Helping Your Attorney Build a Strong Car Accident Case

In Las Vegas, having strong evidence for a car accident case is essential for proving liability, supporting your injury claims, and recovering damages. Anthem Injury Lawyers wants you to understand how you can help yourself prepare to have a solid claim if you are the victim of a car accident. Here is a breakdown of the types of evidence that are most effective under Nevada law.

1. Police Report

– Relevance in Nevada: In Las Vegas, police reports are critical because Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages.

– What to Do: Call the police immediately after the accident. You can request a copy of the report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD,) as it often includes fault determination and a detailed account of the incident. It should also include a report number that you can use for your insurance claim.

– What if Police do not Respond: If the LVMPD or the Highway Patrol do not respond to the scene of your vehicle accident, go online and file a police report with the information you have collected from the other driver and any witnesses. You can file at the LVMPD’s official website.

– If you need to file a report in person, you can go to one of these LVMPD substations:

• LVMPD Headquarters: 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Building B, Las Vegas, NV 89106
• Enterprise Area Command: 6975 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89113
• South Central Area Command: 4860 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Call ahead to confirm their hours and address, as they can change.

2. Photographs and Videos

– Scene of the Accident: Capture images of the scene from multiple angles, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.

– Las Vegas Traffic Cameras or Surveillance: Las Vegas is covered by many surveillance cameras on public and private properties. If the accident occurred near a casino, restaurant, or gas station, see if you can obtain any relevant footage.

– Dashcam Footage: If you or a witness has dashcam footage, it can be compelling evidence for your case. If you are looking to purchase a dashcam, read Anthem Injury Lawyers’ guide to purchasing a solid dashcam.

3. Eyewitness Statements

– Importance in Nevada: Witnesses are important, as Nevada law allows eyewitnesses to testify on your behalf, providing credibility to your version of events.

– How to Obtain Statements: Get contact information from bystanders at the scene or any passengers in your car, then ask them to provide a statement. You may also call upon them later to testify, if necessary.

4. Medical Records

– Relevance for Pain and Suffering Claims: In Nevada, medical documentation helps substantiate claims for pain and suffering, which can be significant. You’ll need proof of injury severity, treatment plans, and how the injuries affect your life.

– What to Collect: Obtain records from emergency services, doctors, physical therapists, and any specialists, along with prescriptions and billing statements.

5. Expert Testimony

– Accident Reconstruction Experts: In cases where liability is disputed, hiring an accident reconstruction expert who can testify on fault and causation can be extremely valuable.

– Medical Experts: These experts can testify to the extent of injuries, expected recovery, and long-term impacts. Nevada courts consider expert testimony highly credible, particularly for cases involving severe injury or disability.

6. Your Personal Statement and Timeline

– Why It’s Important: Nevada courts value detailed, consistent testimony. A well-documented timeline can support your claims, showing how the accident has affected your daily life.

– How to Document: Write a detailed statement soon after the accident, including a timeline of the event and any ongoing physical or emotional symptoms.

7. Vehicle Damage Documentation

– Importance in Las Vegas: Nevada courts allow property damage claims in addition to personal injury claims. Photos of the damage to your vehicle and repair records can help illustrate the impact and severity of the accident.

– What to Include: Take photos of the car’s damage, gather repair estimates, and save any mechanic reports.

8. Insurance Records and Communications

– Why It’s Important: Nevada law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, so any communications with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer should be documented.

– What to Keep: Save emails, letters, and call logs with your and the at-fault driver’s insurance companies, as well as adjuster contact information.

9. Lost Wage Documentation

– For Economic Damages: Nevada allows accident victims to claim lost wages due to missed work from the accident.

– What to Document: Gather pay stubs, employer letters, and tax documents showing your income before and after the accident, along with medical statements proving work restrictions.

By organizing this evidence early, you build a strong foundation for your case, helping to maximize your potential compensation in Nevada. Your best bet is to call Anthem Injury Lawyers so we can help guide you through the process. We understand how Nevada-specific laws might apply to your case and how to maximize your compensation. Anthem Injury Lawyers is your local car accident law firm, and we drive results for car accident victims. Call us or click to submit your case details today!