It can be intimidating and confusing to manage the fallout of a car accident on your own, especially if the incident in question was particularly rough on you. When you have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to handle your claim and make sure you are properly represented, it can be a tremendous relief while you focus on your recovery. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Spring Valley, NV, can also be a huge advantage for your case.
Car Accidents in Spring Valley, NV
Choosing to pursue legal action against the liable party that caused your car accident is a big decision to make. It can be a long and intense process, although an attorney can handle it for you. You want to have the most information available to make an informed choice. An experienced Spring Valley car accident lawyer can provide that information to you by giving you consistent legal advice throughout your case.
Spring Valley is a fairly populated town that’s situated close to the Las Vegas Strip, which means it may see quite a lot of tourist traffic. The town also has a number of significant Nevada highways going through it. When you combine the frequency of Las Vegas tourism with consistent highway traffic, you get a great deal of potential for car accidents.
With Spring Valley being so close to Las Vegas, it may not be a surprise that the town has dealt with its fair share of car accidents. Nevada’s DOT has counted 353 vehicle accidents from 2016 to 2020. It is always important to stay vigilant when behind the wheel, especially on major highways. You never know when something could happen that would cause you to suffer a bad accident.
If you do choose to seek legal recourse for your accident and hold the liable party accountable, it is important that you pay close attention to Nevada’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, like car accident claims. Generally, the state gives you two years from the day of your accident to build a claim to seek full compensation for all your losses.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Spring Valley, NV
You should always remember that the actions you take following a car accident are going to be reflected in your accident claim and the police report that will be attached to it. It is important to be mindful of everything you do after an accident. You should try to make the right decisions regarding how you act at the scene, who you contact, and the evidence you gather. Here are some important things you can do to maintain your right to file your claim:
- Stay Calm: Trying to stay calm after you have just suffered a car accident is not an easy task to achieve. It may even seem impossible. Still, you should try your hardest to fight your natural instinct to panic, as panicking will only make things worse for you. Get yourself under control, take a few deep breaths, and think logically.
- Don’t Flee the Scene: Whatever you do, never try to flee the scene of an accident. You could end up facing considerable legal trouble for your actions, and that would only make things much worse for you. After an accident, remain at the crash site and contact the authorities as quickly as you can.
- Call the Authorities: You need to call 911 as quickly as possible. Make sure you have police officers and EMTs at the scene promptly, so they can secure the perimeter and check survivors for any injuries.
- Check for Injuries: Make sure you check yourself for injuries as soon as you physically can. Do the same for any passengers you have in the car with you. Look for blood, redness, soreness, protrusions, and broken bones. If you are still in pain but can’t find any injuries, make sure you say something to the EMTs. Your injuries might be internal.
- See a Lawyer: After you have dealt with your insurance company, documented the scene of the accident, and exchanged information with the other driver, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer and start working on your case.
FAQs
What Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in Nevada?
If you are found to be at fault for a car accident in Nevada, then you will be responsible for reimbursing the other driver for all their accident-related damages. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, emotional distress, and even pain and suffering. Nevada is a fault state for car accidents.
Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Nevada?
While you do not have to call the police after a minor car accident in Nevada, you still should. Having the law present at any accident can prevent future complications when the time comes to file an accident claim. Generally, you only need to call the police if there are injuries or significant property damage.
How Long Do Accidents Stay on One’s Insurance in Nevada?
The amount of time an accident will stay on one’s insurance in Nevada depends entirely on the details of the accident and the severity of the fallout. Most serious accidents that are found to be your fault will be on your record for at least three years. The more serious, the longer it will stay on your record.
How Long Do I Have to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in Nevada?
In Nevada, you have ten days to file a police report for a serious car accident. If the police did not show up to investigate the scene, you will have to file an accident report with the Nevada DMV. If the police showed up and handled the report, that should be enough to meet the legal requirements.
Reach Out Today
At Easton & Easton, we understand how to effectively navigate a car accident claim. Reach out to our team soon to speak with one of our skilled car accident attorneys.