From the busy lanes of McCarran Boulevard to the high-speed interchanges of the Spaghetti Bowl, Reno’s roads can be dangerous, even for cautious drivers. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Reno, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance calls, and time away from work add stress to an already difficult situation.
Whether you were rear-ended, T-boned, or involved in a multi-car crash, it’s important to know how to protect your rights. Below, we outline the essential steps to take after a Reno car accident and explain why speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.
Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Your first priority should always be safety. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately and request emergency assistance. Law enforcement will arrive to document the scene and file an official police report, which can serve as a crucial piece of evidence later on.
Even if the accident seems minor, it's still important to report it. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away, and vehicle damage may be more serious than it appears at first glance.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine
Some car accident injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not be obvious at the scene. That’s why it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t have visible injuries.
Prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal claim. Waiting too long could allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of the accident scene before anything is moved. Focus on vehicle damage, skid marks, street signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can help reconstruct what happened.
Also, try to:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers
Get contact information from any witnesses
Note the time, date, and location of the crash
If you were unable to gather evidence at the scene, don’t worry. Your attorney may still be able to collect important details through an investigation.
Step 4: Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
After a crash, insurance companies may reach out quickly with questions or even settlement offers. While this might seem helpful, their goal is often to minimize payouts, not to protect your interests.
Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement without speaking to a lawyer first. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Step 5: Contact a Reno Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal system after an accident can be confusing, especially while you are trying to recover.
An experienced Reno car accident attorney can help you:
Determine who was at fault
Gather and preserve evidence
Deal with insurance companies
Accurately calculate your damages
File a personal injury claim within Nevada’s legal deadlines
With the guidance of a skilled Reno car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of your case.
Why Legal Help Matters in Reno Auto Accident Cases
Reno’s roadways, particularly high-traffic areas like the Spaghetti Bowl, Kietzke Lane, and South Virginia Street, are known for congestion and collisions. When an accident occurs, the scene can become complicated quickly. Multiple drivers may be involved, fault might be unclear, and injuries can be severe.
That is where experienced legal counsel comes in. At Law Offices of Steven J. Klearman & Associates, we have been helping accident victims in Reno and Northern Nevada for more than three decades. We understand Nevada’s traffic laws and personal injury system, and we know how to build strong cases for our clients.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Reno, you do not have to handle everything on your own. Let our legal team support you every step of the way. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call (775) 573-0229 today to schedule a consultation.