After a car accident, call 911 for emergency medical assistance, call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, call your insurance company, call a tow truck or roadside assistance, call your doctor for a medical evaluation, and call a trusted car accident lawyer.
Car accidents can be sudden and overwhelming, leaving you unsure of who to call next.
Knowing the right contacts to reach out to immediately after an accident is crucial to ensure safety, proper documentation, and protection of your legal rights. Whether you need emergency assistance, police intervention, or help navigating insurance and legal matters, making the correct calls at the right time can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
From emergency services to insurance companies and legal professionals, each call serves a specific purpose in managing the aftermath of an accident.
So, who should you call after a car accident in Las Vegas? This article focuses exclusively on the essential calls you should make to handle the situation effectively and safeguard your interests.
After an auto accident, you should make six calls to ensure you’re protected. Here’s who to call when in a car accident:
1. Call 911 for Emergency Medical Services
Immediately after a car accident in Las Vegas, your first priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 for emergency medical services if anyone is injured or appears to be in distress. Drivers involved in accidents in Nevada must stop at the scene of the accident regardless of how minor it may seem.
Even if injuries are not immediately visible, some physical injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or whiplash may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Adrenaline can mask pain, leading accident victims to underestimate their injuries.
Calling 911 ensures that trained paramedics arrive quickly to assess and provide necessary medical care on the scene or transport injured individuals to a hospital. Additionally, notifying emergency services ensures that the Nevada Highway Patrol or local police are dispatched to document the accident, which is crucial for creating an official police report.
This report serves as an important piece of evidence for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. Always prioritize safety and medical care by calling 911 immediately after an accident.
2. Call the Local Police Department for Police Report
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling 911 for emergency medical services, the next important step is to contact your local police department. Reporting the accident is crucial, as many states require drivers to immediately report collisions involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
When officers arrive, they will assess the scene, gather statements from all parties, and thoroughly document the details. This results in an official police report, which is a key piece of evidence for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
A police report provides an unbiased account of the accident, including fault determinations and conditions at the scene, helping protect your rights if disputes arise later. If police cannot respond to the scene, you should still file a report within your state’s required timeframe. Prompt reporting ensures legal compliance and strengthens your position when dealing with insurers or seeking compensation.
For example, in Las Vegas, you should contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) to ensure compliance with Nevada law. Prompt reporting not only meets legal requirements but also strengthens your position when dealing with insurers or seeking compensation.
Related: 11 Things to Do Before Leaving the Scene of the Accident [Checklist]
3. Call Your Insurance Company
After ensuring your safety and contacting emergency services, one of the next critical steps is to call your insurance company. Reporting the accident promptly helps initiate the claims process and ensures that your insurer is aware of the incident. This can be crucial for covering vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and other related costs.
When you contact your insurance company, provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and the parties involved. Be honest but concise, avoiding speculation or admitting fault. This will help your insurer assess the situation and guide you on the next steps.
A Note About Recorded Statements
Insurance companies may request a recorded statement about the accident. While it might seem routine, it is important to be cautious. Avoid giving detailed or speculative answers, and never admit fault during these statements.
If possible, consult with a car accident attorney before providing any recorded statements. An attorney can advise you on how to communicate effectively with your insurer to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
How to Handle the Other Party’s Insurance Information
After a car accident, it’s important to carefully obtain the other party’s insurance details. This includes their insurance company name, policy number, and contact information. All drivers involved in an accident must exchange information before leaving the scene according to Nevada law.
Be sure to exchange this information calmly and politely. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident specifics with the other party’s insurance company without legal advice.
Keeping accurate insurance information will help you when filing your claim and seeking compensation.
4. Call a Tow Truck or Roadside Assistance Service
After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting emergency services, arrange to move your vehicle safely. If possible, disabled vehicles should be moved to the side of the road or shoulder to prevent further incidents.
If your vehicle is damaged or disabled and cannot be driven, call a tow truck or roadside assistance immediately. Moving your vehicle clears the accident scene, reducing the risk of further collisions and allowing traffic to flow smoothly. If you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, credit card, or a third-party provider, contact them to dispatch help. Otherwise, call a local towing company.
