What to do if you are in a car accident
It is unfortunate that most people do not know what to do when they are involved in an accident. My own mother had an accident recently and called me desperate to ask what to do. Knowing what to do is important to protect your health and protect your interests with other drivers and insurance companies. This is true even if you are at fault.
The most important thing after an accident is your safety. If you, the other driver, or any of the passengers are seriously injured, be sure to ask for help. Call 911, the only phone call for the police and ambulance. If none of those involved have apparent injuries, it is advisable to make a non-emergency call to the police department and request the presence of the police at the scene of the accident. In most cities, including Las Vegas (and surrounding areas), you can dial 311 for non-emergency police dispatch.
In the event of injury and / or property damage, police presence is very important so that a police report can be prepared and then used to obtain appropriate compensation from the appropriate insurance company or companies, even if it is your own insurance provider. insurance. Compensation can cover medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages, and / or pain and suffering.
If the police are called, through an emergency call to 911 or a non-emergency call to 311, the police will ensure that all appropriate information is included in the police report. If there are no apparent injuries or property damage, and / or if the police do not arrive at the scene of the accident, exchange information with the other driver. Get the driver’s name, car and insurance company registration information, and policy number. Provide your information to the other driver.
Do not make statements other than facts, and only to the police, related to the accident and how the accident occurred. Do not make statements about your health condition; remember that many injuries can be latent injuries that may not manifest immediately. Contact a personal injury attorney immediately; Do not contact the other party’s insurance company or report your accident to your insurance company before consulting with a personal injury attorney. In most cases, the attorney assumes responsibility for making such contacts on your behalf, but will tell you whether to make contacts of any kind. Remember that insurance companies want to underestimate the injuries and damages caused by an accident, so that they pay the least amount of compensation. The attorney knows how to deal with the insurance companies and get the compensation you deserve. The more serious the accident, the more important it is that you contact a personal injury attorney.
Ramzy Ladah, Esq.
Las Vegas personal injury attorney, PLLC
