A car accident in Las Vegas can happen to anyone—whether you’re visiting the Strip, driving to work on I-15, or just running errands around town. But after a crash, it’s easy to forget important steps that could protect your health and your rights. That’s what sends people searching for an easy-to-use car accident checklist.
The good news is that by following a good auto accident checklist, you can set yourself up for the best possible outcome. If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having a clear plan of action helps you handle the situation properly and protect yourself medically and legally.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The first few minutes after a car accident are vital. A vehicle accident checklist that shows you what to do right away can make a huge difference in how everything plays out later, from insurance claims to potential injury cases.
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Your safety and the safety of others comes first, even before you worry about car damage or who’s at fault. Take a moment to breathe and check if you, your passengers, or anyone in the other car is hurt. If anyone is experiencing pain, dizziness, or any other symptoms, don’t try to tough it out—these could be signs of serious injuries.
Remember that adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms right after an accident. You might feel fine in the moment but discover injuries hours or days later. This is especially common with soft tissue injuries like whiplash, which often don’t show symptoms immediately but can cause long-term problems if left untreated.
Move Vehicles to a Safe Location
If you’re not injured and your car is still drivable, try to move it out of traffic lanes, especially if you’re on a busy street like the Strip or Flamingo Road. Pull over to the shoulder, a parking lot, or the side of the road where you won’t block others. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other vehicles there’s been an accident.
If anyone is injured or the vehicles are too damaged to move safely, leave everything exactly where it is. Never risk making injuries worse by trying to move someone. The police and emergency responders know how to handle injured people and traffic around accident scenes, so let them take care of it.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Even if the accident seems minor, you should report what happened. In fact, Nevada law requires you to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $750. Having police respond also creates an official record of the accident, which can be helpful later.
When you call 911, tell them exactly where you are and give them the cross streets or nearby landmarks like “in front of the Bellagio” or “near the McCarran Airport exit.” The dispatcher will ask about injuries, so be honest about any pain or discomfort you’re feeling, even if it seems minor.
What to Document at the Scene
Every car accident checklist should include the information you need to gather at the scene. The more details you capture now, the better your insurance company and attorney can help you later.
Gather Driver and Insurance Information
Get the other driver’s full name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. In Nevada, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance, so don’t let anyone tell you they don’t have insurance. If they’re driving a rental car, which is common in Las Vegas, get the rental company information.
Also ask to see their driver’s license to make sure the name matches what they’re telling you. If the driver isn’t the owner of the vehicle, get the owner’s information as well. Sometimes people drive borrowed cars or company vehicles, and you’ll need to know who actually owns the car that hit you to file the right claims later.
Photograph the Scene, Damage, and Surroundings
Use your smartphone to take pictures of everything—the damage to all vehicles, the accident scene from multiple angles, and any skid marks or debris on the road. Capture things like construction zones, blocked lanes, or confusing signage that might have contributed to the accident. Take wide shots to show the overall scene and close-ups to show specific damage.
Don’t forget to photograph your injuries if they’re visible, like cuts, bruises, or swelling. Also take pictures of the inside of your car if the accident caused damage there, such as a deployed airbag or broken glass. These photos can help prove the severity of the impact and support your injury claims later.
Collect Witness Information
If other people saw the accident happen, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they witnessed. This might include other drivers, pedestrians, or even hotel security guards if you’re near one of the casinos. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be incredibly valuable if there’s a dispute about who caused the accident.
Get their full name, phone number, and ask them to write down or tell you exactly what they saw. If they’re willing, ask them to take a quick video on your phone describing what happened. Independent witnesses often carry more weight than the drivers involved because they don’t have a stake in the outcome.
Record Notes About the Incident
While everything is still fresh in your memory, write down or record voice notes about how the accident happened. Include details like what you were doing right before the crash and what the other driver was doing. Were they distracted by the bright lights, looking at their phone, or under the influence?
Also make note of what everyone said at the scene, especially if the other driver admitted fault or said something like “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.” These statements can be important evidence later. Include the time of day, traffic and weather conditions, and any other factors that might have played a role.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
A checklist for a car accident isn’t the only thing you need—you also need to know what NOT to do. Making the wrong moves can hurt your insurance claim and any potential personal injury case you might have later.
