If someone caused a car accident in Las Vegas that hurt you or a loved one, you likely want to hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain compensation. However, you might not know where to start or who to trust, especially when your injuries affect your ability to work or care for yourself.
Many people begin searching for what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas because they want answers, guidance, and support during a very difficult time. Skilled legal representation gives you room to focus on healing while someone protects your rights, stands up to insurance companies, and manages every part of your claim.
Reach out to a car accident lawyer near you for a free consultation to learn of your options and to get the legal help you need.
Key Takeaways: What to Do Following a Car Crash in Las Vegas
- Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault up to 50 percent.
- You must report qualifying accidents. Any crash involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding 750 dollars must be reported to law enforcement within 10 days.
- The statute of limitations for personal injury claim is two years. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
- Immediate medical attention helps your claim. Early treatment creates strong documentation even if injuries seem minor.
- Insurance companies often push quick settlements. Early offers usually come before you know the full extent of your losses.
What Are the Immediate Steps You Should Take at the Accident Scene?
When a crash happens on streets like Flamingo Road or areas near the Arts District, the moments right after the impact matter for your safety and your claim. Simple actions help protect you physically and help create the documentation needed later.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Start by looking at yourself and anyone in your car to see who needs urgent help. Calling 911 brings medical responders and law enforcement to the scene. Their reports and evaluations become part of the evidence that shows what happened and how it affected you.
Move to Safety if Possible
If your car blocks traffic or sits in a dangerous spot, move it only if you can do so safely. You don’t have to move it if you suspect injuries or cannot operate the vehicle. Stepping away from active traffic keeps you and others safe until help arrives.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Ask for the other driver’s full name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. Nevada law requires drivers to share this information after a crash. You only need the facts. You don’t need to discuss the cause of the accident.
Document the Scene with Photos and Videos
A crash near places like the Las Vegas Convention Center often involves heavy traffic. Photos and videos show the position of the cars, skid marks, debris, weather, lighting, and visible injuries. This documentation helps when insurance companies attempt to shift blame.
Identify Witnesses and Collect Their Contact Information
People who saw the crash may offer accounts that support your version of events. Ask for their names and contact information before they leave. Their statements often help clarify what happened and who caused the wreck.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Statements
Even comments meant to be polite may be twisted later. Stick to basic information. You don’t need to apologize or give opinions. Insurance companies often use offhand remarks to argue against your claim.
What Does Nevada Law Require After a Car Accident?
Drivers involved in accidents that cause injuries, deaths, or significant property damage must report the crash to law enforcement. Reports help document what happened and create an official record. That record helps prevent disputes about the details of the crash.
When You Must File a Police Report
Police officers at the scene usually prepare a report. If officers don’t respond, Nevada allows you to file a report yourself within 10 days when injuries, deaths, or high property damage exist. This report becomes part of the evidence insurers review.
Notifying Your Insurance Company Under Nevada Law
Nevada law requires drivers to cooperate with their own insurance company. Promptly notifying your insurer helps preserve your right to use coverage such as medical payments coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. However, you don’t need to give a recorded statement without legal guidance.
Should You Seek Medical Attention Even if You Feel Fine?
Accidents in areas like Summerlin Parkway often create sudden jolts of force. Your body might not show symptoms right away. Getting checked helps your health in the long run and improves your claim.
Why Delayed Symptoms Are Common After Car Accidents
Your body releases adrenaline during stressful events. This natural reaction can hide pain. Some injuries appear hours or days later. Headaches, stiffness, dizziness, or swelling may signal something more serious.
How Medical Records Strengthen Your Claim
Medical records show that you took the accident seriously and sought care. Doctors create notes, test results, scans, and treatment plans that help link your injuries directly to the crash.
Common Injuries That Appear Days or Weeks Later
Many injuries develop over time. Examples include whiplash, concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue injuries. These conditions may start mild and gradually worsen.
The Risk of Insurance Companies Denying Claims Without Prompt Treatment
Insurance companies often argue that delays in treatment mean the injuries came from somewhere else. Prompt care protects your health and reduces the chance of disputes.
How Does Nevada’s Fault System Affect Your Claim?
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you can pursue compensation as long as you aren’t more than 50 percent responsible for the crash. Your compensation amount decreases based on your percentage of fault.
How Insurance Companies Determine Fault
Insurers look at police reports, photos, witness statements, traffic laws, and damage patterns. They sometimes assign fault in ways that benefit them. Having representation helps balance the process.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence to Establish Liability
Evidence like surveillance footage, vehicle data, and medical records helps show what caused the crash. The more documentation your attorney gathers, the stronger your case becomes.
