July 2009

5 Steps to Follow in Case of an Auto Accident

Las Vegas auto accident claims can be very complex, but there are ways of making sure you protect your rights and strengthen your case. Read over the following tips to ensure you have the strongest Las Vegas auto accident claim possible.

• The extent of related injuries are not always fully realized. Anyone involved in Las Vegas auto accidents is encouraged to have a thorough medical evaluation. Untreated injuries can worsen and cause other complications.
• You should report Las Vegas auto accidents to the police immediately. Having the auto accident in a report will help establish liability should the police issue a citation for a traffic violation.
• Make sure to get information from everyone involved in the auto accident, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, car make and model.

Injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments are considered soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries are usually sprains, strains or contusions (bruises) and do not involve the bones or organs. Such injuries may occur over a long period of time (often job related) or due to a single incident, such as an automobile accident. The most common example of a soft tissue injury due to a single event is whiplash, which is an injury to the neck due to a sharp backwards/forwards motion. Additional types of soft tissue injuries may include tendonitis, bursitis, damage to nerves, dislocation or tearing of a ligament, muscle or tendon. These injuries can be very painful and may take an extensive period of time to heal; some injuries may even be ongoing.

After the plaintiff’s case for negligence has been established, the court may determine damages. The type and amount of damages may depend on the losses suffered, the applicable law in the state and the jurisdiction of the court. The court may consider many factors when deciding the amount of compensatory damages, such as the severity and extent of the injuries, costs of medical care, costs of future medical treatment, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, loss of household contribution, pain and suffering, emotional anguish and others depending on the facts of the case.