What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Hire a Qualified Nevada Car Accident Lawyer

When you are a victim of a car accident, it can greatly affect how you react in situations. It can wreak havoc on a person’s mind, body and soul. Many car accident victims find themselves disorientated immediately after the crash and may not know the basic steps to take. There are costly medical bills as well as car repairs and legal fees to consider when searching for compensation. A qualified Reno car accident attorney at Eric A. Stovall, Ltd. can assist you with a car accident claim.

What to do after a Car Accident
Many people fail to realize the importance of gathering pertinent information from everyone at the scene of a car accident. Others may feel extreme stress or become too distraught from the consequences of what happened. However, there are things a victim can do to help solve a potential claim. A few steps to take when in a car accident include:

• Checking to make sure you and your passengers are okay. A car accident can be a bone-jarring event. After the accident, take time to check whether you have injuries that may require you to stay put. A broken neck or whiplash can be very painful when agitated. If other passengers are in the car, ask if they are ok and are able to move. After exiting your vehicle, check to make sure the passengers in the other car involved does not need immediate assistance. If anyone needs medical assistance, call 911 immediately.
• Notifying the police. Once you have checked to make sure everyone is okay, call authorities to have them fill out an accident report. It is helpful to carry an emergency cell phone even if you do not use it daily. A prepaid cell phone plan works well in this case. You will need a copy of the police report to hand over to your lawyer. It is also helpful to write down the officer’s name and badge number.
• Write down notes. Writing notes can tremendously help you when considering pursuing legal claims. Make sure to write down the driver’s and any passengers’ names, addresses and dates of birth. Do not forget to include the driver’s license number and expiration date as well as the name of the driver’s insurance company. Your Nevada car accident lawyer will need this to present to the court.
• Write down other important information. It is helpful to write down the other car’s make, model and year of car. Walk to the back of the car to notate the license plate number and expiration date. Look through the driver’s side windshield to read and write down the car’s vehicle registration number.
• Get witness information. If there are other people who saw what happened, make sure to get their names, addresses and phone numbers at which they are able to be reached.
• Draw how the scene looks. Draw a simple picture of the car accident. Make sure to include any landmarks and skid marks. You can also draw where each car was positioned before, during and after the accident as well as notes about the weather, traffic and road conditions. A digital camera or cell phone with a camera can be used to notate this information.

Who Can Help

Legal help should be sought if there are any injuries or death involved. At Eric A. Stovall, Ltd., we sincerely hope that you are not involved in a car accident. However, we understand that accidents do occur. If you or a loved suffers injuries or death stemming from a car accident, please consult a qualified Nevada car accident lawyer who can review your case.