If you have been injured in a car accident, there are many ways you can help your Las Vegas car accident attorney build the strongest case possible on your behalf. There are several behaviors you should engage in, and several you should refrain from, when your lawsuit is pending.
Right After the Accident
If you are in a car accident and think you may have suffered any bodily injury, you must call law enforcement to the scene, and request that a police report be generated. Las Vegas police no longer respond to non-injury accidents, so if there is no bodily injury known at the time of the accident, it is likely the police will not come to the scene. That makes it especially important for you to accurately document the accident scene.
Makes sure to photograph the scene of the accident, as well as make video. Preserving images as they existed at the time of the accident can be very important down the road, especially if liability will be disputed. Photograph the location of the accident, damage to all the vehicles involved in the accident, and all road signs, road debris, and any other conditions that may have something to do with the accident.
If there are eyewitnesses, you should attempt to record or take a short statement at the scene, when memories are the most fresh. No matter what, make sure to get contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident. Also make sure always to get the insurance information and contact information for all of the parties involved in the accident. Finally, write down your own recollections in a journal, and document with photographs and video your own injuries.
After Leaving the Scene
Seek medical attention promptly after completing all of the above tasks. Even if you feel alright immediately following an accident, injuries sometimes do not present until hours or even days later. Medical attention can identify issues early on, and in many cases prevent them from becoming more serious. Waiting to seek medical attention or any length of time after an accident jeopardizes your personal injury case, as any time lapse between the accident and the injuries increases your difficulty of proving your injuries were caused as a result of the accident. The longer the time lapse between the accident and medical attention, the more difficult it is to establish the requisite causal connection.
After seeking medical care, call an attorney to discuss your claim, before calling the insurance company. If you are unable to do so due to injuries, ask a friend or family member to do so for you. It is important to understand your rights and the parameters of your case before discussing and possibly settling your claims with the insurer.
Behaviors to Refrain From
You should not discuss your case with an insurance adjuster before you speak with an experienced car accident attorney. What you say might be used against you in later negotiations, and could harm your case. Instead, allow your attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Never sign anything presented to you by the insurance company or any party that might have liability for your injuries without presenting it to your attorney for review. Never admit fault, or even apologize at the time the accident occurs. Conversations at the scene of the accident should be limited to asking people if they are alright, and gathering contact information. You are free to gather statements and information, but you should not make any statements or provide any information to other parties.
Call Naqvi Injury Law Today
If you have been injured due to the negligent or intentional behavior of another, the experienced car accident attorneys at Naqvi Injury Law can help you. We have vast experience representing citizens of Las Vegas with car accident lawsuits. We will vigorously pursue your case, while treating you with the compassion and empathy you deserve. Call or email us now for a no obligation consultation.
Assisting Your Las Vegas Auto Accident Lawyer Build a Case
Posted by naqvifocus | Car Accidents