Car accidents can be incredibly disorienting experiences that leave even the most composed individuals feeling shaken and confused. In the critical moments following a collision, your actions can significantly impact your physical recovery as well as the financial outcome of your insurance claim.

Understanding exactly what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for all injuries and damages sustained.

This guide will walk you through the crucial steps to take immediately after a car accident as well as the days and weeks that follow.

Table of Contents

Step-By-Step Guide: What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

“What should I do after a car accident?” Let’s begin answering this important question with a step-by-step guide.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911 Immediately

Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, adrenaline and shock can mask the pain and symptoms that may become evident later on. Seek medical attention right away. In addition to keeping you safe, official medical records also serve as critical documentation for your insurance claim or potential legal case.

2. Ensure Safety and Secure the Scene

Turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or reflective triangles to prevent secondary accidents in the aftermath of your collision. Move your vehicle if it is safe to do so and wait for authorities to arrive and provide guidance.

3. Do Not Leave the Scene

Nevada law requires all drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene until necessary information has been exchanged and authorities have completed their collision assessment. Leaving the scene could result in hit-and-run charges, including the potential for a felony if someone was injured.

4. Obtain a Police Report

Detailed police reports serve as official accident records and are typically required by insurance companies when processing claims. These documents should include:

Accident location
Contact information for all parties involved
Witness statements
A diagram of how the collision occurred

5. Exchange Information Carefully

Collect the other driver’s full name, contact information, license number, insurance details, and vehicle identifiers. During your exchange, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could later be misinterpreted as accepting blame.

6. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Take extensive photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles and distances to document damages. Record road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and injuries to keep a visual report of the accident scene.

What to Do in the Hours and Days After a Car Accident

The steps you take in the days following an accident are equally important and can have a lasting impact on your health and legal standing.

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

Many serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not present symptoms until hours or even days after the collision. Document all medical visits, keep copies of diagnoses, treatment plans, and prescriptions, and follow your doctor’s recommendations precisely.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the basic accident facts to your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements or detailed accounts without legal guidance. Anything you say to insurance adjusters could potentially be used to minimize your claim or shift liability.

3. Avoid Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case

Refrain from admitting fault, posting about the accident on social media, or speaking directly with the other party’s insurance company without legal representation. These seemingly innocent actions can significantly compromise your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

4. Keep Detailed Records

Track all communication with insurance companies and medical providers, noting the dates, times, and contents of these interactions. Maintain organized documentation of all accident-related expenses, including:

Medical bills
Medication costs
Property damage
Rental car fees
Lost wages due to missed work

Protecting Your Right to Compensation

Securing fair compensation after a car accident requires action, knowledge, and legal guidance. Here’s what you need to know:

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

You should consult with a car accident attorney if:

You’ve suffered significant injuries
Fault is contested
Your insurance claim has been denied or undervalued

Car accident lawyers in Las Vegas are advocates whose success is directly tied to your recovery. Local attorneys bring invaluable knowledge of Nevada-specific laws. They also have established relationships with local courts, medical providers, and insurance companies that can be leveraged in your case.

Understanding Nevada Law: Fault, Comparative Negligence, Statute of Limitations

Nevada operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. Note: your compensation will be reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault.

Additionally, Nevada imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, making timely action essential to protecting your legal rights.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Without Legal Review

Insurance companies often extend quick settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept less than what your claim is truly worth before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and long-term recovery needs. These initial offers rarely account for ongoing medical treatment, future lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept the settlement offer, you forfeit your right to pursue future compensation, even if your injuries worsen later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m partially at fault?

In Nevada, you can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you would be eligible to receive $70,000.

Can I still claim if injuries show up later?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim if injuries manifest days or weeks after the accident, which is common with conditions like whiplash and concussions. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after an accident and avoid making statements like “I’m fine” that insurance companies might use against you later.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

Not every accident requires legal representation, but even seemingly minor fender benders can result in complications, such as delayed injuries or disputed liability. Many attorneys offer free consultations where they can assess your case and advise whether professional representation would benefit you.

What should I do if the other party leaves the scene?

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, immediately record as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle—make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel.

Report the incident to the police immediately, document the scene with photos, collect witness contact information, and notify your insurance company. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage for these situations.

You Deserve Justice — Start with the Right Car Accident Lawyer at Naqvi Law

At Naqvi Injury Law, we understand the stress and confusion injury victims face following a car accident. We’re here to offer guidance and support so you know exactly what to do after a motor vehicle accident. Voted Las Vegas’s #1 car accident lawyer, we have a proven track record of successfully advocating for clients who have been injured by negligent driving.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Naqvi Injury Law offers free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and understand your legal options without any financial obligation.

The sooner you consult with us, the stronger your case.

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