Being in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience that causes significant devastation to your life. A car accident can leave you with life-changing injuries, permanent mental trauma, and chronic pain, among other conditions and emotional distress. If you decide to pursue legal action against the parties that caused your accident, you may also be dealing with daily pain, which is why a lawyer can be beneficial in deciding what to do after a car accident in Carson City, NV.
Car Accidents in Carson City, NV
You should never forget that a car accident can come out of nowhere to wreak havoc on your life. However, it could also be an insignificant fender bender, and you might never think about it again. It all depends on multiple factors happening at the same time. The cause of the accident, the individuals involved, the weather, and the road conditions can all determine the outcome of a car accident. Seeking financial compensation from the at-fault party can be a good start toward healing.
According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, there were 8,952 vehicle accidents in Carson City between 2016 and 2020. Carson City is a fairly populated area, and the more populated an area is, the greater the risk of car accidents, as there is more traffic and pedestrians on the road. The city has four major highways running through it as well as a frequented airport. The local Jump Around Carson (JAC) bus service could also lead to personal injuries, depending on the frequency.
Knowing who to contact in case of an accident can make all the difference. Be sure to have your insurance agent’s information ready to go in case you need it. If you decide to pursue legal action, you will need to involve your insurance carrier and adhere to Nevada’s statute of limitations for car accident cases, which is generally two years. You will have two years from the date of your accident to establish grounds, build a strong case, gather evidence, and file with a Carson City car accident lawyer.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Carson City
You should keep in mind that the measures you take in the aftermath of a car accident are going to determine how strong your claim will end up being. Acting wisely to keep your claim protected can really make a difference when the time comes to file. The more evidence you have, the greater the chance that your claim will succeed. Here are some ways to ensure the validity of your claim:
- Stay Calm: In the aftermath of a car accident, your first instinct will likely be to panic, at least once the shock wears off. It’s a perfectly natural, reasonable response to sudden physical trauma. Still, it is important that you don’t become overwhelmed by panic, as that may only hurt your situation. Try your hardest to calm yourself down, take a few deep breaths, and start assessing your situation.
- Don’t Flee: It is vital that you don’t flee the scene of the accident. If you are caught leaving the scene of an accident without reporting anything, you could face severe legal penalties.
- Check for Injuries: Once the initial shock wears off, you could be looking at serious injuries. It is important that you check yourself for any injuries as soon as you can and do the same for any passengers in the car. Check specifically for red spots, protrusions, wet spots, bruising, sprains, and broken bones. If you can’t find any injuries but you’re still in pain, be sure to say something to the EMTs when they arrive.
- Call 911: If you are physically able to do so, you should call 911 as soon as you can so you can get law enforcement and EMTs to the scene promptly. If you are too injured to call them, have someone else do it.
- Move Your Car: If you can, you may want to move your car out of the road so it doesn’t cause another accident.
- Document the Scene: When the police give you the all-clear, you can start collecting evidence from the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to all the vehicles, the road conditions, and any signs. Speak to any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: You and the other driver will have to exchange insurance and contact information to move forward with a claim.
- See a Lawyer: When you are ready to file, see a car accident lawyer to represent you throughout the process.
FAQs
What Is the First Thing You Should Do in a Car Accident?
The very first thing you should do after a car accident is stop immediately. Check yourself for injuries, and do the same for anyone else in the car. Try your hardest to remain calm and don’t panic, as that could just make the situation worse for everyone. Call 911 as well.
How Much Can I Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in Nevada?
It is impossible to estimate how much you can expect from a car accident settlement in Nevada without knowing the details of the case. Every car accident case is going to be different. Each case will have its own factors and circumstances that will determine a settlement amount. It is important to manage your expectations and avoid comparing your case to others.
Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident in Nevada?
Yes, it is recommended that you call the police after a car accident in Nevada. It is important to have a strong police presence at an accident scene, and the police report will be beneficial when the time comes to file a car accident claim. If the accident resulted in injuries or severe property damage, you could get into trouble for not reporting it.
How Do I Report a Minor Car Accident in Nevada?
To report a minor car accident in Nevada, you can call the police as you would for a serious car accident, or you can file a report with the Nevada DMV within 10 days of the accident. Either way, you should document the accident and exchange information with the other driver.
Reach Out Today
At Easton & Easton, we can develop your accident claim and seek compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
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