There are lots of exciting attractions to see when you’re in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, chances are good that you’ll also see a traffic accident.
Thousands of motor vehicle wrecks happen in the City of Lights annually, many of which lead to injuries and fatalities. You may know what to do if you’re involved in one of these tragic events yourself, but would you know what steps to take if you were to witness someone being hit by a car?
5 Steps To Take After Witnessing A Collision In Las Vegas
In the same way that what you do after being hurt in a crash can affect your physical and financial recovery, your actions after witnessing an accident matter greatly. You don’t need to put yourself in harm’s way to be of assistance to an injury victim. Instead, focus on these five steps to help someone in need after a motor vehicle crash:
1. Call 911
If you think the victim might be hurt, contacting 911 is one of the best things you can do to protect them. Provide the dispatcher with information like the accident’s location, the number of people injured, and any details you have about the victims’ conditions. If anyone is seriously injured, tell the dispatcher and follow their instructions.
2. Render First Aid If You’re Qualified
As a witness to a crash, you have no duty to render first aid to those injured. However, if you feel compelled to do so, Nevada’s “Good Samaritan” law will generally shield you from civil liability. With that being said, you shouldn’t attempt to provide more care than you’re trained to give, nor should you put yourself in danger unless it’s necessary to save a life.
3. Give A Statement To The Police
Remain at the accident scene until police arrive and speak with you. Your observations will help officers prepare their report. Any information you provide should be truthful and limited to what you saw and heard. Don’t make assumptions or take guesses about how the crash occurred if you don’t have firsthand knowledge.
4. Provide Your Contact Information
Give your name and contact information to the responding officers so they can include it in their report. You can also give this information to the drivers involved in the crash if you feel comfortable doing so. If you do, you should know that you might be contacted by the drivers’ insurance companies and legal representatives if either party files a claim for damages.
5. Cooperate With The Insurance Companies
If fault is an issue in the crash you witnessed, you may be contacted by one party’s insurer and asked about what you saw. As with the police, any information you give the insurance companies should be honest, accurate, and limited to what you directly perceived.
It’s possible that you may be asked to speak with multiple insurance company representatives, including adjusters and attorneys. However, no one has the right to harass you or call you at unreasonable times. If you experience any issues when speaking with an insurer, an experienced attorney can educate you on and help you assert your rights.
Witnesses Play A Vital Role In Car Accident Cases
Those who are injured in car crashes frequently depend on others who saw the accident happen to help them obtain medical care and compensation. Remember, however, that you have no legal duty to offer assistance, and that even if you do, you have legal rights that must be respected. Your benevolent actions shouldn’t turn into a source of stress in your own life.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today. We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson.
We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
