Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, even if you have been in a crash before. During the chaotic aftermath, staying calm, taking care of yourself, and paying attention to your surroundings can help keep you safe and prepare for the car accident claim you’ll likely want to file later.
After you’ve been in a car accident, you should try to take these steps in this order:
- Assess your injuries and call for help: Check yourself and others involved in the collision for any serious injuries. Call 911 if anyone has been injured or if any vehicle has been badly damaged.
- Move to a safe location: If it's safe to do so without risking further injury, move your vehicle to the side of the road or another nearby safe area. Don’t go too far because leaving the scene without exchanging contact information is unlawful.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash. This step must be taken before you can lawfully leave the scene of the crash.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and other relevant details. This documentation can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or providing evidence in an injury claim later.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don't immediately feel injured, getting a medical evaluation after a car crash should be done as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a healthcare professional can assess and document any injuries you may have suffered. If an emergency responder wants to take you to the emergency room via ambulatory transport, it is advisable to accept the ride.
- Consult with an attorney: Once you have received medical care, you should call a local car accident attorney right away. Let them know that you have been in a serious car accident that you think someone else caused, and you need help with the process of filing a claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Your insurance company needs to know about the crash soon after it happens. If you hire an attorney, you can instruct them to either notify your auto insurance provider on your behalf, or you can ask them to coach you about what to say during the initial call to the insurance company. It is not advised to call any insurance company on your own.
Legal Counsel for Car Accident Clients in Las Vegas
Were you in a car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada? Once you get the medical attention you need, call (702) 505-8115 to connect with Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen and our car accident attorneys. If you have not yet notified your insurance company, let us know when you call. We can discuss all the steps that will need to be taken to file and pursue an injury claim, including sending an initial notice to your auto insurance provider. No matter what, we are ready to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Initial consultations with Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen in Las Vegas are free – click here to schedule one with our team!