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Steps to Take After Your Crash
A car accident can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do immediately after can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At Hanratty Law Group, we understand Nevada law and are here to guide you through every step of the process. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring you receive fair treatment and compensation, whether dealing with insurance companies or taking legal action. Here’s a clear guide to help you through the process.
Contact Hanratty Law Group today at 702-570-9287 for a free consultation.
1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
First, check yourself and passengers for injuries. If safe, exit the vehicle and assess others involved. Do not move anyone seriously hurt—wait for emergency help. Turn on hazard lights and stay alert to avoid further danger.
2. Contact Emergency Services
Dial 911 immediately. Police reports are essential for insurance claims and determining fault. Even in minor accidents, having official documentation protects you. Police will also gather witness statements and create an official record, which can help if there are disputes later.
3. Move Vehicles to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Use cones or warning triangles if available. Preventing additional hazards protects everyone at the scene.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not appear immediately. Prompt treatment supports your recovery and creates medical records that can back your claim.
Keep a journal to track symptoms and how they affect daily life—this documentation may prove vital later.
5. Gather Information at the Scene
Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details with all involved drivers. Record vehicle make, model, and color. Failing to gather this info could delay your insurance claim.
6. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and surrounding area. Capture different angles. Visual proof helps establish what happened and supports your claim.
7. Obtain Witness Statements
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact info. Their neutral accounts can support your version of events. In cases of conflicting stories, witness statements may help prove fault. If witnesses aren’t available, look for nearby surveillance cameras that may have recorded the crash.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours. Share photos, police reports, and any witness info. Even if you weren’t at fault, prompt reporting protects your coverage and complies with policy requirements.
9. Understand Nevada’s Filing Deadline
Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to car accidents. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, or lost wages.
10. Know the Minimum Insurance Requirements
Nevada law requires:
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$25,000 for injury or death to one person
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$50,000 for injury or death to two or more people
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$20,000 for property damage
Proof of insurance must be carried at all times, either in print or digitally. Be sure your policy meets or exceeds these limits.
11. How Comparative Negligence Works
Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation—reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more responsible, you can’t recover damages.
12. Recognize Common Injuries
Car accidents can cause serious and catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include:
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Broken bones
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Concussions
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Whiplash
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Herniated discs
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Spinal cord injuries
Be alert to delayed symptoms like dizziness, numbness, headaches, or trouble concentrating. Seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
13. Keep Organized Records
Document everything: medical treatment, diagnosis, bills, missed work, and vehicle repairs. Save all communications with your insurance provider. Good records support your claim and can increase your final settlement.
14. Avoid This Costly Mistakes
Avoid the following:
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Admitting fault: Never say you’re sorry—it could be used against you.
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Delaying treatment: Waiting to seek medical help can hurt your claim.
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Posting online: Avoid social media posts about the accident or injuries.
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Signing without review: Don’t sign anything without fully understanding it.
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Saying you’re fine: You may feel okay now, but symptoms can surface later.
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Skipping the police: A report is crucial even in minor accidents.
15. Dealing With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters investigate claims and aim to minimize payouts. Whether from your insurer or the other driver’s, they represent the company—not you.
Have documentation ready before speaking with them. Avoid giving recorded statements unless you’re confident. Don’t accept a settlement offer without reviewing the full extent of your damages.
You can decline to speak with the other party’s insurer directly—let a representative handle it for you.
What to Expect From the Claims Process
he process typically includes:
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Investigation by insurance companies
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Review of police reports, medical records, and witness statements
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Vehicle damage assessment
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Settlement negotiations
If the other driver is underinsured, you may need to file under your own policy. Be prepared to provide all supporting documents.
Contact Us for Legal Guidance After An Accident
Don’t let a car accident case overwhelm you. Let Hanratty Law Group be your trusted partner in seeking justice and receiving the compensation you are entitled to. Our team is ready to assist you every step of the way, from initial consultation to final resolution. Call us today at 702-570-9287 for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve. Contact Hanratty Law Group now and let us fight for your rights!
Address
1815 Village Center Circle Ste 140
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Phone
(702) 570-9287
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