7 min read time
Table of Contents
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident
After a minor car accident, it may seem that you don’t need to hire a car accident lawyer; however, several factors must be considered before deciding whether to hire a car accident lawyer for a minor accident.
What Are Minor Car Accidents
A minor car accident is an accident that results in minimal damage to the vehicles involved and usually no serious injuries.
Examples are fender benders, minor rear-end collisions, or low-speed impacts in parking lots. Despite how simple these accidents seem, complications can arise that require the help of personal injury lawyers.
Situations Where a Lawyer Is Recommended After a Minor Car Accident
Disputed Liability
Sometimes, the parties involved disagree on who was at fault, or the insurance companies dispute liability to avoid paying claims.
A lawyer can use evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports to prove fault and obtain compensation for your car accident claim.
Insurance Company Issues
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible and may offer low settlements or deny claims altogether.
An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to get you a fair settlement for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages.
Injuries
Even in minor accidents, whiplash or soft tissue injuries can occur. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can lead to long-term health problems.
Car accident lawyers can document and prove the extent of your injuries to get you fair compensation through a personal injury claim.
Legal Paperwork and Deadlines
The claims process has strict deadlines and a fair share of paperwork.
Missing the statute of limitations or submitting incomplete paperwork can ruin your car accident case.
However, if you hire a car accident attorney, you will be assured that all legal requirements are met on time and all documents are filed accurately.
Stress and Convenience
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be stressful and time-consuming, resulting in a longer recovery time.
By hiring a car accident lawyer, you can focus on recovering and returning to your everyday life while they handle your personal injury claim.
Cost of an Attorney
One of the biggest concerns about hiring a lawyer is the cost.
However, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
This arrangement can make legal representation more accessible even if you’re financially strapped after a minor car accident.
When You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident
There are times when you don’t need a lawyer. For example, if the accident was minor, with minimal damage and no injuries, and both parties agreed on the details, you can handle the claim yourself.
Also, legal representation may not be needed if the insurance company offers fair compensation that covers all your expenses.
Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Nevada?
After a minor car accident in Las Vegas, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, should I call the police?
Understanding the legal requirements and the practical benefits of calling the police will help you make the right decision. Here’s a breakdown of the protocols and considerations for reporting minor car accidents in Nevada.
Legal Requirement to Report Auto Accidents in Nevada
Nevada law requires you to report a car crash to the police in certain situations. According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484E.030, drivers must report an accident if:
Injury or Death: Any accident that results in injury or death must be reported to the police right away.
Property Damage: Accidents that cause property damage over $750 must also be reported.
If your minor accident meets any of these criteria, you should call the police. Not only is it a good idea, but it’s also the law.
When You Don’t Need to Call the Police
Minor Damage and No Injuries: If the accident is minor, meaning the vehicle damage is below $750, and no one is injured, you might be able to handle it without police involvement.
Agreeing Parties: If both parties agree on what happened and exchange information, they might decide not to call the police. However, not receiving an official report could put the insurance claim at risk.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Las Vegas?
There are specific timeframes for reporting a car accident in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada. Knowing these timeframes is crucial because not reporting an accident within the time frame can have legal and financial consequences.
Immediate Reporting to Law Enforcement
Nevada law requires that motor vehicle accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage (typically defined as $750 or more) must be reported the accident to the police.
Depending on where the accident occurred, that can be the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or Nevada Highway Patrol.
Immediate reporting will create an official police report, which can be important for car accident claims and proving liability.
Filing with the DMV
In addition to reporting the accident to law enforcement, you must file a Report of Traffic Accident (Form SR-1) with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days.
This report provides the DMV with detailed information about the accident, including the parties involved, vehicles, and insurance information.
Not filing this report within the 10-day time frame can result in penalties, including fines and potential suspension of your driver’s license. Ensure that this report is accurate and on time to avoid any issues.
Insurance
Nevada law doesn’t have a time frame for notifying your insurance company, but most policies require notification.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible; delaying can complicate the claims process or result in claim denial.
Steps to Take After a Minor Accident in Las Vegas
Even a minor accident can be stressful. Knowing what to do immediately after can help protect your health, your rights, and your case. Here are the steps to take after an accident:
What to Do Immediately After the Car Accident
Check for Injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if it was a minor car crash, injuries may still have occurred. If anyone is injured, call 911.
Move to Safety: If vehicles are blocking traffic, move them to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
Call the Police: Even if it’s a minor accident, call the police. A police report is important for insurance claims and proving fault. Give the responding officer a clear and factual account of what happened, but don’t admit fault.
Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene using your phone. Get pictures of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. Also, get photos of any injuries you or your passengers may have.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). This information should include names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy info.
Get Witness Info: If witnesses are still at the accident scene, get their contact info, too. Their statements can help determine fault and support your side of the story.
Steps to Take Following the Car Accident
Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects if not treated.
Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company right away. Give them all the info and documentation, but don’t give recorded statements until you talk to a personal injury attorney.
Talk to a Lawyer: If you suffered injuries, significant damage, or disputes about fault, talk to a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can advise you, negotiate with the insurance companies, and ensure you get fair compensation for your damages, even in minor accidents.
Keep Records: Keep a file with all the documents from the accident, including the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and any communication with the insurance companies.
Talk to a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were in a minor car accident in Las Vegas, our firm would happily represent you and maximize your compensation.
With over 20+ years of experience, our skilled car accident attorneys can obtain maximum compensation even in the most minor of car accidents.
Call (702) 566-3600 or submit a message to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney today.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
