Any car accident is traumatic. When the accident results in a fatality, it becomes a hundred times worse.
Fatal car crashes leave a devastating impact on families and entire societies. In Nevada, every step taken after such a tragic event can affect the outcome of an investigation and legal action.
There were 386 deaths in Nevada in 2023 alone due to accidents. This means 386 lives lost in the worst way and hundreds of families in mourning.
Fatal accidents happen without warning, changing people’s lives forever. If you are involved in a fatal crash, knowing what to do immediately is important.
What to Do at the Scene
If you are in a serious accident, the shock may prevent you from moving for a few minutes. You may even bypass shock entirely and become instantly angry (if the other driver caused the accident).
It will not help anyone if you jump out of your car to confront the other driver. Instead, check yourself and your passengers for injury. If a passenger in your car is unconscious and not breathing, call 911 immediately. The same applies to a passenger or driver in the other car.
If you know how to implement First Aid training, do so by providing the unconscious person with CPR. If you don’t know how to do First Aid, try to find someone on the scene who does.
Do not move the unconscious person unless they are in danger of being struck by oncoming traffic. Try to secure the area by setting up triangles and putting down flares.
When Emergency Responders Arrive
When the paramedics and police arrive, allow them to take over. The paramedics will attend to everyone who has been hurt, prioritizing those who are unconscious.
If you can, try to take your mind off what is happening with the unconscious person by documenting the accident scene.
Take photos using your phone of the surrounding area, visible damage to the involved vehicles, and any debris. Note the time of the crash, weather, and lighting conditions.
Ask Bystanders for Information
If you notice bystanders, approach them if the police allow you to. Ask them for their names and contact details. You can contact them later to make a statement.
You should also get the drivers’ names, addresses, numbers, and insurance information. You will have to provide your details as well.
If the paramedics confirm a fatality on the scene, this information will likely be collected by the police.
Cooperate With the Police
The responding officer will ask you about the accident. They will likely want to know about the moments leading up to the crash and what happened directly afterward.
There is no reason for you to speculate at this point. Simply give the police an accurate account of how you experienced the accident. The officer will note your version of events and their version in the official police report.
You must get a copy of this report to file an insurance claim later.
Understanding the Investigation Process
There will always be an investigation after a fatal accident. The police will collect physical evidence from the scene and interview witnesses. If necessary, they may also get the footage of nearby surveillance cameras.
You may be asked to make an additional statement, or the police may want you to clarify certain parts of the accident. If you are the one who caused the accident, you should hire a lawyer to represent you.
Seeking Professional Medical Help
Even if you don’t believe you are injured after a serious accident, you must get a medical checkup. Doctors may find internal injuries or signs of whiplash. If your doctor tells you to return for a follow-up appointment, do so. If you want to file a legal case, this will count in your favor.
Mental Health Support
Whether you caused the accident or not, it will likely have a lasting psychological effect on you.
If you struggle to control your emotions after a fatal accident, you must get mental health support. Counseling can help you cope with shock, grief, and post-traumatic stress.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
You must report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as you can. Provide your insurer with all the factual details of the accident. Again, do not speculate about the cause, even if you are sure the other driver caused the crash.
Recording all communication between yourself and the insurer is a good idea. This includes phone calls and emails about your claim.
Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer
Legal cases involving fatal car crashes can quickly become complicated. Before deciding the legal route forward, speak to a car accident lawyer.
In fact, it may be better for you to hire a lawyer before you even file a claim with your insurer. Your lawyer will advise you on how to frame your statements to the insurer. This is especially important if you were partly to blame for the accident.
Your lawyer will also explain how Nevada’s comparative negligence laws work and how they will affect your claim.
Wrongful Death Claims Process
If your loved one dies in a car crash caused by another driver, you could consider filing a wrongful death claim. Nevada law allows eligible family members to claim compensation for loss.
In this case, you must consult a lawyer to guide you through the process.
Moving On After a Fatal Accident
You may find it hard to move on with your life after a fatal accident. Whether you caused the accident or not, the events of that day will likely continue to play in your mind. If you did cause the accident, the deceased person’s family’s grief will also affect you.
If you did not cause the accident, your grief may still include feelings of survivor’s guilt. You must get the help you need to move forward eventually.
In addition to your lawyer, you need a support system and professional counseling. This way, you can navigate a legal claim while taking care of your emotional and mental health.
