Las Vegas, Nevada has been ranked as one of the top 25 most congested cities in the United States for two years in a row. This significant rise in travelers has led to an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions on Las Vegas roadways.
Have you or a loved one been injured as a result of a car accident in Las Vegas? You may be entitled to receive compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and/or additional damages.
Often, an insurance company will do everything within its power to provide you with as little compensation as possible after a car crash. In the following informational guide, we will reveal everything that you should do if you have been involved in a car in the Las Vegas area. Utilizing this advice will help you protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Types of Auto Accidents in Las Vegas
There is a risk of serious injury resulting from any accident that involves a motorized vehicle striking another object. Car crash victims may suffer from a wide range of moderate and severe injuries, including broken bones, back/spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and/or paralysis.
Oftentimes, these injuries cause chronic pain, permanent total, or partial disability, and/or other lifelong damages and may require years of medical treatment.
Car crashes may involve another passenger vehicle, a stationary object, or a pedestrian. There are several different types of car crashes that are commonly responsible for serious injuries.
Common Types of Car Crashes Include:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Intersection Collisions
- Head-On Collisions
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Left Turn Crashes
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Single-Vehicle Collisions
- Rear-End Collisions
- Rollover Accidents
Car vs. Bus Accidents in Las Vegas
There are several different types of buses that commonly frequent Las Vegas roadways, including school buses, city buses, commuter buses, church buses, etc. Car crashes that involve buses can result in serious injuries. The severity of these injuries is often determined by the size of the vehicles involved.
Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents in Las Vegas
Car crashes that involve motorcycles often result in serious injury, disability, and/or death.
The Las Vegas Sun recently reported that a motorcyclist has died after an accident involving a motorized vehicle. The driver responsible for the accident was reported to have run a red light in downtown Las Vegas.
Car vs. Bicycle in Las Vegas
Car collisions involving bicycles can result in serious injuries, including burns, broken bones, brain injuries, and death. Bicyclists account for only 1% of all methods of transportation, but 2% of all fatal accidents on the roadway.
In November of 2022, a chain of serious accidents occurred in Las Vegas that left one person dead and eight people injured. The accident involved 10 motor vehicles and two bicycles. The suspected driver collided with 2 bicyclists, killing one, and leaving the other in critical condition.
Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas
Car accidents that involve pedestrians can result in catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and death.
On December 16th, 2022, a Las Vegas man was struck by a minivan while crossing the street on a motorized scooter. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Las Vegas
There are several things that you must do if you are involved in a car accident in Las Vegas. Follow these crucial tips at the scene of the accident.
Assess the Severity of Injuries
Assess the medical condition of yourself, the passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the crash. Medical attention should be your first priority if any serious injuries appear to have occurred. Only move vehicles to the shoulder if no serious injuries are evident.
Capture Photo and Video Evidence
Capture an abundance of photo and video evidence. Take pictures at every angle to document the damages sustained by each vehicle involved. Document any skid marks, surrounding debris, and/or any additional evidence that may be beneficial to your case.
Take notes of any information that may be important for your case. Examples may include road defects, inclement weather, and/or the condition of the other driver involved in the crash.
Seek Medical Attention
It is imperative that you visit a licensed medical professional after a car accident, regardless of whether you believe that you are injured. Car crashes are abrupt, and frightening, and cause the body to produce excessive levels of adrenaline. This heightened state can cause some people to refuse medical treatment after a collision.
Refusing medical treatment after a car accident is a dangerous decision that could result in numerous consequences. Many injuries are not visible and/or may not be immediately evident after an accident. In some cases, this could result in fatal consequences. For example, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, etc.
Failing to seek medical attention could also result in legal and financial damages. This will make it much more difficult to prove your injuries were sustained as a result of the accident.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer immediately if you or a loved one has suffered injuries as the result of a collision. A car accident lawyer has experience dealing with the insurance company. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with agents, and build a case to prove that another party is at fault for your injuries.
What Not to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Las Vegas
Poor decision-making can lead to serious repercussions after a car accident. The following tips will explore several things that you should never do after a car accident in Las Vegas.
Never Leave the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident in Las Vegas
Never drive away from the scene of the accident. Fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal act in Las Vegas. These charges may also be enhanced in the event that serious injury or death occurs. This could result in serious criminal charges, including manslaughter.
On December 28th, 2002, Mykael Terrell was arrested and charged after fleeing the scene of a car crash that resulted in the death of two people. The driver was reported to have been operating an SUV when she struck the pedestrians near the Las Vegas Strip.
Leaving the scene will also make it very difficult to prove any claims that you may about the accident in the future. Protect yourself and your legal rights by remaining at the scene of the accident until you have handled all matters.
Do Not Move Injured Persons
Never attempt to relocate any individual that has sustained serious injuries. Visible signs of injury, include broken bones, unresponsiveness, etc. Call Emergency Medical Services immediately to receive potentially life-saving medical advice before medics arrive.
Do Not Admit Guilt or Make Verbal Agreements
Some individuals feel compelled to apologize after an accident. Do not apologize to other parties involved in the accident. These actions are well-intended but could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Do not make any verbal agreements.
Do Not Panic
Car accidents can be a frustrating and terrifying experience but remaining calm is critical. This is not the time to place blame or argue about the circumstances surrounding the accident. Becoming frantic, angry, or behaving in a hostile manner could result in serious health and legal consequences.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Nevada?
The Division of Motor Vehicles states that drivers have 10 days to report a car accident in Las Vegas. Reporting your accident as soon as possible significantly increases the chances of proving your case.
What Types of Damage Can You Claim After a Car Accident?
You may be entitled to receive compensation for several different types of damage after a car accident. This may include compensation for property damage, medical expenses, and mental/emotional damages. Individuals who sustain serious car accident injuries may also be due payment for future medical bills, lost wages, and other lingering damages.
Does Health Insurance Provide Coverage for Car Accident Injuries?
PIP insurance covers personal injuries that occur as a result of a car accident. Drivers without PIP protection should still receive medical coverage from their health insurance providers. However, your health insurance provider may be entitled to payment if they are compensated for these medical expenses in the future.
How Much is the Average Car Accident Claim Worth?
Car accident claim values differ significantly depending on the severity of the damages involved. Claims that involve severe injuries and extensive medical bills are valued higher than cases with minor damages. The only way to determine the value of your case is to contact an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer for a free case review.
Reach out for an honest case evaluation if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a car accident. Morris Injury Law has helped hundreds of clients in the Las Vegas area obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Call 702-850-5555 today for a free estimate of how much your case may be worth.
Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney for a Car Accident Claim?
An experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively represent car accident claims.
Insurance companies make decisions that are in the best interests of their employer. For these reasons, insurance adjusters are notorious for providing lowball damage estimates in the majority of property damage claims.
A reputable lawyer can help gather evidence to build a solid case and is not afraid to demand maximum compensation from the insurance company. An experienced legal professional will fight to obtain compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional damages, and more.
You deserve to obtain legal representation from the best Las Vegas car accident lawyer. Morris Injury Law provides professional, bold, and experienced legal services throughout the Greater Las Vegas Area. Schedule a free consultation online for more information.
