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Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in all age groups. Approximately 6,000,000 auto accidents occur each year. Over 3,150,000 people were injured in these accidents and approximately 40,000 people lost their lives. Alcohol is involved in 40% of these fatalities, and speeding is involved in 29% of all vehicle accident fatalities. Young drivers (15-20) and older drivers (>69) both have driver fatality rates much higher than drivers between the ages of 25 and 69. Inattentive driving, distracted driving including cell phone use, and aggressive driving (combination of moving traffic offenses) are problems that also must be dealt with. Most Americans do not have an adequate amount of health, auto, and disability insurance to provide for them if they are seriously injured in an auto accident. It is important that automobile drivers educate themselves concerning auto accidents and the legal options that exist should an accident occur. If I have an auto accident, what should I do at the accident scene? 1. Don't go anywhere. Stay Put. 2. Send a witness to call the police. 3. Render first aid to other victims if you are qualified to do so. Do not move any person unless not doing so directly endangers their life. 4. Do not move vehicles unless they are obstructing further traffic. Move them as little as possible. Warn approaching drivers. 5. If you are injured, stay in your vehicle. 6. Be very careful what you say. Do not falsely admit responsibility. 7. Seek medical treatment at the scene if available! Even if you don't seem to be hurt. 8. Gather and exchange information. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers, witnesses, and the driver. Get the license number and insurance company name and policy number from the driver and owner. Also, make notes concerning the time of day, weather and road conditions, lighting, location of vehicles, crossroads, stop signs, and traffic signals, and location and length of any skid marks. 9. If your car must be towed, get the name and license number of the driver, and the name, address, phone number, and registration number of the towing company. What can I expect the police officer to do at the accident scene? Either a police officer or the regional Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the accident. After all parties are interviewed and statements taken, The officer will give all parties involved an accident card that will detail how to contact him/her. The cars involved may be taken away for detailed examinations. The officer will issue a formal report when the investigations are complete. Criminal charges may also be placed as a result of the investigations. What should I do after I have been dismissed from the accident scene? 1. Call your auto insurance company and relay all information concerning the accident. 2. Follow up with your doctor even if you don't think you have injuries. This needs to be done that day, even if you do have unseen injuries. You don't want any questions arising concerning the cause of the injuries. 3. Contact your lawyer so you will understand your rights and responsibilities. 4. Report the accident to the Department of Public Safety. I was injured in an auto accident that was not my fault. What can I do? You may be entitled to compensation. A Personal Injury lawyer would be able to answer your questions. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, YOU NEED THE LAW FIRM OF BOURGAULT & HARDING CALL 800.880.1438 Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Bourgault & Harding, A Law Firm 1100 East Bridger Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 tel 702.384.8023 fax 702.384.5731 Nevada Auto Accident Attorneys Disclaimer: The Las Vegas Auto Accidents, and Big-Rig Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Airplane Accidents, Bus & Train Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Boating & Watercraft Accidents, Swimming Pool Accidents, Amusement Park Accidents, Construction Site Accidents, Drunk Driver Accidents, Defective Roads Accidents, Wrongful Death, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Burn Injury, Animal Attacks/Dog Bite, Slip and Fall Accidents, Premises Liability, Dangerous Drugs Litigation, Defective Medical Devices, Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Product Liability, Toxic Substances in Nevada. Please contact a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer, Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Nevada. ©2006 The Law Offices of Bourgault & Harding. Las Vegas, Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers, serving the communities of: Las Vegas, Clark County Nevada. 
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