Car Accident Checklist: What to Do After an Accident
Las Vegas is a bustling city, and the roads can be very dangerous. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, there were more than 33,800 car accidents in Las Vegas in 2019. Of those crashes, 765 resulted in someone’s death, and over 18,000 people were injured.
Each year, more than 6 million car accidents happen in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: aarp.org
These statistics demonstrate that car accidents are unfortunately common in Las Vegas.
Car accidents can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially if you or a loved one has been hurt.
At Shook & Stone, our Las Vegas car accident lawyers are committed to helping victims and families navigate the aftermath of an accident – from the very moment they reach out to us, to the moment they receive the compensation they deserve.
What to Do After a Car Crash
Although car accidents can be a chaotic experience, there are a few things you should remember to protect yourself, your rights, and your potential personal injury claim.
1. Remain at the Scene
Anyone who has been involved in an auto accident must remain at the scene. Not only is this essential to ensuring that anyone injured receives the help they need, it is also the law.
Fleeing the scene of an accident can subject you to criminal charges.
2. Call Law Enforcement / Emergency Help
If emergency medical treatment is needed, contact emergency services immediately. If there is not an immediate medical emergency, contacting law enforcement is still a good idea. Officers can make an accident report and collect statements.
Once law enforcement arrives at the scene, follow their instructions and remain cooperative.
Do not admit fault or blame anyone else for the accident. Be friendly and polite to other drivers involved, but do not discuss fault or agree to any settlements on the spot.
3. Gather Your Things from the Accident Scene
After a police report has been made, take the time to relax and process the accident. Take a few deep breaths and try to remain as calm as possible. Gather all of your personal information, such as insurance cards, driver’s license and vehicle registration.
6. Keep Calm & Check for Injuries
When you’ve been involved in an auto accident, it is important to remember to remain calm and check for injuries. If you or someone else has been hurt, get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think the injury is minor, seek medical help right away.
7. Collect Information
You should always exchange information with any and all drivers involved in your accident, including their name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
If witnesses are present, you should also collect their information as well. Taking photos of the scene of the accident, property damage, and any visible injuries is also important.
It is best not to discuss fault after an accident, even if you think you may be partially to blame.
There may be circumstances that caused the accident that you may not know.
8. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is important to notify your insurance company about a car accident as soon as possible. Your insurer should be the first call you make after an accident, even before you contact the police.
This will ensure that you are protected under your policy and that you get the coverage that you need in a timely manner.
When notifying your insurance provider, be sure to provide them with all of the relevant information about the accident, including the facts of the incident, any injuries that were sustained, and the contact information of other drivers.
9. Keep Medical Records
When seeking medical treatment, make sure to keep records of all information that is provided.
This includes any tests or scans carried out, treatments received and medications prescribed.
You should also keep copies of your bills, as this will help you to seek reimbursement for any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
In order to ensure that all necessary information is included in your records, it is important to keep track of any conversations you have with healthcare providers.
When you seek medical treatment after an accident, always keep records. You can also ask for copies of medical reports and bills.
10. Organize Bits of Evidence
Organizing your records and documents is an important step to take after an auto accident. This includes collecting photos of the accident, keeping a record of repair bills, medical costs, and any other expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. All of these documents can be used to prove your case in court if necessary.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys
The single most important thing you can do after an accident is to call an attorney. An experienced lawyer can inform you of your rights and the potential value of your claim. Don’t accept offers from an insurance company without first discussing your case with a lawyer.
Remembering all of these tips after an accident can be difficult, especially after an injury. At Shook & Stone, our personal injury attorneys are here to provide immediate support and assistance when victims need it most. For more information about your rights after a car accident, call 702-570-0000 for a FREE consultation.