What Should You Know About Dealing with Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies focus on protecting their profits. Many people feel pressured when adjusters call soon after an accident. Knowing your rights helps you avoid mistakes that weaken your claim.
Your Rights When Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
You have the right to decline recorded statements. Adjusters often press for them early, hoping you’ll say something that benefits their side. You can keep communication brief and direct.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Payouts
Adjusters may downplay injuries, blame you, or offer quick settlements. Some try to convince you that hiring an attorney isn’t necessary. These tactics often reduce what you can recover.
Nevada’s Minimum Insurance Requirements NRS 485.185
Nevada requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. This includes at least 25 thousand dollars for bodily injuries to one person, 50 thousand dollars for bodily injuries to more than one person, and 20 thousand dollars for property damage.
Why You Should Avoid Early Settlement Offers
Early offers usually come before doctors know the full extent of your injuries or how long recovery will take. Accepting these offers prevents you from asking for more later, even if your condition worsens.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Nevada
This coverage helps protect you when the at fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses. It applies to injuries and sometimes applies to hit and run accidents. Many people don’t realize they have this coverage until their attorney reviews their policy.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover in Nevada?
Car accidents near places like Henderson Avenue often lead to more than just car repairs. Nevada law allows injured people to pursue different types of damages based on their losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover costs with clear dollar amounts. These include hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, imaging tests, and lost income from missing work.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages relate to physical pain, reduced quality of life, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment in activities you once valued. Although they don’t have set dollar amounts, attorneys present most overlooked evidence that shows how the injury changed your daily life.
Property Damage Claims
Property damage includes repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal items damaged in the crash. Receipts and repair estimates help support these claims.
Future Medical Care and Long Term Disability
Some injuries require ongoing treatment such as physical therapy, surgeries, or long term medication. These future needs often become part of your claim.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Car Accident?
Accidents near areas such as Fremont Street often result in confusion and stress. However, certain mistakes can weaken your claim. Avoiding them helps protect your case.
Posting About Your Accident on Social Media
Social media posts create evidence that insurance companies may use to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Even innocent photos or comments may be twisted.
Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Counsel
Adjusters sometimes word questions in ways that hurt your claim. You don’t need to give recorded statements without legal guidance.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make low offers hoping you’ll accept them quickly. Waiting until you understand the full scope of your injuries helps protect your financial stability.
Failing to Follow Through with Medical Treatment
Missing appointments or stopping treatment early may create the impression that your injuries healed sooner than they actually did. Consistent treatment supports your claim.
Missing Important Deadlines Under Nevada Law
Failing to file reports or claims on time may stop your case before it begins. An attorney helps monitor deadlines so you don’t lose your right to move forward.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Greenberg Gross stands beside people in Las Vegas who need support after serious collisions. Our team works to protect your interests and help you move forward with a clear path. When someone else caused your injuries, you deserve someone who listens, explains your options, and guides you through every decision.
Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence
We collect police reports, photos, video footage, witness statements, and expert evaluations. This evidence helps show what caused the crash.
Handling All Communications with Insurance Companies
We speak to adjusters so you don’t have to. This prevents misunderstandings and protects your claim from unfair tactics.
Calculating the True Value of Your Claim
We review medical bills, lost income, future treatment needs, and other damages to determine your claim’s value.
Negotiating for Maximum Compensation
Our team negotiates with insurers and builds a strong case based on facts. We don’t encourage settlements that fall short of covering your documented losses.
Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary
If the at fault party refuses to take responsibility, we’re prepared to bring your case to trial. Showing readiness for trial often encourages fairer negotiations.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees upfront. Our fees come from a portion of the amount recovered. This allows you to pursue your case without financial pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Car Accident in LV
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Nevada?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Property damage claims may have different timelines. Acting early protects your rights.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may use uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Your personal injury attorney can help identify all available insurance policies.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, as long as you weren’t more than 49 percent responsible for the crash. Your compensation decreases based on your level of fault.
How much is my car accident case worth?
Your case value depends on medical costs, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and the extent of your injuries. An attorney evaluates these factors based on documentation.
Do I really need a lawyer for my car accident claim?
A lawyer helps protect your rights, gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and strengthen your case. Many people find the process easier and more effective with legal representation.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas Today
Accident cases in Nevada follow strict timelines, and evidence may fade quickly. Reaching out soon after the crash helps preserve your rights and gives you access to guidance that protects your claim from the start. Greenberg Gross brings experience, resources, and unwavering commitment to every case we handle.
Our team stands ready to listen, answer questions, and help you take your next step with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support you through this process.
