What to Do in Case of a Truck Accident in Nevada?
Truck accidents can change the lives of their victims in an instant. They can leave them with permanent injuries and disabilities and, in the most extreme cases, cause fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Nevada, there are specific steps you should take to ensure the at-fault party is held responsible. Following them will also ensure you are compensated for your injuries and damages with the help of a truck accident lawyer. So, how do you deal with a truck accident in Nevada?
Report the Accident Immediately
Whether you have been involved in one or witnessed an accident, Nevada law requires you to report it as soon as possible. Ideally, you should call 911 immediately, but you have up to 10 days to report one.
Calling 911 means the dispatchers will contact medical personnel and law enforcement officers on your behalf. The former will provide the assistance and initial medical checks those involved in the accident need, and the police will serve as crucial witnesses. They will also document the accident and create a report that will become crucial later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
All survivors should let medical professionals check them out at the accident site. They will do initial checks and treat any superficial injuries. They will also refer you to the nearest hospital or transport you to one if you are not in a condition to go by yourself.
The second reason you should let them check you out is to connect your injuries to the accident. In a perfect world, there would be no argument that getting into a truck accident causes injuries. However, the other driver, insurance company, and attorneys might argue that you sustained your injuries before or after the accident, not during it. Having the paperwork to show how your injuries are connected to the accident is crucial.
This also applies to getting more thorough checks and treatments at a hospital or emergency room. The doctor will document all injuries you arrive with and show how they are connected to the accident. They will also document all treatments, medication, and tests you received in the hospital. Truck accident attorneys Nevada can use this information and documentation when negotiating a settlement or as evidence once you file a lawsuit.
Gather Evidence and Information
Collecting information about the driver, the truck, and the company they work for is crucial for building a truck accident or wrongful death lawsuit and establishing who is at fault. You should collect their name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, ask them for the company’s name, address, and contact information.
Continue gathering information by taking photographs and videos of the accident site. Capture all the vehicle’s final positions and damage to all of them. These can be crucial in proving who hit who or painting a picture of how the accident unfolded.
Lastly, write as much as you can remember as soon as possible. Memories fade over time, and you may struggle to remember details later on, especially if you stay in the hospital for an extended period.
Move Your Vehicle to the Side of the Road
Nevada law requires you to move your vehicle from the road as soon as you can. If it is operable, you can move it after gathering all the evidence you need. If not, you should tell the law enforcement officers that and let them tell you how to proceed.
Doing this helps avoid further accidents while allowing for the continuing flow of traffic. It also prevents you from being accused of trumping other people's right to use the road just because you have been involved in an accident.
Exceptions apply if you are too injured to move the vehicle or are transferred to the hospital following the accident. In these cases, the police will take care of it.
Hire a Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
Truck accidents cause injuries and property damage. You have the right to seek compensation for medical and rehabilitation costs, damaged vehicles, loss of income, and other damages. You should start contacting Nevada truck accident lawyers immediately to get proper representation.
The right vehicle accident lawyer will investigate the accident further, find expert witnesses to support your claims, ensure the evidence you already have tells a cohesive story, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Crucially, they will walk you through the complex legal processes of filing a lawsuit. Since they understand Nevada law, they will know where and when to file the required papers so that you have no issues with this process.
Keep Tracking Documentation and Evidence
The compensation you get with the help of truck accident attorneys Nevada should cover all costs associated with the accident and leave you with enough to live on once the process is completed. Maintaining meticulous records of all payments, lost wages, and expenses related to the accident will help a lot.
Keep sharing this data with your truck accident lawyer so they can keep using it to build your case. The truck accident attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are trained to track and uncover all expenses on cases. They will ensure everything you spend on injuries and anything else related to the accident is accounted for. They will also document all financial damages to ensure they are taken care of with the compensation.
Do Not Talk to Anyone Unless You Have To
This is a general rule for what you should never do once you are involved in an accident; do not talk to anyone unless necessary. You can talk to the other driver to exchange information, but that should be it. The more you talk, the more likely you will say something that jeopardizes your case. For example, something as simple as “I did not see you” or “I am sorry” could be twisted around to make you liable.
Importantly, do not talk to the other driver's company, insurance agency, or attorneys even if they present a settlement offer. Let everything go through your attorneys.
Being involved in a truck accident is not only injurious, but it can cause confusion, especially for those who may not know what to do next. There are specific things you should do immediately like seeking medical attention and calling the police, but you should consult an experienced truck accident injury lawyer for everything else.