Provide accurate details about your location and vehicle condition. Keep all receipts and documentation related to towing and storage, as these may be reimbursable through your insurance claim. Promptly handling vehicle removal helps protect your property and allows you to focus on recovery and the claims process.
5. Call Your Doctor and Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Conditions such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries can develop hours or even days after the accident.
It is crucial to call your doctor or visit a medical facility as soon as possible to get a thorough evaluation. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates an official record of your injuries, which is essential for any future insurance claims or legal actions.
Be honest with your healthcare provider about all symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments. You should avoid making statements like ‘I’m fine’ that insurance companies might use against you later.
Additionally, if you have health insurance, notify your provider about the accident to understand your coverage and avoid unexpected medical bills.
Seeking timely medical treatment protects your health and strengthens your car accident case by documenting injuries sustained during the accident.
Key steps to take after a car accident regarding medical care:
- Call your doctor or visit a medical facility promptly for a thorough evaluation.
- Monitor for delayed symptoms such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries.
- Be honest and detailed about all symptoms with your healthcare provider.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up visits.
- Notify your health insurance provider about the accident to understand your coverage.
- Maintain all medical documentation to support insurance claims or legal actions.
6. Call a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
After handling the immediate aftermath of a car accident, one of the most crucial steps is to call a trusted car accident lawyer. Navigating the complexities of filing claims and pursuing compensation can be overwhelming without expert guidance.
A experienced car accident lawyer brings deep knowledge of Nevada law tailored to your unique situation. They safeguard your legal rights, especially when fault is disputed or injuries are severe. Their expertise helps you avoid common mistakes—like unintentionally admitting fault or settling for less than you deserve.
Beyond legal advice, an experienced attorney acts as your advocate, handling communications with the other party’s insurance company. This not only reduces your stress but also ensures all critical documents—such as the accident report and medical records—are properly managed and presented.
Many reputable Las Vegas car accident lawyers offer free consultations, giving you the chance to discuss your case without any financial obligation. Don’t hesitate to seek professional legal help; securing fair compensation often starts with that first call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I call first after a car accident in Las Vegas?
The first call you should make after a car accident in Las Vegas is to 911 to request emergency services if there are any injuries or immediate dangers. Calling 911 ensures that medical care and police officers arrive promptly to assist with the accident scene.
Is it necessary to call the police for a minor accident in Las Vegas?
Yes, Nevada law requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750 to the proper authorities. Calling the police immediately helps create an official police report, which is essential for insurance claims and protecting your legal rights.
What information should I exchange with the other drivers involved?
You should exchange as many details as possible, including the other driver’s full name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance company details, vehicle registration, and license plate number. Proper exchange of information is critical for filing a car accident claim and dealing with insurance companies.
When should I contact a car accident attorney after an accident in Las Vegas?
Contact a qualified car accident attorney promptly after the accident, especially if you have serious injuries or disputes about fault. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation under Nevada law.
How can I protect myself during the insurance claims process?
Avoid giving recorded statements or admitting fault to any insurance company. Instead, gather detailed records like medical documents, photos, and the police report, and consult a car accident attorney to help ensure fair compensation.
What should I do at the accident scene while waiting for help to arrive?
Stay in a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and check yourself and others for injuries. Avoid moving injured people unless necessary for safety. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions to preserve evidence.
Do I have to report the accident to my insurance company even if it wasn’t my fault?
Yes. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accident, regardless of fault. Failing to report could jeopardize coverage or delay claims processing.
What if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident?
If it’s a hit-and-run, call 911 immediately and provide as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as the license plate number, color, make, and direction of travel.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t feel injured right away?
Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible and document your injuries to support your claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Nevada?
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Las Vegas can be overwhelming, but knowing who to call and what steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting your health, legal rights, and financial well-being.
Always prioritize safety by calling 911 for emergency services and the police to ensure an official report is created. Promptly contacting your insurance company and a trusted car accident lawyer can help you manage the claims process effectively and secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Remember, gathering detailed information and seeking timely medical attention are critical moments that can impact the outcome of your case, so stay calm, be thorough, and seek professional guidance whenever needed.
