What to Do After a Serious Car Accident on the Las Vegas Strip

A serious car accident on the Las Vegas Strip isn’t just a disruption—it can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In a place known for bright lights and fast action, the aftermath of a crash can feel overwhelming. But what you do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can make a big difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.

First and foremost, prioritize your health and safety. Then, protect your rights by gathering evidence and enlisting the help of an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a major collision on the Strip.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Care

The chaotic aftermath of a crash can be disorienting, but try to stay calm and take these key actions:

• If possible, move damaged vehicles out of further harm’s way to the shoulder or nearby parking lot. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request ambulances if anyone is injured. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Nevada Highway Patrol can secure the scene and create an official accident report.
• Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain initially, so err on the side of caution. Some serious injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
• Allow first responders to check you over, even for seemingly minor aches. If paramedics recommend a trip to the ER, follow their expert advice. Prompt treatment improves recovery and strengthens any future injury claims.
• In the days after the accident, see your primary doctor for a full evaluation. Brain injuries, whiplash, soft tissue damage, and other conditions may appear with a delay. Follow through consistently with the treatment plan.

Your health takes priority after a traumatic crash. Las Vegas has several top-notch hospitals and urgent care facilities equipped to diagnose and treat collision injuries. Seek the level of care that you need to start healing properly.

2. Gather Information at the Scene

Once any urgent medical needs are met and vehicles are safely off the road, start compiling evidence that may be critical for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit down the road:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved drivers. Snap pictures of their license, registration, and insurance card. Las Vegas requires all motorists to carry minimum liability coverage.
• Look for impartial eyewitnesses like pedestrians, rideshare passengers, and neighboring business employees or customers. Ask for their names and phone numbers in case their testimony is needed later.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene from all angles before vehicles are moved, if possible. Capture images of damage to all cars, skid marks, road signage, and traffic signals. Keep a file of all this potential evidence.
• Make a note of the exact Strip location, time of day, and weather or road conditions at the time of the collision. Jot down any other relevant details while they are fresh in your memory.
• Stick to the objective facts of what occurred, and avoid apologizing or speculating about fault to the other drivers or law enforcement. Anything you say could be used against you later.

Nevada operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and it can affect financial recovery after an accident. Documenting evidence thoroughly from the beginning can help establish liability.

3. Be Cautious When Talking to Insurers

In the aftermath of a serious wreck, you will likely need to report the incident to your own auto insurance provider. Stick to the basic facts of what occurred. If the other party’s insurance company reaches out to you, be very wary of their tactics:

• Politely decline to give a recorded statement about the crash and your injuries. They may try to get you to downplay the severity of the impact on your life. What you say could limit your claim.
• Do not accept any initial settlement offers or sign any waivers without having an attorney review the terms in depth first. Insurers are notorious for lowballing early offers before the full extent of injuries is known.
• Refer them to speak to your lawyer instead. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to handle aggressive insurance adjusters and protect your interests during this stressful time.

Remember, insurers are for-profit companies that boost their bottom lines by minimizing payouts as much as possible. They do not have your best interests at heart. Let a knowledgeable legal professional handle these negotiations and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

4. Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney

After a bad collision, you need a strong legal ally on your side. Seek out a personal injury law firm with a proven track record of successfully resolving car accident claims. Look for attorneys with traits like:

• Extensive experience handling motor vehicle crash cases
• Aggressive negotiation skills with insurers to maximize settlements
• Willingness to battle for clients’ rights in the courtroom if needed
• Compassion for the stressful physical, emotional, and financial toll of an accident
• Positive testimonials and case results from previous satisfied clients

Discuss the details of the crash and resulting injuries with the lawyer. Nevada car accident attorneys typically offer free initial consultations to review the merits of the case and explain your options for pursuing compensation.

This may include damages like:

• Past, current, and future medical bills related to the accident
• Lost income from missing work during recovery
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death damages, in the case of fatal accidents

Your lawyer can investigate the collision, gather evidence like police reports and medical records, interview witnesses, and enlist experts to build your case. With a dedicated attorney managing your claim, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal legwork.

5. Be Wary of Quick Settlement Offers

In the aftermath of a major Strip crash, you may receive phone calls or letters from the at-fault party’s insurance company extending an early settlement.

While it may be tempting to accept fast cash during this difficult time, doing so rarely works in your favor:

• These initial offers are often far below the true value of your claim. Insurers use this tactic to limit their financial liability before the full impact of the accident is realized.
• Severe injuries often involve extensive medical treatment and extended time off work that may last for months or years. Settling too soon risks leaving you without adequate resources for your recovery.
• Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive any right to pursue further legal action for your accident-related expenses. You are stuck with what they gave you, even if it proves insufficient.

Instead, let your personal injury lawyer assess the big-picture value of your car accident claim. They’ve handled similar cases and know how to project your total damages accurately. Your attorney can negotiate aggressively with adjusters to fight for an amount that actually meets your needs.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a civil lawsuit may be necessary to pursue justice. Your lawyer can take your case to trial and present a persuasive argument to the jury to secure a favorable verdict and financial award. Lean on their expertise during this challenging process.

6. Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

A serious car accident is a traumatic experience for all involved. In addition to physical pain, you may be grappling with difficult emotions like anxiety, anger, depression, or even PTSD.

As you take steps to protect your legal rights, don’t neglect self-care:

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Attend all follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, mental health counseling, and other medical recommendations. This is vital for both your physical recovery and the strength of your injury claim.
• Be patient with your healing process. Rushing back to “normal life” too quickly could exacerbate your injuries and prolong your suffering needlessly. Give your body and mind the time and TLC they need.
• Rely on trusted friends and family for practical and emotional help during this time. Let people assist with childcare, household tasks, rides to medical visits, or just lend a sympathetic ear. You don’t have to shoulder this burden alone.
• Consider seeing a therapist who specializes in helping car accident survivors. They can guide you through processing complex feelings and equip you with healthy coping strategies. A mental health professional’s support can make a meaningful difference.

When you work with an experienced car accident attorney, you gain an dedicated legal guide and emotional advocate during one of life’s most difficult chapters. They can handle the stressful logistics of your case, freeing you up to prioritize your physical and psychological recovery alongside loved ones.

We’re Here to Help After a Las Vegas Car Accident

At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we understand intimately the devastation a serious car crash can cause. As skilled personal injury and criminal defense attorneys, we’ve helped countless Las Vegas residents put their lives back together after an accident someone else caused.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a collision on the Strip or anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley, we’re here to provide the knowledgeable guidance and compassionate support you need during this overwhelming time. You don’t have to navigate the complexities of the legal system alone.

Contact our law office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer. We can review the details of your crash, answer your questions, and advise you on the best path forward. With our experienced legal team on your side, you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.