Nevada Car Accident: What You Should Do
When you’re in a car accident, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is insurance companies and the steps that need to be taken to rectify the situation. However, after the shock wears off, you must handle things appropriately so not to leave yourself with the short end of the stick.
In Nevada, police officers may not respond to every accident depending on what area you are in and how severe the accident is. However, you should still report it. Retrieve information from the other driver and any witnesses such as insurance information, names and addresses, and license plate number of the vehicles involved. If you are asked to sign anything at the scene, refuse. Take pictures of damages to vehicles and your injuries if you can.
Without a doubt, seek medical care if you are injured. Although your injuries may not be serious, it is still important to consult a doctor as soon as you are capable. For example, if your neck or back was jarred due to the accident but you feel as if you’re “o.k.” you should still seek medical attention. A problem could arise in the future and failure to see a doctor could result in the insurance company denying your claim.
After you have been treated, you must immediately report the accident to your insurance company. You have the right to request that your conversations with them not be recorded. Also do not give any written or recorded statements to the other insurance company or an adjuster. Contact a Nevada personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Once you have representation, all communications can go directly through him.
Keep detailed notes of everything pertaining to the accident including medication due to your injuries, loss of wages from missing work, and any pain, discomfort, or limitations you have encountered. Whenever you speak to individuals from the insurance companies be sure to make a note of the conversation, their title, name, phone number, and personal extension.
If the other driver happens to be an uninsured motorist you should still take all of the above steps. You should also ask your insurance company if your policy covers uninsured motorists. In Nevada, every car insurance policy that is issued must have this coverage. If your insurance company tells you that you do not have it, this means you must have signed a waiver stating you did not want it. In this case, request a copy of the waiver. If one cannot be provided, chances are you never signed it and you do in fact have uninsured motorist coverage.
Finally, if the insurance company sends you any type of payment, do not accept it. This may be difficult depending on your financial situation. However, this could be an attempt at a final settlement offer. This means if you accept the payment you will be unable to recover any further damages in the case.
In Nevada, police officers may not respond to every accident depending on what area you are in and how severe the accident is. However, you should still report it. Retrieve information from the other driver and any witnesses such as insurance information, names and addresses, and license plate number of the vehicles involved. If you are asked to sign anything at the scene, refuse. Take pictures of damages to vehicles and your injuries if you can.
Without a doubt, seek medical care if you are injured. Although your injuries may not be serious, it is still important to consult a doctor as soon as you are capable. For example, if your neck or back was jarred due to the accident but you feel as if you’re “o.k.” you should still seek medical attention. A problem could arise in the future and failure to see a doctor could result in the insurance company denying your claim.
After you have been treated, you must immediately report the accident to your insurance company. You have the right to request that your conversations with them not be recorded. Also do not give any written or recorded statements to the other insurance company or an adjuster. Contact a Nevada personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Once you have representation, all communications can go directly through him.
Keep detailed notes of everything pertaining to the accident including medication due to your injuries, loss of wages from missing work, and any pain, discomfort, or limitations you have encountered. Whenever you speak to individuals from the insurance companies be sure to make a note of the conversation, their title, name, phone number, and personal extension.
If the other driver happens to be an uninsured motorist you should still take all of the above steps. You should also ask your insurance company if your policy covers uninsured motorists. In Nevada, every car insurance policy that is issued must have this coverage. If your insurance company tells you that you do not have it, this means you must have signed a waiver stating you did not want it. In this case, request a copy of the waiver. If one cannot be provided, chances are you never signed it and you do in fact have uninsured motorist coverage.
Finally, if the insurance company sends you any type of payment, do not accept it. This may be difficult depending on your financial situation. However, this could be an attempt at a final settlement offer. This means if you accept the payment you will be unable to recover any further damages in the case.
