Getting into a car accident is stressful and scary, no matter who’s fault it may be.
However, even though it is a traumatic experience, Nevada car accidents unfortunately occur every day. So it’s important to know the legal remedies, as well as your options when they happen.
So, in this article, let’s explore all of the important aspects of traffic accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada and beyond so you know exactly what to do and how to protect yourself after an accident.
Nevada Car Accident Legal Duties
When you get into a car accident in Nevada, you may not be sure of what to do in the immediate aftermath.
However, the good news is there is a simple and clear process to follow after all Nevada accidents. If you understand these basic steps, you will be well prepared after an accident.
There are some simple steps that drivers in Nevada highway accidents should adhere to after an accident.
First off, immediately after the accident, both drivers should stop, check for injuries, and then contact the police. The police will obtain both parties’ contact and insurance information.
If the police don’t show up, both drivers should exchange IDs and insurance information so the accident may be reported and the innocent party can be compensated by the other driver’s insurance provider.
While waiting for the police or the ambulance, the drivers should assist anyone who has been injured by getting him or her to a safe area (or by administering basic medical help).
Another crucial step is to not admit fault. Admitting fault at the scene may result in you losing your case before ever seeing if you had a case.
Further, you should take as many pictures of the cars and of the accident scene as possible. Pictures of the accident will help the innocent party win their case later down the road.
Although the police will take statements, often witnesses leave before the police arrive. You should look for any witnesses at the scene and get their contact information. These witnesses often end up being the most critical pieces to the case later down the road as they can tell the jury exactly what happened in an unbiased manner.
All of these guidelines apply to Nevada motorcycle accidents as well.
If your accident occurred in the Las Vegas metro area and you believe you were injured during the incident, it is highly recommended to contact a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
If you would like more details on the steps to take after an accident, Valiente Mott has prepared that information for you on their blog.
Nevada Accident Statistics
Until you get into a car accident in Nevada, the realities of the risks can seem distant or even inconsequential.
However, in order to be prepared, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the most common accidents so that you can be better prepared.
The state of Nevada saw a 6.4% increase in fatal car accidents recently, rising from 311 in 2017 to 331 in 2018. Some of the most common causes of fatal accidents are drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, driving without seat belts, speeding, and texting while driving.
And unfortunately, there are plenty of dangerous intersections in Las Vegas and the entire state that put people at risk.
Some of the examples of intersections in Las Vegas that have been known for pedestrian-related accidents, as well as car accidents, are as follows:
- West Sahara Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, which is a very wide intersection that’s difficult to cross and has a lot of traffic.
- East Charleston Boulevard and South Lamb Boulevard, where a lot of traffic meets from all directions, causing numerous crashes throughout the year.
- Boulder Highway and Sun Valley, which has all the ingredients for a high-risk intersection – high speeds, poorly lit crosswalk, and a lot of traffic.
- West Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, which is constantly congested and has incidents occur regularly.
To avoid accidents in these and other dangerous intersections and roads in Nevada, it’s important to be mindful, both as a pedestrian and as a driver.
Make sure to always be alert of your surroundings. Look carefully before entering an intersection or crossing the street (even if you have the right of way). If you do get into an accident, remember the most important duties and steps that we discussed in the other sections of this article. Finally, if you think you’ve been injured, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney.
Hit & Run Charges in Nevada
It’s never a good idea to run away from an accident scene, but unfortunately, it’s a fairly common occurrence.
But what could you be facing if you were part of a hit & run in the state of Nevada?
Well, the Hit & Run charges can be sorted into two main categories:
- Misdemeanor hit & run
- Category B felony hit & run
The misdemeanor hit & run occurs when people flee Nevada car accidents in which no one was injured or killed.
Depending on the damage that’s caused to property, the penalties include up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It also costs six demerit points to your driver’s license.
But when someone drives away from the crash site where someone was injured or killed, the repercussions are much more serious.
As a Category B felony, such a hit & run can be punished by 2-20 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. What’s more, a felony H&R is not eligible for probation, and could also result in the driver’s license being revoked.
Legal Options After Causing or Being the Victim of a Car Accident in Nevada
On average, car accidents in Nevada are more dangerous than ever, so it’s important to know your options when you are part of one.
With that in mind, let’s look at your options when you’re the victim of an accident, as Nevada laws on car accidents can sometimes be tricky.
Usually, it’s best to contact a Las Vegas auto accident attorney, as they can help you make the best decisions in your situation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated.
In case you are the victim of the accident and suffer injuries, a competent and experienced lawyer could be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, covering your medical bills, lost earning capacity, and more.
Sometimes, you may not follow the right procedures after an accident simply because you were unaware of them, so it’s crucial to have someone on your side who is a licensed attorney.
Valiente Mott
Nobody wants to be in a car accident, but unfortunately, they are an unavoidable part of life.
However, when it does happen, it’s crucial that you get competent help from someone who can approach the situation in the best way possible. At Valiente Mott, we have a long track record of helping people that have been in car accidents in Nevada and beyond.
If you want to learn more, please call us at (702) 623-2323 or use our website’s contact form today!