Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Depending on the severity of the accident you may be suffering from serious physical injuries, but even if you are relatively physically unscathed you can be quite shaken up. That is why it is so important to know ahead of time what to do in the case of a crash.
Each state has slightly different traffic laws. If you are going to be driving in Las Vegas it is important that you understand the Nevada laws regarding accidents and reports of accidents. For example, you need to understand that the law requires you to do the following:
- If you are driving a vehicle that is involved in an accident that results in bodily injury or death of a person you must stop at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene of the accident as you safely can stop. You must do so in a way that obstructs traffic as little as possible. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in serious criminal consequences.
- Once you stop at the scene, you have obligations to give information and render aid. You must give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the driver and occupants of other vehicles. If they ask to see your driver’s license, and it is available, you must show it to them.
- You are required to give this same information to the police officer who investigates the accident and you are required to surrender your driver’s license to the officer if he or she asks you to do so.
- You are required to give any injured person reasonable assistance, including making arrangements to get them medical assistance if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or the injured person requests treatment.
- If no police officer is present at the scene then you are required to report the accident to the nearest police authority or to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
There are other things that you should also keep in mind after an accident. Do not admit fault for the accident. Even if you think you are at fault, you may be wrong. The other driver may have done something even more reckless or dangerous than what you think you did wrong. Contact your insurance company either by calling or by using the company’s smartphone app. If you are able to do so, take pictures of the vehicles and any surrounding traffic signs or lights. Get contact information for any witnesses. And finally, contact a car accident attorney in order to represent your interests going forward.
A Note About Property Damage Only Accidents in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has limited resources, and as such, it has limited which sorts of traffic accidents to which it will respond. Its officers will not investigate or write reports on non-injury accidents. However, the police still advise drivers who have been in these accidents that they should call 9-1-1 to report the accident, and the operator will make the call as to whether an officer will be dispatched.
Call Naqvi Injury Law
One very important step to take after being injured in a car crash is contacting an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney. That is why you should call Naqvi Injury Law at (702)553-1000. The sooner you call, the sooner you will have an advocate who is truly on your side and who is willing to fight for you. We can deal with the insurance companies so you do not have to deal with that when you should be focusing on recovering from your injuries.