What to Exchange After an Accident

The actions you take at the scene of an accident and in the days following can have a big effect on whether you are compensated and how much. Gathering the right information is crucial. Here is what to exchange after an accident.  

Name and Contact Information for All Parties

The full names and contact information for every individual involved in the accident should be exchanged. That includes drivers, vehicle owners, passengers, and potential witnesses. Make sure to get addresses, email addresses, and cell phone numbers. It’s important to have as many options as possible to communicate with these individuals. In case you end up filing a car accident lawsuit, you need the home address for a potentially liable party, as the individual will need to be officially served court documents.

If the owner of a vehicle is a company, get these details as well. If an employee gets into an accident while on-the-job, there may be vicarious liability issues and the company may be responsible for damages. 

Information on Vehicles Involved in the Accident

Writing down the details of all vehicles in the incident is also essential. Take note of the car’s model, make, color, year, vehicle identification numbers (VIN number), and license plate numbers. In addition,  jot down any unique characteristics, such as scratches and dents, a specialized paint job, rims, or decals. 

Insurance Details

Exchange insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident, including the insurance company’s name, policy number, effective date, and expiration date. 

Under Nevada law, all drivers must purchase certain minimum liability insurance coverage, including:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident;
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident;
• $50,000 property damage liability; and,
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. (Uninsured motorist coverage is optional)

Photos

Besides the above information, photos and/or video should also be taken on your cell phone of the damage to all vehicles involved and of the accident scene. Visual documentation can be extremely helpful in proving liability in later dealings with the insurance companies.

What To Do Later

After exchanging the necessary information and documenting the accident, there are other steps to take in the days following. 

• See a doctor as soon as possible even if you are not experiencing symptoms, and keep a detailed record of any medical treatment you receive. This will be essential for any insurance claim you make to cover medical bills. The most common injury suffered in car accidents is whiplash, and symptoms may not fully manifest until several days after the actual incident.
• Be wary of discussing the case. There are only people you should talk to about the accident are the police, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, and your insurance company.
• Carefully consider any initial settlement offers. Insurance companies do not like paying out money, so the first offer may not fully cover your costs. Speak to an attorney to ensure you are fairly compensated. 

Call Us for a Free Consultation 

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer at Harris & Harris. Our highly experienced team will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options for free. Fill out our online contact form or call (702) 384-1414 today.