A car accident can range from a minor irritation to a catastrophic tragedy. Regardless of the outcome, you will likely want to pursue an accident claim to attempt to recoup some of the damages that were caused by the accident, especially if you were not the one at fault. Las Vegas is a constantly busy city where anything can happen. You may want to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in Las Vegas who can walk you through the process of filing an auto accident claim.
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
Car accidents can be frustrating to deal with. The fallout can be difficult to handle, even if your injuries are minor at most. In the moment, it may be hard to remember to take certain precautions that you will need later when filing your accident claim. Still, it is important to know what those precautions are. Here are some important steps that you can take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. These can help you with your insurance claim later:
- Call the Authorities: As soon as an accident happens, and if you are conscious and coherent enough to do so, call the police and/or an ambulance. Under Nevada state law, every accident has to be reported, even if there are no injuries and minor property damage. If others are injured, help them until EMTs arrive.
- Move Your Car: If you are able, move your car out of the way of oncoming traffic and onto the shoulder. The last thing you want is to inadvertently cause another accident because your car was stopped in the middle of the road.
- Never Admit Fault: Even if you are certain that your actions caused the accident, do not admit that to the other driver. Under Nevada state law, you could still recover some compensatory damages, as you may be only partially at fault. Fault does not need to be decided now. It will be a major factor later but if you admit fault now, you may not have a strong case in the future.
- Gather Evidence: At the scene, if you are not injured and are physically able to move, take photos of the accident and any surrounding property damage. Be sure to take photos of all the cars involved, not just yours. Photograph the damage, license plates, and the other drivers’ licenses. Speak to any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Get the other drivers’ insurance information.Try not to share any information about the accident on your social media pages, as this could harm your case later.
- Call Your Insurance: You will have to report the accident to your own insurance company before dealing with the other drivers’ insurance company. You have two years under Nevada state law to file a car accident claim, but you should get started now, while the evidence is still fresh and witnesses can clearly remember the incident.
- Consult a Lawyer: Now that you have opened a claim by contacting your insurance company, you should retain an experienced car accident lawyer. Having someone knowledgeable in personal injury law can only be beneficial to your case. A good personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas can help you build your case, gather more evidence, fill out the proper paperwork in a timely manner, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Negotiate With the Other Party’s Insurance Company: The other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you to offer a settlement or pursue a claim against you. Do not answer them on your own. Give all correspondence to your lawyer, and they can draft a response on your behalf. Your lawyer’s main job is to negotiate with the other insurance company and present enough evidence to convince them that your case is stronger than theirs.
FAQs
Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Car Accident in Nevada?
A: Under Nevada state law, you have two years to file a claim for a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather evidence and build your case within the proper time frame. Your start date is the date of the initial accident. If you miss the two-year window for whatever reason, your claim will likely be denied. That two-year window is very strict, and there are few exceptions to the rule.
Q: What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas?
A: The very first thing that you should do after a car accident in Las Vegas is check yourself for injuries. If you are severely injured or believe that you are, call 911 immediately. If you are not injured, still call 911. Move your car to the side of the road if you are able to, and check around to see if anyone else is injured. Once an ambulance has arrived to help the injured, you can start documenting the evidence of the accident.
Q: How Do I Report a Car Accident in Nevada?
A: The easiest way to report a car accident in Nevada is to simply call the police in the event of an accident. Under Nevada state law, every accident has to be reported to the proper authorities, even if the accident is minor and nobody was injured. All accidents must also be reported to the DMV within ten days of the incident. Penalties for failing to report an accident can range from a suspension of your license to a felony charge.
Q: How Much Can I Get for a Car Accident Settlement in Nevada?
A: There is no real answer to how much you can get for a car accident settlement in Nevada. Any settlement award or an amount awarded by a jury is going to be different from every other settlement. The circumstances surrounding your case are different from those surrounding every other case. Settlement amounts can range anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries and how much liability you have for the accident.
Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Easton & Easton, we are determined to help you seek compensatory damages for a car accident. Our dedicated family can help you through the accident claim process, advocate for you in court, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our firm.
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