Car Accident: 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid
Las Vegas, Nevada
Car accident liability claims in Las Vegas and Nevada
The 3 biggest mistakes people make after a car accident in Las Vegas - according to the attorneys.
- Incorrectly explaining what happened to the police and not receiving a police report.
- Not visiting the doctor within the first 3 days.
- Not following doctor's recommendation.
Here is why.
Mistake #1. Incorrectly explaining what happened during the accident to the police and not receiving a police report.
What do you say to the police officer in a car accident?
When talking to a police officer, only provide information that the law requires. Don't volunteer to give any extra information.
You should provide the following to the police officer who arrived at the accident scene:
- Your name and contact information
- Your vehicle's registration information
- Your insurance information
- A brief description of what happened
- Any visible injuries or damage to your car.
What do you not ever tell the police officer in a car accident?
It's important to avoid admitting fault or apologizing for an accident to the police or other parties involved in an accident.
The truth is - you do not know the cause of an accident. It could have been the fault of the shop that did your last brake repair or the road construction company. It could even be a manufacturing defect in your vehicle. Later the insurance companies and attorneys for the accident victim(s) could misinterpret it as accepting full responsibility for the accident.
Let the police officer and insurance companies investigate and determine who is at fault.
What information goes to the police report?
In Nevada, a police report after a car accident typically includes the following information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names, addresses, and driver's license numbers of all drivers involved
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- A description of the vehicles involved and their damage
- Insurance information of all drivers involved
- A diagram or sketch of the scene and position of the vehicles
- A summary of what happened, including details on the cause of the accident, if known
- The names and badge numbers of any responding officers
- A statement of whether anyone was cited or arrested
- Any other relevant information, such as weather conditions or road hazards.
Insurance companies can use this information to process car accident claims and determine who is liable for the damages.
Do I need to get a copy of a police report after the car accident?
Yes. The police report will provide an official account of what happened during your car accident and help establish who is at fault. The police report can also be necessary evidence to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
If you don't have a copy of a police report, you (or your attorney) can request it from the police department that responded to the accident. There is a small fee involved in receiving a copy later.
Mistake #2. Not visiting the doctor and getting proper medical treatment within the first 3 days.
Should I see a doctor after the car accident?
Visiting a medical doctor after a car accident is vital for several reasons:
- A medical exam can help confirm any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they may not be immediately noticeable or severe. This documentation can support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Prompt medical attention can help prevent minor injuries from becoming more severe. Plus, early treatment can also help you with a faster recovery.
- Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences if left untreated. A medical doctor can perform a thorough examination to detect and diagnose these injuries.
- The medical evaluation and records can be critical evidence in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Read our article about "Pre-existing medical conditions" and how pre-existing injuries affect your car accident compensation.
What do doctors check after a car accident?
Typically, after a car accident, doctors check for:
- Head and neck injuries (concussion, skull fractures, neck sprains)
- Chest injuries (rib fractures, lung contusions)
- Abdominal injuries (organ damage, internal bleeding)
- Limb injuries (fractures, dislocations)
- Back and spinal injuries
- Skin injuries (cuts, bruises)
- Any other symptoms (dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, etc.)
It's essential to report all symptoms, even if they seem minor or insignificant.
Whiplash and back pain are the most common injuries from car accidents. Many people suffer PTSD after a car accident.
How soon should you see a doctor after a car accident?
Most insurance companies consider 72 hours or 3 days to be reasonable.
Delayed pain after an accident
Delayed reaction after a car accident is quite common. Some people only feel the effects of car accidents after returning to their day-to-day activities.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Persistent headaches
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Dizziness or difficulty with balance
- Constant pain in the neck, back, chest, or abdomen
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Memory problems or confusion
Mistake #3. Not following the medical treatment that the doctor recommends.
How much medical treatment is necessary after the car accident
The medical treatment needed after a car accident depends on the severity and type of your injuries.
How much medical treatment is enough and when you should start and end your medical treatment could be subjective. Only a medical doctor can provide these recommendations.
It is best to follow the recommendations of a medical doctor and continue treatment until they determine that treatment is no longer necessary.
After the settlement, can I ask for more money?
No. Only ONCE can you settle your accident liability claim with any insurance company. After the insurance company has paid the liability claim and you signed a release of liability form, you (or a car accident attorney) cannot go back and ask for more injury reimbursement, even if you need more treatment.
So, you must follow up with your medical treatment until the doctor releases you.
Can I re-open an old car accident insurance claim?
This question comes up a lot.
If you received a settlement and signed the release from liability form/waiver without an attorney present within 30 days of the car accident, you can re-open your claim. Many strict rules apply to re-opening a previously closed case. For details, call our office and ask to speak with the car accident lawyer.
We can help
If you got injured in a car accident, ended up in a hospital, and missed time at work, call our office at 702-432-1000.
The initial consultation is free.
We serve clients in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the rest of Nevada.
We also represent many tourists who got injured while visiting Las Vegas or Nevada.
Last updated on January 30, 2024.
