Statistically speaking we all experience some kind of auto collision accident every 17.9 years. There are approximately 10 million accidents reported every year. But many people don’t know the steps to take when involved in a car crash. Here at Sudden Impact Auto Body we know that in a high pressure post traumatic moment, keeping a clear mind is imperative to protecting yourself. That is why we have laid out the steps to take so you know what to do in a car accident.

What To Do In A Car Accident

What To Do In A Car Accident?

We all hope that we will never find ourselves involved in a car accident. But statistically the average driver will file a claim for auto collision once every 17.9 years. Here is a guide of what to do when you’ve been in a car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s assume that you have been rear-ended and in turn were sandwiched between two cars.

Make Sure Everybody In Your Car Is Medically Okay

This is very important and should be the first step after being in an accident. If there are children present you need to try and calm them down, as the shock of being in an accident will be harder for them to comprehend. Make sure they stay still in their seats because if there is an unseen injury, panicking and moving around could make it worse. Check on all involved in the accident, including the occupants in the other cars involved as well as any pedestrians that may have been involved. Never try to move somebody if they are in distress from an impact injury. Wait for the medical professionals to arrive and deal with them.

Pull Over To A Safe Spot

If it is possible to pull over and away from traffic than it is a good idea to do so. If you feel that you would further put yourself in danger by moving than don’t, this is a judgment call that you have to make.

Notify The Police And Medical Professionals

Regardless of who’s fault the accident is we recommend calling 911 immediately. This will notify the police and medical professionals of the accident. Even if you think that everybody is okay, the shock and trauma of the car accident could deter your judgment. Notifying emergency professionals who have extensive experience in dealing with these highly charged emotional situations is ideal. The officers who arrive at the crash scene will take statements from all parties involved, and will be imperative in making the insurance claims process go smoother. If you’re at fault for the accident, these reports will also help defend you against exaggerated claims from others.

Exchange Car Insurance Information With Other Drivers

After assessing that everybody is medically fine and the police have taken their reports, make sure to swap car insurance details with all parties involved. Even if you are not at fault it is beneficial to give your details as well. If somebody tries to pull a fast one on you, the police reports will back up the truth. For any accident you should provide the following:

Name, address, and contact details
Driver license number
License plate numbers of all vehicles involved
Car insurance information for all vehicles involved

Take Pictures Of The Car Accident

After making sure that everybody is okay and notifying the police, we recommend you take as much photographic evidence as you can to add substance to any resulting report. This includes inspecting all cars involved and getting the damage in clear pictures. The resulting damage to auto body parts and internal issues will play a key role in determining what the insurance companies will pay for. You do not want to pay for the other parties’ previous damaged parts if they were not caused by your recent accident. If the other driver becomes hostile to this, simply explain you are getting all of the evidence and that they are free to do the same. If they persist further with any objections notify the police.

Notify The DMV Of The Auto Accident

In the state of Nevada there are certain conditions that require that you report your accident to the DMV within 10 days:

If the accident was not investigated by law enforcement
The accident caused injury or death
The accident resulted in property damage in excess of $750

Penalties For Not Notifying The DMV

You can have your driver’s license suspended for the following:

Failing to report an accident because the other driver agrees to pay upfront if you do not file a report
Not holding liability insurance for accidents occurred

Insurance Coverage Laws In Nevada.

The minimum auto insurance coverage in Nevada has been increased as of July 1^st. Previously the minimum insurance coverage in Nevada was known as 15/30/10 – $15,000 per person for bodily injury coverage, $30,000 per accident and $10,000 in property damage per accident. With the new law, the minimum insurance coverage will be increased to $25,000 per person for bodily injury coverage, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 in property damage (25/50/20). You should contact your insurance company to make sure your policy has been updated in order to avoid future liability exposure.

Hire A Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you have sustained injuries, you should contact a Las Vegas auto accident attorney for a consultation. Being involved in an accident could result in you missing work, and if the other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover this you could leave your family exposed to the hardships of no income.

Annual United States Road Crash Statistics

Here are a few statistics about auto accidents in the US every year.

Over 37,000 people die in road crashes each year
An additional 2.35 million are injured or disabled
Over 1,600 children under 15 years of age die each year
Nearly 8,000 people are killed in crashes involving drivers ages 16-20
Road crashes cost the U.S. $230.6 billion per year, or an average of $820 per person
Road crashes are the single greatest annual cause of death of healthy U.S. citizens traveling abroad

Las Vegas Auto Body Repair Shop

Accidents are unfortunately not preventable in some scenarios. But at Sudden Impact Auto Body we have the tools and knowledge to deal with any cosmetic damages sustained to your vehicle. We will also work with your insurance company to get you back on the road as soon as possible, and we will not let them cut any corners. We use OEM parts for all of our auto body repairs. If you have been in a recent auto accident call us on 702-457-3002 or submit our online application form.