What should I do if I’m injured in a car accident? If you suffer injuries in a car accident, it is essential that you put your health first by calling 911 and requesting help, provide help to others when you can as well, and when it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as you can from the scene, document what happened clearly, and lastly, inform the police about what occurred.
By taking several specific steps, you can reduce the risk of life-threatening delays in medical care and preserve critical evidence. Speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer today.
Prioritize Safety for You and Others
Your first step after a car accident is to remove yourself from additional risk, if you can. In some situations, injuries may make that impossible. As soon as you can, call 911 to request medical care. The dispatcher will provide you with steps to take to manage injuries.
When you can, check on others. Make sure passengers in your car are safe. Check on the other driver if you can do so safely. Providing help like this is not a risk to you in terms of liability.
Most importantly, once help arrives, provide a full description of what happened to police officers and medical teams. Only state the facts and, when possible, keep emotions out of the process. That way, you do not say something that puts you at risk. Protect your rights with the help of a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer today.
Critical Evidence to Obtain in a Car Accident
As you receive medical care, if it is safe to do so, take photos. Take photos or a video of the area and what is occurring. This type of documentation can be helpful later when questions arise about what happened.
If your injuries are minor or moderate, and you can safely take photos of the scene, damage to your car, and the other driver’s vehicle, do so. Capture the location and placement of the vehicles on the roadway. These small details, such as where debris is on the road, can help you build a strong claim later.
Make sure to get the names of all people involved. You have the right to the other driver’s name and contact information, as well as the driver’s license and insurance information. Get witness statements that can also help you build your case. This is an important step to take after a car accident.
Get Medical Care and Follow Your Provider’s Directions
The sooner you go to the emergency room or urgent care, the better. This allows you to get care for injuries you may not know are present or may be more severe than you realize.
Often, victims put off seeking care, and those delays can lead to worsening conditions. Some of the most common injuries that you may not realize you have right after an accident include:
- Internal bleeding, which can result in complications to health due to extensive bleeding or damage to organs
- Muscle tears and damage, including whiplash, a form of damage to the ligaments in the neck that occurs from the rapid back-and-forth movement
- Traumatic brain injuries, including severe concussions, which typically do not have any initial outward symptoms, but can lead to cognitive function decline if left untreated
It is especially important to seek medical care if you have injuries to your head, back, shoulders, or abdomen. Going to the hospital allows you to have a full checkup to look at all factors contributing to your symptoms.
You should then follow all recommended care provided by the ER doctor, such as follow-up care or, in some cases, hospitalization.
Meet All of Your Follow-Up Appointments and Care Needs
In the days after the car accident, please do not delay meeting your medical provider’s expectations. That means attending follow-up appointments, documenting your injuries and lost work time, and gathering any evidence of emotional or physical symptoms. If you do not seek out proper care to recover, this could challenge your personal injury case later.
Meet with an Attorney to Go Over Your Accident
Right after your accident, contact an attorney to review your case and to act on your behalf. Your attorney becomes your advocate throughout this process, ensuring you can care for your own medical and emotional needs. After an accident, your attorney will:
- Inform the applicable insurance companies of what occurred. This typically includes notifying your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer about what occurred.
- Gather evidence of who is at fault, preserving witness statements, photo and video evidence from the location, police report documentation, and introducing a network of experts if there are disputes over fault.
- Building a claim that includes all of your current and future losses, including any expected long-term implications to your health and well-being.
- Negotiates with the insurance company about the value of your claim. This includes providing additional evidence and protecting the value of your claim from fierce negotiation tactics.
- Go to court to fight for you if that is necessary. Though it is rarely the case, your car accident lawyer will go to trial to hold those who hurt you fully accountable. This is rarely necessary.
During this time, focus on your recovery and document your losses. Make sure you avoid social media, including any statements or photos about the accident, injury, or losses you have. Work closely with your car accident attorney so they fully understand the impact of your case.
Know That There Is a Time Limit
The Nevada statute of limitations (NRS Chapter 11) for most personal injuries is just two years. If you must go to court to recover damages, your attorney needs to file your lawsuit within this timeframe. The sooner you turn to a lawyer, the faster they can get results for you.
Free Consultation We’ll help you win the benefits you need to get your life back.
Hire Our Experienced Nevada Car Accident Lawyers
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers has recovered millions of dollars in losses for victims throughout our history.
Turn to our car accident lawyer in Nevada for immediate help after your accident. We offer free consultations to help you learn more about your rights, a critical step after a car accident.
DIRECTIONS 
