Nevada has fault-based auto insurance, which means the at-fault driver’s insurer must cover the losses incurred by car accident victims. However, insurers will search for any reason to deny claims. Knowing what to do when injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, will help you avoid a claim denial and preserve your right to seek injury compensation.
Even when you do everything right, winning or settling a car crash claim can be challenging. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer from De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can guide you before and during your insurance claim.
Call us at (702) 222-9999 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys.
How De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Las Vegas, NV
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is a multi-generational, family-run law firm serving accident victims in Las Vegas, NV. For over three decades, our team has fought insurers and at-fault parties to recover compensation for our clients.
When a careless driver injures you in a car accident, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers can provide the following legal assistance:
- Meeting with you about your accident and explaining your legal options
- Collecting documents and records for your case
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver and negotiating to resolve it fairly
- Taking your car accident case to court if the other driver’s insurer denies your claim
Car crashes traumatize your mind and body. Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney to discuss the compensation you deserve for your crash-related injuries.
5 Steps to Take After a Car Crash
Nevada law imposes several legal duties on drivers involved in collisions. After you satisfy these statutory requirements, you can take additional actions to protect your right to seek injury compensation. The following steps can help you during your accident claim:
1. Stop at the Accident Scene
Nevada law requires drivers to stop at the crash scene after any accident that causes death, injury, or property damage. The driver must remain there until they exchange information with the other driver and assist anyone injured. You may be involved in a hit-and-run accident if the other driver fails to stop or leaves prematurely.
2. Call the Police
After you stop, you must call the police for crashes that cause death, injury, or property damage. You can typically only leave a crash scene without calling the police when the collision causes no injuries and no property damage to any vehicles, buildings, or structures. Thus, you usually must call the police after you hit a stop sign, even if no one gets injured.
In addition to complying with Nevada law, calling the police helps you document what occurred. Specifically, the responding officers will investigate the crash and complete a car accident report summarizing the officer’s findings. This report contains valuable information for any insurance claims you pursue.
3. Seek Medical Attention Appropriate for Your Injuries
Seek medical care if you have any symptoms of physical or mental trauma. The level or immediacy of care you seek depends on your injuries. Life-threatening or disabling injuries may require immediate care by EMTs or emergency room doctors. For example, you may request an ambulance for severe bleeding, unconsciousness, or major bone fractures.
Conversely, you might visit a quick care clinic or your doctor for less severe symptoms, such as muscle soreness, weakness, or stiffness. However, you should make an appointment as soon as possible after your crash.
Getting a diagnosis promptly after your crash has several benefits. Your doctor can provide a treatment plan and explain any activity restrictions. Additionally, the medical records produced by your doctor will document the severity and cause of your injuries for any future claims you might have.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
A common defense by at-fault drivers is that you worsened your injuries by failing to follow your doctor’s orders. For example, suppose your doctor tells you not to lift anything for two weeks. You should inform your boss and family of your restrictions so you do not inadvertently violate them.
If you defy your doctor’s instructions and reinjure yourself or worsen your injury, you open the door to this defense, jeopardizing your entire claim.
5. Consult a Lawyer Before Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurer
The other driver’s insurer will look for any reason to deny your claim. One common tactic for generating evidence against you is getting a “recorded statement” from you. As the name suggests, a recorded statement occurs when the claims adjuster asks you questions while recording your conversation. Any misstatement can give the insurer ammunition to fight against your claim.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Documenting your crash and injuries can help our Las Vegas car accident lawyers prove the other driver’s liability for your losses. Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn about your right to seek financial compensation under Nevada law.