When you find yourself dealing with the fallout of a bad car accident, you are going to want experienced legal representation by your side while you try to recover from your injuries, both internal and external. Having someone who understands what’s at stake and can provide you with consistent guidance throughout your case really can make a difference. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Summerlin, NV can also be a good way to start building your case.
Car Accidents in Summerlin, NV
You are well within your legal rights to take care of any legal situation entirely on your own. There is no law that says you are required to hire a lawyer. Still, you should know that there is a good chance that your case could not end up the way you hope it does. An experienced Summerlin car accident lawyer doesn’t just take charge of your case. They provide you with consistent advice and emotional support while anticipating any setbacks that might arise.
Summerlin is a fairly populated community nestled in the Las Vegas Valley. It’s patrolled largely by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. If you are ever in an accident, its officers would be the ones most likely to assist you. Due to the community’s close proximity to the Las Vegas strip, there is a decent chance that it could absorb some tourist traffic, which could open it up to potential car accidents. Tourists tend to be unfamiliar with the area, particularly the roads.
While Summerlin may not have a significant amount of car accidents within its boundaries, at 97, according to NDOT crash data from 2016 to 2020, the amount of fatal accidents in neighboring Las Vegas is staggering. Each year, Las Vegas sees a great many accidents due to drunk driving, road rage, and distracted driving, among other factors. If you wish to proceed with legal action against the liable party, you should pay close attention to Nevada’s statute of limitations.
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accident claims, is generally two years. You will have two years from the day of your accident to develop and file a claim. If you can’t file one before two years have passed, there’s a chance that it will be denied outright.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Summerlin, NV
Every action you take in the immediate aftermath of your car accident is going to be reflected in both the police report and your accident claim. It is vitally important to your claim that you make informed decisions and try to react as rationally as you possibly can. The more composed you are, the more you can think clearly. Clear decision-making can really make a significant difference in your case. Here are some important things you can do to protect yourself:
- Remain Calm: It can be really hard to remain calm after being involved in a traumatic situation, especially a car accident. The sudden shock and subsequent trauma are going to cause you to react emotionally, and panic might be your natural instinct. It is very important that you try to fight through the panic and remain as calm as you can. Keep yourself together, take a deep breath, and start figuring out your next steps.
- Don’t Flee: You may instinctively want to drive away after an accident and try to act like it never happened. This is the worst thing you could possibly do. Whatever you do, stay at the scene. Report the accident to the authorities.
- Look for Injuries: When you are in a serious accident, there could be an element of shock present that might be preventing you from feeling your injuries. Therefore, you are going to have to check yourself and find out just how injured you are. Look for bloody spots, wet areas, protrusions, broken bones, and bruising. Do the same for any passengers.
- Call 911: You need to call 911 as soon as you possibly can. Having law enforcement on the scene is going to be important, especially for your police report. It can feel somewhat assuring to have someone taking charge of the situation.
- Speak With a Lawyer: Once everything has calmed down and you can speak with your insurance company, your next step should be to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer. They can work out a plan for legal action going forward.
FAQs
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance in Nevada?
The amount of time an accident stays on your insurance record in Nevada depends entirely on the severity of the accident and the resulting fallout. Generally, a serious accident that you were found to be at fault for can stay on your record for around three years. If the accident resulted in a serious injury, a death, or intense property damage, it might stay on your record longer.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Insurance Claim in Nevada?
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a car insurance claim and try to pursue compensation from the liable driver. If you cannot file your claim before two years have passed, your claim will likely not be accepted, and you won’t be allowed to seek compensation.
How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?
There is no real way to determine how long most car accident settlements are going to take. Every car accident case is different, and each one has its own factors that are going to determine how long it will be before you achieve a settlement. Basically, every case lasts as long as it needs to.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
How much most car accident settlements are cannot be used to estimate the worth of your own. You should never take a similar car accident case’s settlement as a guarantee that your case will result in a similar outcome. Every case is different, with its own unique factors that are going to determine the settlement amount.
Reach Out Today
At Easton & Easton, we can provide you with the tools you need to succeed in reaching a car accident settlement. Contact us today to speak with our firm.
ES