Is it OK to Move My Vehicle After a Car Accident in Las Vegas?

Over two million people get injured in car accidents each year in this country. With that many people getting injured in accidents, it seems rare for you not to have been in an accident than to have been in one. The best we all can hope for is that all involved are not severely harmed.

First things first, if you can, you should move your car out of the way of traffic. Secondary accidents happen all too often and can cause more injuries. If it is safe, and your vehicle is mobile, when safe, try to move it out of the main avenue of traffic where you can safely assess the damage and help those injured in the accident.

We understand how stressful those moments following the accident are, and the aftermath can last for months or years, depending on the severity of the accident.

You should be aware of a few things that can help keep you safe after an accident and better prepared should it happen to you. This article will discuss those items.

What Should I Do Immediately Following an Accident?

Following a few other tips will help you alleviate some stress immediately following an accident.

First and foremost, seek medical attention if you need to. If you have someone with you, they can take charge of the following few items on this list. Getting an exam completed immediately is vital in case unobvious injuries are sustained. Adrenaline is very powerful and can keep symptoms at bay for some time. It is essential to take a deep breath and check to see how your entire body is feeling and the rest of the passengers involved in the accident.

As mentioned above, move your car out of the main traffic flow. Do not drive away at this time, as you could be penalized for it. Communicate with the other drivers, get pictures of their license plates if necessary, and let them know you are moving off to the side of the road and encourage them to meet you in a safe place to exchange information. You may tell them that the police are on the way and let them see you taking a picture of their license plate to prevent them from leaving the scene without giving you accurate information.

Report the accident to the authorities so you can obtain assistance should you need it and file a report. It is essential to ensure that your story is told to the proper authorities, not just the version of others involved.

It is also crucial not to assume guilt at this time. You may not have seen all that led up to the accident occurring. If you apologize and accept responsibility for causing the accident, and that is documented, it may create problems for you in the future.

Document everything from the damage to all vehicles involved, names of witnesses and their initial accounts of the accident, and pictures of the crash site, including road and weather conditions that may have led up to the accident occurring.

What Should I Do After I Have Gotten an Exam?

Once you have confirmed that your health is okay and addressed any injuries, you must notify your insurance company of the accident. Many agencies will have a deadline for informing them of an accident after it happens. Note that at this time, you should relay that you have been in an accident and where it occurred. Avoid any questions regarding injuries, how the accident happened, or who was at fault. Decline further communication until you have time to address your injuries and options further.

Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. You will have your pick of several in the area, and choosing the right one for you can be one of the most important steps you take in the aftermath of the accident. You want to work with someone who not only has experience but passion and commitment to obtaining the results that you deserve.

What is Comparative Negligence?

Each state has a guideline for assigning fault after an accident. Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that when there is more than one person at fault for the cause of the accident, the parties are assigned a percentage of fault compared to the other.

If you are found to be at fault for a certain percentage and are awarded damages, your total damages will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault you shared in the accident.

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Me Personally?

For example, if you were 20% at fault for an accident and the other party was found to be 80% at fault, the total amount awarded to you would be reduced by 20%. If $50,000 were awarded, you would receive $40,000, or 80% of the total damages awarded.

This is why it is crucial to avoid assuming guilt after an accident or discussing your responsibility for the accident with your insurance company without discussing your options with a trusted lawyer. You can place yourself in a higher category of fault without meaning to, reducing or eliminating your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Why Work With Us?

We know you have several options in the area that will provide you with legal representation. We have all seen the TV commercials and billboards, right? You can call one of them and be just another caller, just one of hundreds, or you can get close personal attention with us. Why not work with a capable team of lawyers who fight tirelessly for their clients like they are family? Let us advocate fiercely for you and your families and get your life back after an accident. Contact our offices today at (702) 369-9696.