM/UIM, you can file a claim with your own insurer to cover your losses.
- Personal injury lawsuit: If the driver has assets, you can pursue legal action directly against them.
- Third-party liability: In certain cases, a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or municipality, may share responsibility. A lawyer can help you file a third-party claim.
An attorney can investigate your Las Vegas car accident and determine your legal options.
The Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Las Vegas
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 11.190(4)(e). If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Starting your Las Vegas car accident case sooner than later prevents delays that can cost you in the long run. For example, evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes, and witnesses may forget important details.
Additionally, insurance companies may use delays against you, arguing that your injuries were not serious enough to warrant immediate action. A lawyer can help you determine and meet your legal deadline.
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We Can Explain More About What to Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas
After a Las Vegas car accident, knowing what to do can be difficult, especially when healing from injuries. At Arias Sanguinetti, our team of attorneys can guide you step by step through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our team of lawyers has over 300 years of combined experience and has recovered over $1.5 billion for our clients. If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas, contact Arias Sanguinetti for a free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent drivers accountable and take the first step toward recovery.
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