What To Do After a Minor Car Accident 

First Steps: Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene 

There are specific steps you need to follow after being involved in a minor auto accident. It is vital to follow these steps to protect your legal rights for compensation when you are not at fault for the crash.

Check for Injuries Immediately

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries or complaints of pain. Check on the other driver and their passengers for any injuries as well. Call 911 and request an ambulance if immediate medical care is needed.

Move Vehicle to Safe Location and Turn on Hazard Lights

Drivers involved in minor car accidents when there is only vehicle damage or minor injuries are allowed to move their vehicles to a safe location under Nevada traffic laws. The last thing you want to become is a traffic obstacle and increase the risk of being hit again by another driver. Pull the cars off to the right side of the road or into a nearby parking lot, if they are drivable.

If you move the cars to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights or put out a roadside flare, if you have one. If your car or the other driver’s vehicle is not drivable, do not remain near the crash scene. Instead, move to a safe location off the side of the road while waiting for the police to respond.

Gather Information at the Accident Scene

You will need to gather evidence and information at the accident scene for the insurance company and to support your claim, especially when you are not at fault. 

Exchange Driver and Vehicle Information

Nevada statutes legally require all drivers involved in an accident to exchange information, including:

• The driver’s full name, current address, driver’s license number, and phone number.
• The driver’s insurance company name, phone number, and policy number.
• The make, model, year, and color of the vehicle.
• The VIN (vehicle identification number) and license plate.

It is a good idea to take a picture of the driver’s insurance card and driver’s license. Additionally, if the registered owner of the vehicle is not the driver, you need to obtain their name, address, and phone number.

Collect Witness Information

If there are any witnesses who saw the car accident, it is worthwhile to collect their information. You will want to get their name and phone number. If they are willing to share their address, get that as well.

Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

Building a strong case to support your minor car accident insurance claim requires carefully documenting the accident scene. Otherwise, without this documentation, you could find yourself in a situation where it is your word against the other driver’s.

Take Photographs and Videos From Multiple Angles

You’ll want multiple photos and videos of the crash scene from multiple angles. You will also want to take your pictures and videos before moving your cars to the side of the road. You should capture:

• All vehicle damage to both vehicles.
• Full pictures of each vehicle, including the license plate numbers.
• Pictures and videos from behind each vehicle, the sides of each vehicle, and the front of each vehicle.

Document Scene Conditions and Detail

While you are snapping pictures and taking videos, also take the time to document the scene conditions. Step back and take pictures showing the road conditions, weather conditions, and whether there are any skid marks.

Look up at light poles and traffic lights to see if any cameras could contain valuable video data. Also, look around for nearby businesses that might have security cameras pointed toward the location where the crash took place.

Report the Accident to the Police and Authorities

Nevada traffic statutes legally require you to report any car crash to the police immediately if:

• There is any type of injury or death.
• There is property damage to any vehicle that is more than $750.

While there might not be injuries with minor car accidents, the extent of damage typically is more than $750. In the event the reporting officer says they are not filing a police report, then traffic laws require you to submit an SR-1 form (Report of Traffic Accident) within 10 days of the crash with the Nevada DMV.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

You should contact your insurance company, even if you are not at fault, and open a claim. When speaking to your agent or the insurance company representative, only provide them with the facts of the crash:

• Date and location.
• Name and contact details of the other driver.
• Insurance information for the other driver.
• Police report number.

Refrain from admitting fault or making any statements at this time.

Seek Medical Attention — Monitor for Hidden Injuries

If you did not require immediate medical care at the crash scene, you should still seek medical attention once you are released from the accident scene by the police. You can see your primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic. There can be hidden injuries, which do not always appear at the time of the crash. If any injuries are discovered, make sure to keep your medical records.

Get Your Vehicle Inspected and Repaired

You will need to obtain estimates for the insurance company for any repairs your vehicle will need. The easiest way to get an estimate is to have your mechanic or body shop perform a detailed vehicle inspection. Even with minor crashes, there can be hidden damage under bumpers and inside door frames.

Some people get multiple estimates when they do not have a repair center in mind. However, once you select where you want to get your vehicle repaired, notify your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company, if they were at fault for the accident. You will need to wait for authorization from the insurance adjuster before having the vehicle repaired.

When To Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Las Vegas

Dealing with a minor car accident might seem fairly straightforward when there is only vehicle damage. However, certain issues could arise, even with a damage-only claim, and other situations where you may want to hire a Las Vegas car accident lawyer, including:

• You sustained injuries in the crash.
• The insurance company is making low-ball settlement offers that do not cover all your losses.
• The insurance company is using delay tactics in settling your claim.
• The insurance company wants you to use “aftermarket” or used parts, not OEM parts.
• The other driver or their insurance company is disputing fault.

Even if you are not experiencing these issues, if you have questions about filing your claim or how fault works in Nevada car accidents, it costs nothing to get free legal advice with a complimentary consultation.

Get Legal Protection — Schedule Free Consultation Today

Navigating Nevada’s traffic laws after being in a minor car accident can be stressful. There are filing deadlines, and you may have to deal with insurance company tactics to reduce your settlement.

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, we have helped numerous drivers and their passengers recover maximum compensation from the responsible party. There are never any upfront legal costs to speak with one of our car accident attorneys to explore your legal rights and options. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation.

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