In an instant, a routine drive becomes a moment you’ll replay in your mind a thousand times. A car accident doesn’t just damage vehicles; it shakes your confidence, tests your patience, and disrupts your peace of mind. For those maneuvering through the busy streets of Las Vegas, the unexpected chaos of a crash can leave you confused and overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: knowledge is power. When you understand what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas, you turn fear into focus. You take control, not just of the situation, but of your recovery, your rights, and your future.
This guide exists to walk with you through the haze from that heart-stopping impact to the steady steps of healing and justice. Let’s explore the answers that can protect your well-being and empower your next move.
Prioritize Safety at the Accident Scene
Immediately after the accident occurred, safety should be your first concern. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and check on the other drivers involved. If anyone requires help, request medical assistance right away.
Call emergency services and report the motor vehicle accident. When the police arrive, give them the necessary details without speculating or admitting fault. This is crucial because, according to NRS § 41.141, an injured party can seek compensation only if their share of fault is less than 51%. If the injured person is 51% or more at fault, Nevada law bars them from recovering any damages.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get the driver’s license number, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details. Their witness statements can be valuable later in the claims process.
Do not leave the accident scene until you have exchanged information with the other driver and law enforcement has either arrived or been notified, as required by law. If you can, take photos of the vehicles involved, the location, visible injuries, and significant property damage. These detailed records will support your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention immediately. Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent, especially after minor car accidents. Shock can mask pain, and some injuries take days to show symptoms.
Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor as soon as possible. Request medical assistance on-site if you feel dizzy, disoriented, or experience pain. Medical visits not only ensure your well-being but also generate medical records that can strengthen your personal injury claim.
If you delay medical treatment, insurance adjusters from the other driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. In personal injury cases, timing is everything.
Keep a copy of all medical bills, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions. These documents support your claim for fair compensation, especially if you need extended care or suffer from lost wages due to your injuries.
Report the Accident and Obtain the Official Police Report
Under Nevada law, drivers involved in a crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750 must report the accident. The best way to comply is by calling 911 and allowing law enforcement to file an official police report. According to NRS § 484E.070, if no officer is present at the scene, the driver must report the crash to the nearest police authority within 10 days.
The police report will include critical information:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names of the drivers involved
- License plate numbers and insurance information
- Witness statements and officers’ observations
Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the report. This document plays a central role in personal injury claims and insurance disputes. Your car accident attorney will likely use it as evidence when negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company.
Never leave the accident scene without confirming that the police have documented the incident. Even minor accidents can turn into legal challenges later. This report is your first layer of legal protection.
Document Everything in Detail
Start creating a file for your car accident case the moment the crash occurred. Gather every piece of evidence related to the motor vehicle accident. The more detailed records you have, the stronger your case will be.
Include:
- Photos from the accident scene
- Emergency services and police report numbers
- Copies of your medical records
- Records of all medical treatment and visits
- Receipts for medical bills and car repairs
- Notes from conversations with the other driver, witnesses, and insurance adjusters
Keep a journal of your symptoms and daily life after the crash. If you can’t work, track lost wages. These details may seem small, but they are critical when you seek compensation through a personal injury attorney.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company without legal advice. Anything you say can affect your injury claim. Stick to the facts and let your documentation speak for itself.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Begin the Claims Process
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the car crash. Most policies require prompt reporting. Provide basic details but avoid admitting fault. Acknowledging fault or making any statement that could imply responsibility can be used against you during the insurance claims process.
Insurance adjusters will investigate the car accident. They may request photos, the police report, and a recorded statement. Remain cautious when speaking with them, especially if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you.
Understand that the driver’s insurance company may not offer fair compensation right away. Their priority is to minimize payouts. If your injuries are serious or involve long-term care, consider getting legal assistance to protect your rights.
Keep all written communications and emails from your insurance company. If your vehicle sustained significant property damage, make sure you receive compensation for repairs or replacement value.
Understand Your Legal Rights
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Bills: All reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments, can be recovered.
- Property Damage: You can claim the cost of repairs or replacement for your damaged vehicle and any personal property lost in the crash.
- Lost Wages: You may recover wages lost due to time off work for treatment and recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation can be awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of serious injury or death, the eligible family members under Nevada law of the injured party may seek damages for the loss of companionship or support.
Nevada’s statute of limitations, under NRS 11.190, gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Review all offers carefully, and consult a car accident lawyer to handle the legal process, particularly when dealing with the complex insurance claims process. A personal injury attorney will advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation based on your specific injuries, losses, and local laws.
7. When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
Some car accident cases are straightforward, but others involve serious injuries, legal complications, or insurance disputes. If you feel overwhelmed by the process or believe the other party acted negligently, contact a car accident attorney.
A car accident attorney with a proven track record in Las Vegas can:
- Handle communication with the other driver’s insurance company
- Collect and present evidence to support your case
- Ensure all legal deadlines are met
- Help you receive fair compensation for all damages
Legal assistance becomes especially important when:
- The crash involved multiple drivers
- There is confusion about the fault
- You suffered visible injuries requiring extended treatment
- You missed work and lost wages
Protect Yourself and Your Rights
The moments after a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. But your actions during those first few hours and days can significantly affect your recovery physically, emotionally, and financially. Prioritize safety, seek medical attention, gather evidence, and report everything properly.
Handling the insurance claims process and understanding your rights under Nevada law can be complex. You don’t have to do it alone. Injury victims deserve compassionate guidance and strong legal support.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Las Vegas and need help with your injury claim, Bourassa Law Group is here for you. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Las Vegas are ready to advocate on your behalf and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Nevada law. Contact us for a free consultation today.
1-800-870-8910