If you are in an accident where someone suffers an injury or dies then the accident must be reported to the nearest office of a police authority or of the Nevada Highway Patrol. Once called, the authorities will arrive at the scene of a Las Vegas car accident and render any necessary aid to injured victims. Following this, the responding officer will investigate the accident to determine what happened, how the accident occurred, and who may be liable. Notably, the responding officer will speak with the parties involved in the accident to answer these questions.
It is important to understand that an officer may be called to the scene of various types of accidents. As such, if you have been injured in a slip and fall, or even assaulted at a Vegas night club, be prepared to talk to a law enforcement officer.
Tips When Speaking With an Officer at an Accident
If you are involved in an accident and find yourself responding to questions from an officer, it is important that you do not provide any more information than is absolutely necessary. Providing too much information may hinder your ability to recover compensation under an insurance policy or limit your legal rights to go after other individuals involved in the accident. In this regard, it is important to keep the following considerations in mind when providing information to a responding officer:
- Do not admit liability to the officer or other individuals at the accident. In addition, do not sign any documents admitting fault for the accident;
- Provide the officer with your name, address, driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle information, including make, model, color, and license plate number;
- Provide the officer with information that may help facilitate the investigation, such as any possible witnesses to the accident;
- If you are asked a question and do not know the answer, do not try to guess or speculate. It is simply better to say that “I do not remember” or “I do not know.”
- Do not lie to a police officer. Lying to a police officer can lead to possible criminal penalties; and
- Ask that the officer take pictures to document the accident scene, including property damage and the surrounding accident scene.
Keeping these tips in mind, you can help protect your legal rights in an accident. At the same time, you can facilitate an officer’s investigation into an accident.
Tips When an Officer Does Not Respond to an Accident
Often an officer will not respond to an accident. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has stated that it will not respond to a motor vehicle accident if there are no injuries reported at the scene. As such, in these circumstances, there will be no officer to complete an accident report. It therefore is up to the individuals involved in the accident to gather the necessary information and documentation that will be submitted to the insurance company.
Following the accident, drivers should exchange their names, contact information, and insurance information. What’s more, the drivers should document information concerning the accident, including how the accident may have happened and who may have been at fault. Importantly, drivers should take as many pictures as possible following the accident, including documenting the surrounding environment and any property damage. Furthermore, if the accident results in property damage of more than $750, bodily injury or death, then the accident must be reported to the Nevada DMV. A Report of Traffic Accident must be completed, including driver vehicle information, accident description, property damage, estimate of repairs, and personal injury.
Have You Been Involved in an Accident? Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured as a result of another person’s negligence, the personal injury attorneys at the Ladah Law Firm can help. Our Las Vegas accident attorneys have experience helping accident victims in all types of situations, including product liability claims, premises liability accidents, and motor vehicle crashes. From negotiating with the insurance company to litigating a personal injury lawsuit, we will fight for your rights. Importantly, we have a no recovery, no fee policy, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we are able to recover compensation on your behalf.
Reach out to our office today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. You can call us today at 702-252-0055 or visit our office at 517 South 3rd Street in Las Vegas.
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