The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has advised that it will stop responding to accidents that do not involve injuries. Metro will, however, continue to investigate accidents which do involve injuries, hit and run accidents, or where one of the drivers refuses to offer insurance information.
What this means for people involved in accidents is that there will no longer be an independent source of investigation and documentation of the accident. While the opinions and conclusions of police officers contained in accident reports are, for the most part, inadmissible in Court, the reports do contain critical information, including skid mark measurements, witness statements and contact information, and insurance information, which may be unavailable after the involved parties leave the accident scene. Further, insurance companies often look to these reports to assess liability. That is why if you are involved in an accident, you must obtain that same information before you leave.
So, what can you do if you are involved in an accident?
1. If you fear you or anyone in your car may be hurt, call the police!
2. If the other driver will not exchange his or her insurance information, call the police!
3. If the other driver appears aggressive, angry, confrontational, or will not cooperate, call the police!
If you are sure no one is injured:
1. Move your car out of traffic (if you are unable to do so, call the police);
2. Exchange all information including the drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, drivers licenses, Vehicle Identification Numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and registered owners’ names (from the proof of registration) (if the other driver will not cooperate, call the police);
3. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers and witnesses;
4. PHOTOGRAPH! PHOTOGRAPH! PHOTOGRAPH! Use your camera phone and take pictures of the accident scene, including 1) the cars’ positions, damage, and license plates; 2) any traffic lights and signs; 3) skid marks; and 4) debris. Also take pictures of the the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license (its easier than trying to find and write down all of the pertinent information);
5. Call your insurance company; and
7. Log onto DMVNV.com and download and complete an SR-1 (“Report of Traffic Accident”).
If you are involved in a car accident, and you think you or anyone in your car is injured at all, please call the police; otherwise it is incumbent upon you to investigate and document your accident. If you were injured in a car accident call us today for your free consultation. Often times, we can get your medical bills paid immediately, and will help you resolve your property damage free of charge
Jay Kenyon is a principal of the law firm of Yan Kenyon. His practice is 100% devoted to personal injury law. Call for your free consultation. 702.888.0000
