If you have just been in a fender bender in Las Vegas, you might wonder, “Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” It’s a fair question, and one that many people ask.
It’s a good idea to have a lawyer review any accident, whether it’s a major accident or a minor collision. You’ll be better informed about the steps you can take. You might be entitled to make a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance if you have medical expenses and car repair bills. Many personal injury attorneys offer free case reviews, so understanding the options available to you should not cost anything.
The Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law have extensive experience helping people to understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Seeking just compensation is What’s Right. Contact us today to discuss your car accident with one of our compassionate car accident attorneys at no cost.
What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?
A minor car accident typically involves damage to one or more vehicles. Property damage from minor car accidents can include things like:
- A broken headlight or taillight
- Damage to the vehicle requiring auto bodywork
- A cracked windshield
- Bumper or fender damage
A minor car accident may involve some injuries. Keep in mind that injuries that seem insignificant at first can worsen over time. You may feel shaken but uninjured after a collision, then experience aches and pains a day or two later. If this happens, you could be left with expensive medical bills and be unable to work for a period of time. See a doctor as soon as possible after an accident for an evaluation to ensure your injuries are no more serious than they seem.
What To Do After a Minor Car Accident
It’s important to take steps to safeguard your health and your potential rights to seek compensation regardless of how minor a collision seems. After a crash in Las Vegas, you should:
- Check yourself and anyone else involved in the crash for injuries. If anyone needs medical assistance, notify the authorities right away.
- Use your phone to take pictures and video of the accident scene. Be sure to photograph the damage to all the vehicles in the crash and any visible injuries you sustained.
- Call the police to report the crash. Remember, 911 is for emergencies only. You can report a non-emergency by calling 311. You should report a crash to the police, even if it seems minor. Unless you require immediate medical treatment, stay at the crash scene until the police say that you can go.
- See a doctor promptly. Save any medical records related to the crash.
- Report the accident to your insurer, but do not give them a recorded statement until you have spoken to a car crash lawyer.
- Meet with a car accident attorney.
Compensation After a Minor Car Accident
You may have the right to demand compensation after a minor car accident. One reason to speak with an attorney is that you may be eligible for more compensation than you think.
If a minor accident involves only vehicle damage, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance to cover the cost of repairs to your car. If you suffer injuries, you may make a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability bodily injury insurance for your medical expenses. If the other driver’s insurance company disputes your claim, you should talk with a knowledgeable Las Vegas, personal injury lawyer.
Even if You Feel No Pain, There Might Be Hidden Injuries From a Minor Accident
One problematic aspect of minor car accidents is that your injuries may be worse than they first appear. Not all injuries from minor accidents are readily apparent. Some injuries worsen over time. Some common hidden injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head and neck jerk violently back and forth beyond the neck’s normal range of motion during a crash, injuring neck and back muscles and soft tissues. A neck injury may not be apparent immediately after a collision but may be quite painful and disabling hours later after swelling occurs.
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries– The impact of a crash can be enough to cause a traumatic head injury, even if you do not strike your head against anything. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. More serious brain injuries involving internal bleeding can have severe, even fatal effects without immediate medical treatment. Be sure to see a doctor and have the doctor check for potential brain injury symptoms.
- Back and spinal cord injuries– The force from a car accident can put intense pressure on your back and spine. The injuries can worsen over time and cause intense pain, preventing you from moving or doing certain activities.
- Internal bleeding – Car accidents can cause internal injuries that leave few outward signs. Internal bleeding can have dangerous effects or prove fatal without rapid medical intervention.
- Soft-tissue injuries– Sprains, strains, muscle spasms, and other soft-tissue injuries frequently remain hidden for days or weeks after a crash. When they manifest, they can cause severe pain and limit what activities you can do.
I Had a Minor Car Accident, But There Is No Police Report. Do I Still Have a Case?
Insurance companies use police reports to verify that an accident happened and obtain an independent account of the crash. Without a police report, you will likely need to provide additional evidence that the crash happened and that the other driver is responsible. Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Do I Still Have Time to Report an Accident in Las Vegas?
Nevada law requires you to file an accident report within 10 days of the crash if it resulted in more than $750 in property damage or any injuries or deaths. State law also says that failing to report a crash can lead to a driver’s license suspension. With these requirements in mind, it is best to report an accident as soon as possible. You can find the official Nevada crash report form online.
Another deadline to remember after a minor car accident is the statute of limitations on personal injury suits. Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, you have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to compensation.
Contact a Minor Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Today
Whether you have been involved in a minor car accident or a major collision, you deserve a clear explanation of your options and dependable legal guidance. We believe that is What’s Right. The team at Sam & Ash Injury Law can help you seek full and fair compensation after an accident caused by another driver. Call our Las Vegas office today or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
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