If you have been involved in a Nevada car accident, it is important that you watch what you say. This is because the words that you say right after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to pursue a personal injury claim and monetary compensation. Indeed, an insurance company’s legal counsel can misrepresent anything you say and twist it into an admission of fault. Instead of giving the insurance carrier a chance to misconstrue your words, speak with them as little as possible and be extremely careful with what you say to them.
What to Do After a Car Crash
If you have been involved in a Nevada car accident, be sure to remain silent after the crash. Try not to speak to the other drivers. If you do say anything, only disclose what is necessary to accomplish the following:
- Getting accident victims and vehicles to a safe place that is away from traffic;
- Getting medical assistance for anyone who is experiencing an emergency;
- Contacting law enforcement to respond to the accident and obtaining a copy of the report;
- Exchanging insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in the crash;
Once the local police take your statement and let everyone leave the accident scene, be sure to make an appointment to be seen by a doctor, even if you feel you have minor or no injuries from the crash. This is because a car accident will automatically cause your adrenaline to spike, which can mask your pain. Many car accident victims think they are ok while at the accident scene, only to experience symptoms and/or pain shortly thereafter. Some conditions, such as concussions and internal bleeding, may not be immediately recognizable to a person not trained in the medical field. You should undergo a physical exam after any car accident, no matter how small.
What You Can and Cannot Say After a Car Crash
There are some things that you can say after a Nevada car accident without compromising your ability to seek monetary compensation should an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit arise. These include asking:
- Does anyone needs medical assistance?;
- Did anyone call the police yet?; and
- Will you please provide me with your license and insurance information?
First, you should help anyone who was injured in the crash. This could include other drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians. Instead of offering sympathy (which can be interpreted as guilt), simply assist in getting medical attention with direct questions and only communicating as needed.
Be sure to report all accidents to law enforcement, or make sure someone else has called. This is because the police report will be critical to your case and proving the severity of the damage and injuries, warranting the need for legal involvement.
Finally, obtaining the other driver’s license and insurance information is critical to your claim; do not expect the police to do this; get it yourself. If the other driver leaves town, you may have trouble locating them. This is even more likely in a city commonly visited by tourists, like Las Vegas.
While some statements are essentially harmless, there are statements that are not. Statements you should not say after a car accident include “I’m sorry,” “I am fine,” “I think what happened was…,” or “Let’s not call the police or attorneys…”
Hire an Attorney to Secure Your Claim
It can be difficult to know exactly what to say in any situation, especially right after a Las Vegas car accident. If you have been involved in a crash, you should focus on your recovery. Let the skilled personal injury attorneys at H&P Law handle your insurance claim and lawsuit. Contact us today for your initial case evaluation.
