Witnessing a car crash on a busy Las Vegas street is a scary thing. One second you are driving to work, and the next there is smoke and the sound of metal hitting metal. If you witness a car accident in Nevada, your choices in those first few minutes can change everything. You have the power to help people stay safe and make sure the truth comes out later.
Staying Safe and Protecting the Scene
The first thing you must do is stop your car in a safe spot. Do not stop in the middle of the road or slam on your brakes. Instead, pull over at least 100 feet away from the crash. This gives emergency trucks enough room to work. Turn on your hazard lights right away so other drivers see the danger.
Check for risks like fire, leaking gas, or power lines that have fallen before you get out of your car. You cannot help anyone if you get hurt too. Never run into traffic. Your own safety is the most important part of this checklist. Do not move an injured person unless their life is in danger from something like a fire. Moving someone with a neck injury can cause permanent harm.
Calling for Help the Right Way
Calling 911 is the best way to help. When you talk to the dispatcher, stay calm and give them facts. Tell them exactly where you are. Use street names or landmarks like the I-15 Charleston exit.
Tell them how many cars are involved and what they look like. If you see someone bleeding or someone who is not moving, tell the dispatcher right away. Mention hazards like smoke or people trapped inside. This helps the fire department and paramedics bring the right tools to the scene.
Understanding the Good Samaritan Law
Some people are afraid to help because they think they might get sued. In Nevada, you do not have to worry about that. A law called NRS 41.500 protects people who give reasonable aid at an emergency.
As long as you are trying to help in good faith, you are protected. Reasonable aid means doing things like offering a blanket or talking to someone to keep them calm. It does not mean trying to do medical work you are not trained for. Most of the time, being a kind and calm presence is the best thing you can do until the experts arrive.
Why Your Credibility Matters
When a car accident case goes to court, your story is very important. The people who decide the case are called the trier of fact. This is usually a judge or a jury. They look at your credibility to decide how much they should believe you.
They will wonder if you saw the whole thing from start to finish. If you only looked up after you heard the crash, your story might not have as much weight. They also check for bias. If you know one of the drivers, your story might seem less fair. Other things like your eyesight or if you were distracted can change how a jury sees your testimony. Even your past criminal record for things like theft can be used to question if you are being honest.
Recording the Facts Right Away
Your memory will be best right after the crash happens. Use your phone to take notes. Write down the color and model of the cars and their license plate numbers.
Write down what the weather was like and what time it was. Note the path the cars took. Did one car turn without a signal? Was the driver on their phone? You should also write down things the drivers say. If someone says they are sorry or that they did not see the other car, those are great details. People see things differently sometimes. This does not mean they are lying. It just means their view was different. Having your own notes helps clear up these differences.
Talking to Police and Lawyers
When the police arrive, be short and clear. Tell them only what you saw and heard. Do not guess how fast a car was going or who was at fault. It is okay to say that you do not know the answer. Think of yourself as a camera that just records the facts.
Later on, insurance adjusters might call you. You are not forced to give them a recorded statement. If you do talk to them, stick to the same facts you gave the police. You might be asked to give a deposition. This is just a meeting where you give a sworn statement that is written down. Very few cases actually go to a trial in a courtroom. Your role as an unbiased witness helps the person who was hurt get fair compensation for their medical bills and lost wages.
If you have questions about a claim or need a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, Friedman Injury Law can help. We have experience going through the legal process for victims in Nevada. Call (702) 970-4222 for a free talk about your case. Our team knows how to use witness statements to build a strong case for you.
