The immediate aftermath of a car wreck can be chaotic. From debris all over the road to injuries to possibly dealing with a hit and run, you might not know where to turn. Our car accident lawyers in Las Vegas can help by investigating the crash, compiling evidence, and fighting tenaciously for the full compensation that you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, call the office of Maier Gutierrez & Associates at 702-629-7900 to schedule a free consultation. We can come to you if you are unable to come to us.
Common Cases Our Car Accident Lawyers Handle
Car accidents in Las Vegas can be as minor as a fender bender to as major as resulting in fatalities. No matter the severity of the crash, you can suffer an injury. The injury might not present itself immediately, so be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The most common causes of auto accidents in Las Vegas include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Inclement weather
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Improper turning
- Driving the wrong way
- Defective auto parts
- Road hazards
This is not an exhaustive list of causes, which is why you always need to be attentive when behind the wheel. Even if the other driver swerved to avoid an animal and caused the accident, they can still be held accountable. Drivers must be in control of their vehicles at all times, even during inclement weather. A Las Vegas car accident attorney will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding the wreck and explain whether or not you have the basis for a claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Car Accident?
There are multiple entities who can be held responsible for a car accident, which is why it is important to speak with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the at-fault driver was insured or an uninsured motorist, the claims process can be an uphill battle. The following can be held responsible, depending on the circumstances:
- Drivers
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Mechanics
- Truck companies
- Other parties whose negligence was a proximate cause of the wreck
Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Some of the most severe injuries are caused by car accidents. Even the most minor of injuries should be examined and cared for by a doctor. Having proof of medical care can go a long way in succeeding in a car accident claim. Some of the most common car accident injuries include the following:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Eye damage
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Steps to Take Following an Auto Accident
You will be overwhelmed following a car accident, but you still need to focus on your safety, protecting evidence, and documenting what happened. Be sure to take the following steps after a Las Vegas car accident to improve the chances of filing a successful claim:
- Call 911 immediately: Do not wait to call 911. You will want the police and any other necessary emergency services to respond to the scene. The police will create a report that can serve as a starting point for your lawyer’s investigation.
- Collect evidence: If safe to do so, collect evidence at the accident scene. This includes taking pictures of vehicle damage, road debris, missing street signs, missing guardrails, your injuries, and other items that can benefit your case.
- Accept medical care: Let the responding EMTs evaluate you on the scene for any injuries. You should also visit a doctor after leaving the scene for a thorough evaluation.
- Speak to a lawyer: Call a Las Vegas car accident attorney as soon as possible. Doing so helps protect your rights and moves the case along so that the statute of limitations does not expire.
Avoid These Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
It is easy to make inadvertent mistakes after a car accident. You might not be thinking clearly, but you still need to make smart decisions that will benefit your case. Avoid the following common mistakes:
- Talking publicly about the crash:
If the crash was severe, it might have been reported on the news. Do not speak to reporters about what happened. Never give your version of events or speculate as to how the wreck was caused. - Ignoring the doctor’s recommendations: Make sure you follow all of the doctor’s orders after being injured in a car accident. This includes taking prescriptions and attending physical therapy. Deviating from the doctor’s orders can be detrimental to your claim.
- Admitting fault: Admitting you caused the accident or were partially at fault can derail your claim. You should only discuss the details of the crash with your Las Vegas car wreck attorney and no one else.
Refrain from Social Media Use
Social media has become a mainstay in our daily lives. However, using it after suffering an injury in a car accident can create a world of problems for your case. Social media posts can be used by the defendant’s attorney to discredit your injuries, damages, and financial losses you claim occurred as a result of the accident. Even posting on social media about going to the store, attending a concert, or running in the yard with your children can harm your car accident claim.
What Documents Do I Need at the Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney is very much like an interview. You will ask the attorney a host of questions and vice versa. Make sure you bring the following documents to the consultation if you have them in your possession:
- Witness contact information: Your attorney will want to contact them to get their version of what happened.
- Medical records: Ask your doctor for copies of tests results, exams, and blood work conducted following the accident. If you’ve visited any specialists, be sure to obtain your records from those doctors, too.
- The police report: The police report is another important document. It outlines the investigation conducted by the responding officers.
- Evidence: If you have pictures of the crash scene, or other types of evidence, be sure to bring them to the free initial consultation for the attorney to review.
What Can Impact the Length of the Case?
Every car accident case is different, which means your case could take anywhere from months to years to conclude. Some of the major factors that can impact the length of your case include the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- If multiple people were at-fault in the crash
- Disputes from the insurance company
- Whether a settlement is reached without filing a lawsuit
- Whether your case goes to trial
What Can a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Do for Me?
When you secure representation from an experienced Las Vegas auto accident attorney, you will quickly see what it is they do for your case. Your car accident attorney will do the following:
- File paperwork with the court
- Communicate with the defense attorney on your behalf
- Depose witnesses
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Approximate a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached
- Represent you at trial if necessary
Call a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Today
Were you injured in an auto accident? Call the office of Maier Gutierrez & Associates at 702-629-7900 or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
