Las Vegas is one of the busiest cities on Earth, so it’s no surprise that car accidents here are common. Anyone driving or walking around should be prepared for what to do if they are injured in a crash.
Immediately after a collision, staying safe and reporting the accident are your first priorities. Gather evidence if you can, but get medical treatment right after. Next, call our attorneys so that we can build your case, negotiate a settlement, and get you compensation as soon as possible.
For your free case review, contact the Las Vegas, NV truck accident attorneys at Mitchell Rogers Injury Law by calling (702) 702-2622.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Las Vegas
Getting injured in a car accident can be overwhelming, but it is important to remain calm. You will want to do a few things to stay safe and document the crash afterwards.
Ensure Your Safety
Getting to safety is the first priority. If you can move your vehicle to a safe location, do so to avoid the risk of another driver crashing into the wreck. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on and the engine off. If you cannot safely exit your car or trapped, wait for emergency services to secure the scene.
Whatever you do, stay on the scene. Leaving too soon can not only result in criminal charges but also ruin your chances of recovering compensation.
Call 911
Next, call 911 for help. EMTs should arrive shortly to assess your injuries and take you to the hospital, if necessary. They will provide treatment, which will be recorded in the medical report. Our car accident attorneys in Las Vegas can use it as evidence of your damages and the other driver’s liability.
Report the Crash to the Police
You should also report your accident to the police, even if emergency medical care is unnecessary. They will write a crash report, which you will typically need for insurance negotiations and to track down other evidence.
Never Admit Fault
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing to anyone on the scene, especially the other driver or the police. Such statements will almost certainly be used against you in your lawsuit.
Also, do not discuss the accident with the other driver or witnesses. The crash site is not the place to determine how it happened. Simply wait for the police and exchange information then.
What Evidence Should I Collect at the Scene of a Las Vegas Car Accident?
Some types of evidence should be collected at the scene to preserve it for your claim. If is not gathered then, it might be permanently lost.
Driver Information
As mentioned, wait to exchange information with the other driver when the police make their report. If they talk to you beforehand, exchanging insurance information is usually fine, but nothing more.
The police report will contain all the important details, like name, address, phone number, and their statements.
Witness Information
When speaking to witnesses, the same rules above apply. Takes notes about what they saw so you have your own copy and ask for their contact information. We can speak to them after filing your claim and get their testimony.
Photos
Photos are the best way to preserve the damage on the scene and your injuries.
Take photos of anything that might support your case, like tire marks, the vehicles’ condition and location, and car parts. You should also photograph the area where the crash occurred, including the street layout, road signs, and stop lights.
Photos of your injuries will preserve their severity at the time of the crash, rather than how they appear later during your claim after having a chance to heal.
Videos
Las Vegas has no shortage of surveillance cameras, so it is very possible that your collision was recorded. Make note of any cameras or nearby businesses that might have footage of the crash. But start your case quickly so we can obtain it before it is erased.
Your dashcam footage can also be used as evidence if one was recording. If the other driver has relevant footage, our team can obtain it from their attorneys.
Should I Get Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Las Vegas?
You will not recover compensation without proof of your injuries, so get medical care immediately. While an ambulance ride might be unnecessary, you should go to the emergency room directly from the scene. The doctors will document your injuries and identify underlying injuries, which can take days to manifest.
Waiting even a day or two to get care can make recovering compensation harder. The insurance company will likely use it to lower its settlement offer or deny your claim, so follow your doctors’ instructions.
What Steps Should I Take to Recover Compensation for My Las Vegas Car Accident?
By following the above steps, your chances of recovering compensation will be higher, but there are a few other rules to follow protect your claim.
Get a Lawyer
Speaking to our lawyers should be the next step after getting emergency medical care. We will deal with the insurance companies and gather evidence while you recover. We will also prepare you to give statements, calculate your total damages, and go to trial if we cannot settle.
Continue Medical Treatment
If your doctor prescribes a treatment plan for your injuries, stick to it. Do your best to make every appointment, such as check-ups and physical therapy sessions.
Do Not Give Statements to the Insurance Company
Whether it’s your insurance company or the other driver’s, do not give a recorded statement without preparing with our team.
Do Not Accept a Settlement
You should review any settlement offer with us before accepting. Insurance companies almost always start with a low offer. If an offer fails to adequately cover your economic and non-economic losses, rejecting it and going to trial might be best.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas for Help
Call Mitchell Rogers Injury Law’s Boulder City, NV truck accident lawyers at (702) 702-2622 for a free case assessment.