On Nevada streets and highways in 2017, there were over 50,000 accidents, including 22,000 that involved injuries. With so many accidents every year, there's a good chance you'll end up involved in one at some point. When a car accident happens, it's common to feel disoriented and unprepared, but you can keep in mind these important points to help when the time comes.
Pull over your vehicle
Safety is key after a car accident. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of or off the road as quickly as you can after an accident. This will help relieve traffic congestion, prevent additional accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.
If you cannot move your vehicle, move yourself and any passengers to a safe location off the road and wait for emergency services to arrive. On roads where there is little or no shoulder, law enforcement suggests you remain seated in your vehicle with your seat belt on, as this provides the best protection from injury by passing traffic.
Assess damage
Accidents can result in a number of types of damage or injury. Most commonly, one or both of the cars will be damaged, an occupant or pedestrian may have been injured or there may have been property damage to structures, fences or landscaping.
In Nevada, if the accident resulted in greater than $750 worth of property damage, in an injury or in death, you'll need to file a police report, according to dmv.org. Since it can be difficult to estimate the extent of property damage or the severity of a person's injury, it's often best to call emergency services right away so you can file a police report and emergency technicians can check on everyone involved.
If for some reason you aren't able to file a police report right away, you'll need to do so with a report of traffic crash form within 10 days of the accident.
Collect insurance and personal information
Regardless of the amount of damage or injury that occurs, you'll want to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This will enable you to file an insurance claim or file a police report.
Ed Bernstein law associates suggests collecting the following information:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Home address
- Email address
- Insurance company, address and phone number
- Policy number
- License plate number
- Driver's license number
The other driver(s) and law enforcement officers will need your information, as well, so be sure to keep a copy of your proof of insurance and registration in your car at all times and know where it is.
File an insurance claim
As soon as you can after a crash, call your insurance company to let it know about the accident. It will want to hear all sides of the story to determine fault and to ensure proper compensation. You'll also need to call the other driver's insurance company.
Get a medical evaluation
Regardless of how good you feel after an accident, it's a good idea to visit your health care provider right away to check for more subtle injuries like whiplash, muscle strain and neck and back injuries.
Accidents can happen, and victims need an attorney they can trust. The attorneys at Ed Bernstein & Associates have more than 40 years of experience in personal injury law and understand its nuances. Visit edbernstein.com or call 702-240-0000 to find out how to get started on the road to recovery.
