Protecting Yourself and Your Rights After a Car Accident in Las Vegas

Recent car accidents, ranging from a tragic collision in east Las Vegas that claimed a 75-year-old woman's life, to the loss of three young teens in north Las Vegas, serve as a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges and dangers drivers may encounter when they take to the road.

In another accident, the city saw its traffic disrupted when a multi-vehicle accident involving a bus led to multiple lane closures in the southern valley. Beyond the immediate impact, such incidents emphasize the need to know how to protect yourself and your rights after a car accident in Las Vegas.

This blog outlines the essential steps you should follow after a car accident. Always remember: if you need professional legal guidance in such a situation, Eric Blank Injury Attorneys stand ready to assist. Contact us at (702) 222-2115 to schedule your FREE consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer. It’s always better with Blank!

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene

In the crucial moments following a collision, having a clear, step-by-step plan is imperative to ensure your safety and rights are protected.

Safety Measures

• Evaluating the Scene and Moving to Safety: Before anything else, gauge your surroundings to determine any immediate dangers, such as oncoming traffic or a potential vehicle fire. If feasible, and without worsening any injuries, try to move to a safer location, like the sidewalk or the road's shoulder.
• Activating Hazard Lights and Using Safety Equipment: Turn on your hazard lights if your vehicle is still operational after a collision. This alerts other motorists to exercise caution as they approach the site, as there may be debris, affected individuals, or other obstacles related to the accident.

  Additional safety equipment like triangles, cones, or flares becomes paramount when the vehicle is significantly damaged or immobile. These tools further indicate the accident site and help reduce the risk of subsequent collisions.

Interactions with Involved Parties and Witnesses

Clear and calm communication is vital in the aftermath of an accident:

• Exchange Essential Information: After ensuring safety, calmly exchange necessary details like names, contact numbers, and insurance information with all parties involved.
• Maintain Composure: Emotions can be heightened, but avoiding confrontations that might further escalate the situation is crucial.
• Avoid Admitting Liability: In the aftermath of an accident, emotions can run high. Refrain from making statements or admissions that could inadvertently imply fault. Even seemingly innocent remarks can later be construed as admissions of liability. While you should provide an honest account to law enforcement, be wary of potentially prejudicial statements to other parties involved.

  Given the complexities of accident dynamics and legal implications, it's wise to seek counsel before making any definitive statements. A seasoned car accident attorney can guide you on what to say and what to avoid, ensuring your rights remain protected.

Reporting the Accident

Nevada law mandates reporting car accidents under certain conditions, such as when there's bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding a specified amount. Here's what to bear in mind:

• Legal Obligations: Not only is it your legal duty to report qualifying accidents, but a detailed police report also offers an unbiased account of events. This documentation can be indispensable when making accident claims.
• Maintaining Objectivity: When describing the incident, be concise and stick strictly to the facts. Avoid speculating about the cause or inadvertently admitting fault.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collection at the accident scene can be the linchpin for a successful personal injury or insurance claim:

• Take Pictures: Use your smartphone to capture varied shots. Focus on the damages to all vehicles, registration plates, and broader scene context, including skid marks, road conditions, and relevant traffic signage.
• Make Detailed Notes: Memory can be fickle, and details may blur with time. While at the scene, prioritize documenting firsthand observations — the weather, any discernible sequence of events leading to the accident, statements from other involved parties, and any potential witnesses.

Medical Attention and Documentation

After a Las Vegas car accident, prioritizing your health is paramount. However, ensuring comprehensive documentation for any subsequent legal actions is equally crucial.

Medical Care

• Prompt Medical Evaluation: Never downplay any discomfort or potential injury. Some issues might seem trivial initially but can manifest into more serious problems over time. Immediate medical assessments are invaluable in linking your injuries directly to the accident.
• Regular Medical Check-ups: Routine visits to your healthcare provider ensure you're on the path to recovery. Moreover, these visits chronicle your recuperation process, establishing a clear medical trajectory that strengthens your legal stance.

Comprehensive Record-Keeping

• Medical Documentation: Document every post-accident medical procedure, from medications to surgeries.
• Secure Medical Records: After any treatment, procure and safely store copies of all medical reports. These documents chronicle your recovery journey and can be pivotal in claims processes.
• Track Expenses: Maintain a detailed log of all related expenses, from medical costs to travel to medical appointments or over-the-counter medications.

Remember, in legal proceedings related to accidents, evidence is crucial, and the timeline often matters. Delays in medical intervention or record-keeping can inadvertently weaken your case.

Consulting with an Attorney

Beyond immediate medical care and diligent record-keeping, it's imperative to consult with a car accident attorney. They'll ensure that, in the midst of trauma and recovery, your rights are protected.

With their knowledge of local laws and procedures, an attorney will provide an added layer of protection, championing your interests and guiding you through the complexities of claims and potential litigation.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

After a car accident, your choices can directly influence the outcome of your potential legal claims. While you're understandably focused on recovery and getting things back to normal, navigating this period with caution is essential.

Missteps can delay your case, reduce the compensation you might receive, or give others an opportunity to challenge your claims. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Recorded Statements

• Proceed with Caution: Insurance providers may request statements to lessen their liability. Think twice before providing any statement without legal guidance. Innocent comments can be manipulated to your disadvantage.
• Always Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a Las Vegas accident attorney before sharing any statement. Their insights will ensure you provide the necessary information without risking your claim.

Quick Settlements

• Resist Immediate Offers: A fast-tracked settlement might look appealing, especially when faced with mounting expenses. However, these offers might not encompass all the long-term costs you could incur.
• Evaluate the Full Scope: Considering future implications like ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, and potential lost wages is essential. Ensure any settlement offer accounts for these.
• Legal Consultation: Before accepting any offer, engage an attorney. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and help ensure the settlement offer is fair and comprehensive.

Online Presence

• Limit Digital Footprints: In the days and weeks following an accident, minimize discussing the incident or your injuries online. Consider tightening your privacy settings and be mindful that even deleted content can sometimes be retrieved.
• Stay Discreet: A seemingly harmless social media post or comment could be misconstrued, potentially undermining your claims.

By being aware of these pitfalls and seeking legal guidance, you can better protect your rights and interests during this challenging time.

Getting back on your feet after a car accident can be tough and full of unexpected challenges. Remember, in Nevada, there's a tight deadline: you've got only two years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim.

With the clock ticking, reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney sooner rather than later can make all the difference to the success of your claim.

BETTER with BLANK: Standing By Your Side After a Car Accident

Car accidents can shake you to your core, bringing a mix of physical challenges and legal questions. Knowing your rights and having a dedicated team in your corner can make all the difference.

If a car accident in Las Vegas or a loved one has impacted you, Eric Blank Injury Attorneys are here for you. We'll work hard to ensure you're informed and supported every step of the way. Contact us today at (702) 222-2115 or fill out our online form to speak with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.

Our dedicated staff is fluent in English and Spanish and always ready to listen with empathy and compassion. Remember, partnering with us comes at no upfront cost to you. We only earn our fee when we achieve a victory in your case. Discover why it’s always BETTER with BLANK!

Copyright © 2023. Eric Blank Injury Attorneys. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Eric Blank Injury Attorneys
7860 W Sahara Ave Ste. 110
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 222-2115
https://www.ericblanklaw.com/