According to recent statistics published by the Nevada Department of Transportation, 38,457 crashes were reported in Reno in just four years. As collisions can happen at any time, every driver should be aware of how to react if the worst happens. To learn more, take a look at these seven steps you need to take immediately if you’re involved in a car accident:
1. Check Yourself and Other Passengers for Injuries
Even if the accident was relatively minor and you don’t think you’ve been hurt, be sure to take the time to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If necessary, call 911 for immediate medical assistance or visit a nearby medical center so you can be checked over by a doctor.
2. Move Yourself and Your Vehicle to Safety
As soon as you’re able to do so, move to a safe location to reduce the risk of subsequent accidents. If your vehicle is damaged and cannot be moved, for example, don’t remain next to the car on the highway. Instead, move to a safe location where you won’t be at risk of being hit by other vehicles on the road.
3. Call the Police and Report the Car Accident
Any car accident should be reported to the police but, if anyone sustained injuries in the crash, you’ll be required to notify the police straight away. Usually, they will attend the scene and draft a report, as well as providing emergency assistance.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company About the Accident
Read your policy carefully and you’ll find that your insurance company needs to be told about any accidents within a certain timeframe. Although you typically have hours or days to inform them of a crash, it can be beneficial to notify your insurers as soon as you’re able to do so.
5. Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
Following an accident, the people involved are required to exchange information, including contact details and insurance company information. Failing to do this can have serious consequences, so be sure to offer your details to any other road users who have been involved in the incident.
6. Collect Evidence at the Car Crash Scene
If you’re able to do so, try to collect evidence relating to the car accident as this could prove to be very important when it comes to determining how the accident occurred and who is responsible. Taking photographs of the scene of the incident can provide clear evidence regarding who is liable for the collision, for example.
7. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help
After an accident, you’ll want to protect your liability, which is why it’s important to call a car accident lawyer as soon as you’re able to do so. As well as making sure that you’re not blamed for an incident that wasn’t your fault, a car accident lawyer can help you to initiate a claim for personal injury compensation.
Claiming Car Accident Compensation
Despite efforts to make our roads safer, like the Zero Fatalities initiative, accidents are still a fairly common occurrence in Nevada. While you can’t always prevent a collision from occurring, you can ensure that the person or people responsible are held liable. With help from qualified car accident lawyers, you can take action against whoever caused the accident and obtain compensation for your injuries.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
