Road accidents frequently occur in Nevada, and over 5 million accidents happen in the United States every year. Some accidents are minor, while others can be fatal. The most typical cause of accidents is distractions while driving, such as when drivers use their phones, eat, or do something else like adjusting the radio or air conditioner while driving. There are several other causes of road accidents: exceeding the allowed speed, drinking when driving, and failure to follow traffic rules. Most of these factors are avoidable, but accidents still occur.
You may be observing all the traffic rules and being careful on the road, but then you meet another driver who is being reckless on the road. When you are involved in an accident, the first thing that you need to do is seek medical assistance. You should also confirm that everyone else in the car is not hurt before you do anything else. If you have injuries, it is essential to contact 911 and ask for help. If you fail to get medical help, this can add to your liability after the accident. After the accident, there are things that you need to do to file a claim. This article highlights the things that you should do to file a claim.
1. Contact the Police
It is essential to contact the police immediately after you get into an accident in Nevada. When the police arrive at the site, they will investigate the accident and write a report. This police report is a vital helpful document for filing a claim to get compensation after the accident. The police report contains names and other contact information of the people that were involved in the accident. It establishes the facts of the accident and the circumstances under which it occurred.
2. Preserve Evidence
When you are involved in an accident, you need to collect evidence. You can do this by taking photos of the accident and any injuries you have sustained after the accident. It is also crucial to collect any potential witnesses’ names and contact information at the accident site. You can also try and get a copy of the police report. It is also essential to record any bills you have incurred when paying for the injuries you encountered during the accident.
3. Contact an Attorney
Time is of the essence after an accident in Nevada. There is a duration within which you are supposed to file your claim, and when the Nevada statute of limitations for truck accidents lapses, it becomes hard to get compensation for the accident. Another benefit of filing your claim on time is that it becomes easy to gather evidence now formally when you do so. You can increase your chances of getting fair compensation by hiring an attorney to represent you. The legal process of filing a claim can be complicated, but an attorney is familiar with these processes, and they can help your case proceed on time.
4. Avoid These Common Mistakes
When you are involved in an accident, it is crucial to avoid trying to reason whose fault it was with the other party. Avoid making statements that can implicate that it was your fault because this can complicate the process of filing a lawsuit. You should also never sign any documents that you do not understand what they mean. It is also important to avoid settling with the other party’s insurance company without your lawyer’s presence. It is essential to hire a lawyer early enough so that you avoid such mistakes, and they can negotiate with the legal team of the other party and protect your claim.
5. Be Cautious With Insurance Companies
The process of filing a claim after an accident can get complicated when you involve the insurance company. Before approaching the insurance company, it is essential to consult your lawyer, who will advise you on how to go. However, the insurance company might still get involved when filing the claim, but this will be done effectively by a lawyer.
In summary, road traffic accidents are common causes of injuries and other morbidities. If you are involved in a road traffic accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries that you have sustained. Other activities that will help you when filing a claim include collecting evidence from the accident scene, like photos of the site and the injuries, and contacting the police to get a police report to help you file a claim. Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible helps you with the process of filing the claim because lawyers are familiar with how the court system works.