Being in a car accident can be one of the most jarring and disruptive events someone can experience. Even a minor bump in a parking lot can leave you feeling shaken up, especially if it’s your first accident. A more serious collision involving major damage, injuries, or fatalities can be absolutely traumatic and life-altering. At a minimum, car accidents almost always mean dealing with insurance claims, car repairs, police reports, and myriad logistical headaches.
When an accident happens in an unfamiliar area like Summerlin, Nevada, it’s easy to feel even more overwhelmed. You may not know the laws, who to call, or the proper procedures to take care of everything after the crash. Fortunately, by understanding the steps to take after an accident in Summerlin, you can protect yourself both legally and financially.
The minutes and hours immediately following an accident are crucial for gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and taking the right actions. By being prepared on what to do in Summerlin after a collision, you can alleviate a lot of stress and ensure the aftermath is handled properly. Here is a comprehensive overview on the key steps to take if you are unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident in Summerlin.
Stop Immediately and Call the Police
The first thing you should do after a car accident in Summerlin is stop your vehicle right away. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even if it seems like just a minor incident and nobody is hurt. Failure to stop can lead to serious criminal charges.
Even if the accident wasn’t a major one, it’s important to call the police so there is an official report of what transpired. In Las Vegas, you would call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police at 311 or 702-828-3111. Having a police report can help protect you later when it comes to determining fault and liability for the accident.
Check for Injuries and Provide Aid
Once you’ve stopped your car, check to see if you, your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle appears injured. If anyone needs emergency medical care, call 911 immediately. Also, render reasonable assistance to anyone who seems hurt. However, don’t move an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary to prevent further harm.
Even if you don’t have obvious injuries, consider getting examined by a doctor after the accident. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of injuries that may show up later. Having medical documentation will help if you need to file a claim or lawsuit related to your injuries down the road.
Follow all doctors’ orders, including taking medications as prescribed and attending follow-up appointments.
Exchange Information
When the police arrive, provide them with your license, registration and insurance information. Get the name and contact information of the other driver as well. You’ll also want to document the license plate numbers of any other vehicles involved.
If there are passengers in the other car, get their names and contact information too. Also, take down the names and badge numbers of all police officers on the scene. All this information can help protect you later when insurance claims are being filed.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene from various angles before the vehicles are moved. Capture images showing the position of the cars, any vehicle damage, skid marks on the roadway, street signs or landmarks, weather conditions, and anything else that documents what happened. These photos can provide valuable evidence if questions later arise over who was at fault.
Exchange Insurance Information
Provide your auto insurance information to the other driver and obtain theirs as well. Get their insurance company name, policy number, and contact information. Having this information handy will make the claims process faster and easier.
If the other driver does not have proof of insurance, notify the police officer on the scene. In Nevada, it’s illegal to drive without insurance. The authorities will obtain the driver’s insurance information when they do their accident report.
Uninsured Motorists
Nevada requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance liability coverage. However, some motorists break this law and drive uninsured.
If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Summerlin, Nevada, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under the uninsured motorist portion of your policy. This provides coverage in the event of an accident caused by a driver with no insurance.
Nevada is also a “no-fault” insurance state when it comes to medical payments. This means your own insurer will cover your medical expenses up to the limit of your policy, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
For damage to your vehicle, you may need to take legal action against the uninsured driver to obtain compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer Summerlin NV from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys in Summerlin, Nevada can help you pursue damages in these situations.
Don’t Admit Fault
Be cooperative with the police, but don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Anything you say can be used against you later. Merely state the facts and leave the determinations of fault and liability to the insurance companies.
Also, avoid apologizing or saying you are sorry, as that can be construed as an admission of culpability. Simply express concern for the other driver’s well-being.
Consult an Accident Injury Lawyer
For accidents involving major vehicle damage, injuries, or fatalities, call an experienced car accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys in Summerlin, Nevada for help protecting your rights and navigating the claims process. An accident injury attorney from our law firm can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovering from the accident. We may also be able to get you more compensation than the initial settlement offered by an insurer.
Being in a car accident can be upsetting and overwhelming. However, by taking the proper steps, exercising caution at the scene, and consulting a Summerlin car accident attorney, you can ensure the aftermath of the accident is handled correctly. With the right support, you can move forward from the accident in the healthiest way possible.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Summerlin, Nevada, call us today on 1-800-4THE-WIN (1-800-484-3946).
