What are my obligations after a Las Vegas car accident?

2010 was the last year the Nevada Department of Transportation (Nevada DOT) published complete traffic accident data. A summary analysis for that year shows that Las Vegas police reported 43.3 percent of the 51,664 crashes in the State. Most of the crashes happened in four-way and T-intersections, and the primary causes were failure to yield and following too close.

Las Vegas is a special place. People love to visit the City of Lights, and now, after the pandemic, more visitors are returning. As a result, more car accidents in Las Vegas are inevitable. KSNV News 3 reported that in 2021, Nevada had its deadliest year in over a decade.

There are many reasons for car accidents in Las Vegas, including speeding, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, and reckless driving. Regardless of what causes a wreck, you will want to know what you should do if you are involved.

Critical Steps to Follow If You Are Involved in a Car Wreck

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When involved in Las Vegas traffic accidents, there are specific steps you need to take. But there are things you can do even before a car crash occurs. According to the Insurance Information Institute, it’s a good idea to stay prepared by following these suggestions:

  • Have the necessary documents on your person and in your car. Most people probably know by heart the chant a police officer says upon stopping a motorist — “Driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, please.” Also, keep vital medical information for yourself and your family in the car.
  • Keep your vehicle stocked with emergency items. These can include flares and signs to warn oncoming traffic to take caution. Keeping a blanket or two and a powerful flashlight in your vehicle is also a good idea.
  • Maintain insurance coverage adequate to protect you. Nevada requires minimum coverage of 25/50/20. This means there is $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.

Driving with proof of insurance can be a costly mistake. With inadequate coverage, it can also be expensive to be involved in Las Vegas traffic accidents. Suppose you or someone in your vehicle is injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver. In that case, you will be responsible for the medical and repair costs.

Medical payment and uninsured/underinsured coverage can protect you if you are in a wreck with someone without any or inadequate insurance coverage. There are other optional insurance coverage options, as well, that your insurance agent will gladly discuss with you.

What to Do Immediately Following a Car Wreck

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People in car accidents in Las Vegas involving injury may be confused and disoriented. Even a minor fender bender can shake you up enough that you don’t immediately think clearly. That’s why it’s a good idea to review the steps you should take in a car accident, regardless of its severity. Nevada law imposes legal duties on drivers involved in a collision, and these duties include:

  • Stop at the scene of the crash. Move your vehicle if it is blocking traffic and can be safely moved. If you can, take pictures of the damage from the collision to your and the other cars.
  • Exchange personal contact and insurance information. If you can, take a picture with your phone of the insurance card and driver’s license of all other drivers involved in the crash.
  • Render aid. Call 911 if the crash causes injury or death. Offer and give reasonable assistance to any injured person until an ambulance arrives.
  • Call the police or Nevada Highway Patrol if someone is injured.
  • Report a serious accident involving injury, death, or total damage to any vehicle to the DMV. You do not need to file a report if the crash is investigated by law enforcement.

When involved in an unattended vehicle in Las Vegas car accidents, you must notify the owner with your contact and insurance data. If the owner of the damaged vehicle is unavailable, leave a written notification of your details.

What Other Obligations Do You Have after a Las Vegas Car Accident?

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After you tell your insurance company about the crash, an adjuster will notify you to get a statement. Before you give any statement to them, call the Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at The Schnitzer Law Firm.

Your attorney will represent you to ensure you can pursue necessary medical treatment. If you are injured, you owe it to yourself to heal in peace. Your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer will be your gatekeeper. Your attorney will:

  • Investigate the accident
  • Provide legal advice
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Pursue the compensation you deserve

Receiving the compensation you deserve involves covering such expenses as:

  • Medical bills
  • Car repairs or replacement
  • Lost wages and retraining, if necessary
  • Permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

The best Las Vegas personal injury lawyer for you is the one who keeps you at the forefront of every decision.

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For more information about The Schnitzer Law Firm, visit https://theschnitzerlawfirm.com/ online or call (702) 960-4050 anytime, day or night, to request a FREE consultation.

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