10 Steps to Take After a Car Crash

By Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers | October 25, 2019

If you were involved in a collision and you suffered serious injuries, we encourage you to seek immediate medical treatment – your health is your top priority. Delaying medical care can result in worsened injuries and a longer recovery time. It can also work against you should you pursue a car accident claim. The judge or jury could see your delay as proof that your injuries weren’t severe or painful. Explain to your doctor what happened during your crash. Keep records of your medical bills, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Here is what to do after a crash.

  • 1. Stop at the scene and offer assistance.

    • It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident that resulted in injuries or property damage. You must stay on scene until you can legally take leave. Otherwise, you risk a “hit-and-run” charge and penalties. Stop your vehicle, assess the situation, and offer help as appropriate.

  • 2. If your car is blocking traffic and is drivable, move your vehicle out of the way.

    • If you are in a minor accident and it is safe, push any incapacitated vehicles to the side of the road. Use your vehicle’s hazard lights and set out cones or flashers if you have them to warn other drivers of the accident. If you can’t move your vehicle off the road, don’t stay with it. Move yourself to a safe place, away from traffic, while you wait for law enforcement to arrive.

  • 3. Don’t admit fault.

    • Nevada is a “fault” state, meaning the driver who causes the crash will be financially liable for damages. Do not apologize to the other party or say the collision was your fault. Wait for an investigation from police or an insurance company to assign fault. There may be an element at play of which you were not aware, such as the other driver’s partial fault or a hazardous road condition.

  • 4. Check for injuries.

    • Check to see if you or other parties have injuries. Immediately request an ambulance if there are injuries, and call police. Don’t assume someone else has already called for help. Do not move injured people unless they are in imminent danger; moving an accident victim can make minor injuries major. Stay with the injured person, remain calm, and make the individual as comfortable as possible while you wait for emergency assistance.

  • 5. Report the crash to police.

    • In Nevada, you must report a car accident if it results in injuries, death, or more than $750 of property damage.  However, we recommend that you always call the police to report an accident as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are now responding to non-injury collisions as well. You must either call the police or submit a Report of Traffic Accident within ten days of the collision. Stick to the facts when speaking to police officers. Give as detailed an account as possible, including the directions both vehicles were traveling and the names of any eyewitnesses.

  • 6. Gather information.

    • Collect as much information about your accident as possible. If you are able to stay on the scene of the crash, gather information, such as the other driver’s name and insurance information. Record facts about the crash while they’re still fresh on your mind. Take down the name of the officer who arrives on scene, and the information of anyone who was involved in the collision or who saw what happened.

  • 7. Take pictures.

    • If possible, use a camera or a cell phone to take photos at the scene of the crash. Take pictures of your vehicle, other vehicles or property damage, injuries, the roadway, and any other relevant details. For example, if a tree obscured a stop sign, making the other driver roll through an intersection and crash into you, take a photo of the hazardous condition. Photos can serve as inscrutable evidence during car accident claims and cases.

  • 8. Call your insurance company.

    • Most car insurers have strict deadlines for when you must report an accident to qualify for coverage. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and explain what happened. Follow the agent’s instructions for reporting. Do not admit fault. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement before speaking to an attorney.

  • 9. Create an accident file.

    • If you think you will need to take legal action to pursue compensation for your accident-related damages, create an organized file documenting everything from the crash. This includes the police report and any medical documents. The more information you can gather, the stronger your case.

  • 10. Contact a local lawyer.

    • Finally, speak with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer  about your Las Vegas car accident. A lawyer can help you understand what to do and what not to do following a harmful collision. A lawyer can also undertake communications with insurance companies on your behalf, negotiate a settlement, or take your case to court if necessary.
Posted in Car Accident