7 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Nevada
Anyone who has been driving for long enough has got into an accident. If you are ever involved in one, you want the best outcome for yourself, which is typically not being held liable and being able to recover damages arising from the accident. To achieve this, you should avoid making the mistakes many people make following a car accident in Nevada.
Leaving the Accident Scene
One of the worst mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Nevada is leaving the scene. Why? Because you will not be able to tell your side of the story, and the other party can twist the narrative to make it seem like you are liable even if you are not.
Every vehicle accident lawyer will tell you that you should stay at the scene as long as is required. This typically means until you have to go to the hospital, or the police have finished documenting the scene.
Not Calling the Police
Nevada law requires that you call the police in the case of a traffic accident no matter how minor. Doing this also sets in motion the process of documenting the accident. The report can help determine who is liable for the accident and make things much easier during settlement talks or when you file a lawsuit.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Staying at the scene of the accident does not mean you should avoid seeking medical attention. There are several reasons you should wait for the medics to arrive or allow them to take you to the hospital.
The first is unseen injuries. Many people can deal with external and minor injuries like cuts and bruises without visiting the hospital. However, they may not realize they have serious injuries that are not immediately visible. These include injuries like head trauma, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding.
The second is starting the documentation process. The strength of any personal injury lawsuit depends on the evidence you have. Medical records, bills, doctor’s notes, and other medical documentation can be crucial in helping you prove your case.
In addition to showing the case you have sustained in the latest accident, they can also show that these injuries did not exist before the accident. This is a tactic many attorneys use to limit their client’s liability; if you had prior injuries, how can we know which ones were caused by our client?
Admitting Liability by Talking to the Other Driver
Another of the most common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Nevada is admitting liability in any form. Doing so means you or your insurance company will be responsible for the compensation or settlement.
The main challenge with admitting liability is that many people do it unknowingly.
A driver might think saying, “I am sorry” would be polite, or saying “I did not see you there” would explain their actions. However, saying any of these could be twisted to show you are liable for the accident and the damages that resulted from it.
Avoiding this issue is as simple as not talking to the other driver unless you have to. It is OK to exchange your name, license, and insurance details but no more. If they need additional details, they can ask the police or go through your attorney.
Not Contacting an Attorney Immediately
The most important thing you should do after getting medical attention following a car accident is contact an attorney. A car accident lawyer Nevada will tell you what to do and say to not end up being liable. They will also guide you in collecting the evidence you need to make your case as strong as possible.
A good road accident lawyer will also tell you if you have a case and how much it is likely to be worth. If they take your case, they will help you find eyewitnesses and collect testimony, hire accident reconstruction experts, go through police reports, and talk to the other party’s insurance company.
Not Collecting Enough Evidence
The strength of your car accident suit depends on the strength of your evidence. This is why a car accident attorney Nevada will ask you what evidence you have during the initial consultation. They can use this information to gauge if they should take the case and the probability of you winning.
To ensure a strong case, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. At the very least, take photographs and capture videos of the accident scene, paying close attention to the damage and final positions of all vehicles involved.
Next, collect eyewitness statements. When you do, also write down the witnesses’ contact information. Note that they may not be able to appear in court, but they could help you strengthen your position during settlement negotiations.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
The other party’s insurance company will want to end the matter as quickly as possible, so they will provide you with a settlement offer. While you can discuss it with your car accident injury lawyer, the general advice is to never accept the first offer. Ask your attorney to negotiate the offer on your behalf.
The attorney you choose should also be willing to go to court if the settlement talks break down. You are also likely to receive a better settlement offer if the other party believes your attorney is willing to do this.
Once a car accident occurs, the best outcome is not being held liable and receiving compensation for the damages sustained. However, both of these cannot happen if you make the common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Nevada. You also have to work with different professionals, including the best car accident attorneys, to ensure your case is as strong as possible and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today to help you win your case.