Don’t Admit Fault at the Scene
Never say “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault,” even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. You don’t have all the facts yet, and there might be factors you’re not aware of that actually make the other driver responsible. Insurance companies and attorneys will investigate thoroughly to determine fault, and an admission of guilt at the scene could hurt your case.
Don’t Delay Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine after the accident, don’t skip getting checked out by a doctor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some conditions like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to seek medical care, insurance companies might argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Don’t Rely Solely on Verbal Agreements
Never agree to handle things “off the books” without involving insurance companies. What seems like minor damage might actually be expensive to fix, and you might discover injuries later that require medical treatment. Without proper documentation and insurance claims, you could end up paying for everything yourself.
After You Leave the Scene
Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath of the accident, there are still important steps to take on your car accident checklist. How you handle these next phases can make or break your insurance claim and any potential personal injury case.
File an Insurance Claim Promptly
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident, ideally within 24 hours. When you call, have all the information you gathered at the scene ready, including the other driver’s insurance details and the police report number.
Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts and avoid speculation about fault. Your insurance company will investigate and work with the other driver’s insurance to determine who’s responsible and get your expenses covered.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Schedule an appointment with your doctor within a few days of the accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries like whiplash, concussions, or herniated discs can take time to show symptoms. Having medical documentation from right after the accident creates a clear link between your injuries and the crash.
Tell your doctor about any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms you’re experiencing. Don’t downplay anything because you think it’s minor—what seems like a small ache could be a sign of a more serious injury. Your doctor can also refer you to specialists if needed.
Keep All Documentation in a Safe Place
Create a file with copies of everything related to your accident—the police report, insurance correspondence, medical records, photos, and any repair estimates. You’ll need these documents for insurance claims and potentially for a personal injury lawsuit. Keep both physical copies and digital backups.
Make sure to save all receipts related to the accident, including medical bills, prescription costs, rental car fees, and even transportation costs to medical appointments. These expenses can add up quickly, and you may be able to recover them as part of your damages.
Consult an Attorney
If you were injured in the accident, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so you can get professional advice about your case without any upfront costs. They can help you understand your rights and whether you have grounds for a claim.
An experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney knows how to deal with insurance companies and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Having legal representation levels the playing field when you’re dealing with insurance companies that have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim.
What to Do in a Car Accident: A Checklist
When you’re dealing with the stress and confusion of a car accident, it’s easy to forget important steps that could protect your rights. Having a printable car accident checklist in your glove compartment can help you stay organized and make sure you don’t miss anything important.
Immediate Actions:
☐ Check for injuries (yourself and others)
☐ Move to safety if possible
☐ Turn on hazard lights
☐ Call 911
☐ Wait for police (don’t leave the scene)
Information to Gather:
☐ Other driver’s name, phone, and address
☐ Driver’s license number
☐ Insurance company and policy number
☐ License plate number
☐ Make, model, and year of other vehicle
☐ Location of accident
Documentation:
☐ Take photos of all vehicle damage
☐ Photos the overall accident scene
☐ Pictures of any visible injuries
☐ Get witness names and contact info
☐ Write down what happened while it’s fresh
☐ Note weather and road conditions
After Leaving the Scene:
☐ Call your insurance company
☐ Get a copy of the police report
☐ See a doctor (even if you feel fine)
☐ Create a physical file folder labeled with accident date and location
☐ Scan or photograph all documents and save digitally
☐ Name digital files clearly
☐ Keep receipts for medical bills, prescriptions, rental cars, etc.
☐ Store backup copies in cloud storage
☐ Contact a personal injury attorney if injured
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accident information checklists are useful, but they often don’t capture the full impact of these incidents, which can have serious legal and financial consequences. Nevada follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims, leaving you to fight for the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury attorney can help you in several important ways:
- Legal advice: Understanding your rights and options under Nevada state law
- Evidence gathering: Collecting police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build your case
- Insurance negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Medical referrals: Connecting you with doctors who specialize in accident injuries
- Case valuation: Determining what your injuries and damages are actually worth
- Court representation: Taking your case to trial if insurance companies won’t offer a fair settlement
Get Help After Your Car Accident
Wondering what to do in an accident? A checklist can help, but sometimes, you just need to talk to someone. At Blackburn Wirth Injury Team, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident in Las Vegas. Our experienced team knows Nevada law inside and out, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t stop at a car accident checklist: Get the help you really need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn about your options and how we can help you move forward with confidence.
