A car accident of any type can be a shocking and stressful event. Knowing ahead of time what actions you should take when involved in an accident on the roadway can help you respond in a positive and proactive way during a time of crisis. If you believe you might be at fault for a car accident, taking the right steps to protect yourself and others can support a better outcome for your case.

At High Stakes Injury Law, our experienced Las Vegas car accident attorneys know how overwhelming it is to face legal and financial uncertainty, especially if you think the crash was your fault. We’ve helped clients across Clark County navigate their options and understand what to expect. If you’re feeling anxious about what to do next, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

It’s natural for your fight-or-flight reflexes to kick in if you believe you’ve caused a serious accident. However, you should never leave the scene, as this can make you responsible for a hit-and-run accident.

On top of civil consequences like a potential lawsuit, you might face criminal charges as a hit-and-run driver. Conviction of such charges could mean up to 20 years in prison and a fine of thousands of dollars.

If it’s safe to do so, take a few moments to understand whether anyone involved in the accident is seriously injured. You’ll need to dial 911, and the dispatcher will ask questions about injuries and the severity of the accident so they know what type of aid to send.

If no one appears to be seriously injured, the response time may be longer as emergency responders might need to prioritize incidents that cause more risk to others. Whenever possible, provide the 911 dispatcher with as many accurate details as possible so the response can be correctly prioritized.

Even if you think you were at fault for the accident, don’t say so to other drivers, passengers, or witnesses at the scene. You should not admit fault to the responding police officer either. Instead, stick to facts and provide accurate, truthful information for the report.

For example, you might have failed to yield and believe that action caused the accident. If the officer asks if you failed to yield, you should tell the truth. Providing an untrue statement could land you in greater trouble. However, you should not say that you believe the failure to yield caused the crash. Let the officer draw their own conclusions.

It might seem like good manners to offer an apology if you believe you caused an accident. However, this can be seen as an admission of fault that might be used against you in a future legal case. Be courteous at the scene, but avoid apologizing.

If you’re able to, exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the crash. Record license plate numbers, and note the make and model of all vehicles. If there are witnesses who were not involved in the collision, ask for their names and contact information.

This is especially important if the police do not arrive at the scene. In that case, you should contact the relevant police department to file a report after the fact.

When safe to do so, take photos of the scene with your phone. Capture details like:

• Damage to vehicles
• Positioning of vehicles after the crash
• Skid marks
• Road signs or traffic signals
• Roadway obstructions or weather conditions

These images may help you understand the fault and back up your insurance claim or defense.

As soon as possible after the accident, contact your insurance company to let them know what happened. Avoid admitting fault, but do provide honest and accurate details. Your insurance provider will likely conduct its own investigation into the crash.

If you are involved in an accident in Nevada that you believe may be your fault, reach out to a car accident attorney to learn about your options. A lawyer can help you understand what risks you may face and what type of negligence you might be dealing with.

For example, Nevada is a comparative negligence state. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, the other party may not be able to collect damages from you. A car accident defense lawyer can help evaluate your situation and present facts to potentially reduce your level of fault.

If you were involved in a car accident in Las Vegas and believe it was your fault, you don’t have to face it alone. The legal team at High Stakes Injury Law is ready to protect your rights and guide you through the process. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Call us today to speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer who will fight for your future—no matter the circumstances.