When you worry about Las Vegas car accidents, which types of crashes do you picture? In all likelihood, you automatically think of horrifying incidents such as front-end collisions or T-bone accidents. These are devastating, however, but they are by no means the only issues that make Nevada drivers vulnerable.
Las Vegas fender benders also warrant concern. Typically occurring at low speeds, these collisions generally involve rear-end contact, in which — as the accident’s nickname implies — the fender receives the brunt of the damage.
Distraction is often to blame, but fatalities for this particular type of accident are mercifully rare. Still, a fender bender in Las Vegas can hold huge implications for the future, as it may prompt significant damage to your vehicle, not to mention whiplash or soft tissue injuries that could harm you for years to come.
Given the hidden — and surprisingly high — cost of so-called “minor” rear-end accidents, it’s important to take swift action with a fender bender lawyer in Nevada. Keep reading to learn how you should proceed after a Las Vegas fender bender collision:
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and remain inside the vehicle if the surrounding area is unsafe.
Step 2: Call 911 or Local Police
Even if the accident seems minor, always report it. Law enforcement can dispatch emergency services if needed and create an official accident report. This document becomes vital when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Don’t downplay fender bender injuries. If you at all suspect that you may have sustained any form of physical damage during the accident, seek care as soon as possible.
Medical professionals can help you prevent future damage while also documenting your current symptoms. As with police records, this information could prove invaluable if you ultimately seek personal injury damages.
Step 4: Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver involved. Be sure to record their full name, phone number, license plate, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information as well.
Step 5: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Note the exact location, time of day, and weather. This visual evidence can strengthen your case if liability is later disputed.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your auto insurer promptly, even if you think the other driver was at fault. Provide a clear, factual account of what happened, supported by your photos and the police report (once available). Avoid guessing or speculating.
Step 7: Avoid Admitting Fault or Signing Anything
Be careful with your words at the scene and when speaking to insurers. Never say “I’m sorry,” and don’t sign any settlement documents without legal review. Insurance adjusters may try to close the case quickly for less than it’s worth.
Step 8: Speak With a Las Vegas Fender Bender Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries or property damage, it’s wise to consult a local personal injury attorney who understands Nevada traffic laws and insurance tactics. A skilled lawyer can help you secure medical treatment, gather documentation, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Work With a Fender Bender Lawyer From Nevada
Fender benders might seem minor, but they can have devastating consequences over time. These accidents often lead to long-term physical suffering, which might not be initially evident at the scene of the accident. Your failure to take action early on could prompt greater suffering down the road.
Should crash-related soft tissue injuries finally become evident several weeks after an accident, it could be difficult to get insurance on board or make your case in a personal injury lawsuit. Hence, the need for a trusted Las Vegas fender bender lawyer, who can document your case from the get-go to help you get the damages you deserve. If you’re feeling stressed or confused, your attorney can also provide the insight and confidence you need at this difficult time.
Local support is essential, as your attorney needs to be intimately familiar with Nevada’s vehicle insurance system and statute of limitations. Timing also matters; it’s always essential to contact a Las Vegas fender bender lawyer before getting in touch with insurance representatives.
Why Vegas Valley Injury Law?
As you deal with the fallout from a fender bender in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact the trusted team from Vegas Valley Injury Law. We never downplay rear-end collisions, as we are well aware of the long-term damage these accidents can prompt.
The Vegas Valley team can be trusted to deliver the proactive representation you need at this sensitive time. Reach out today to learn more about our assertive approach to all types of negligence-related car accidents.