In minor car collisions, they’re ideally no-fuss. After the accident, there will be a quick exchange of contact numbers, insurance information, and other key details, and then that’s it. Drivers involved in the accident will let their respective insurance providers handle these matters. How convenient, don’t you think? So you might wonder, is there a need to call the police?

Actually, yes, parties involved in a car accident may still need to contact law enforcement officers. No matter how minor the accident was, you’ll still need to secure a police report on the collision. Truth be told, reporting the matter to the police will save you from the hassle later on.

While reporting to the police is imperative, what’s optional is informing the insurance provider. Parties to the accident may dispense with the intervention of the insurance companies. For instance, they may opt to have their respective damage repaired out of their own pockets.

The Importance of Securing a Police Report

A police report covers the circumstances surrounding the accident. With this document, it negates the likelihood of creating assumptions as to what happened. Thus, in the event of a legal action for recovery of damages, it effectively eliminates disputes on the turn of events.

It becomes easier to seek compensation because the police report can strengthen the case. Whether the car accident is a major or minor one, it is best to secure this piece of paper.

This unbiased account of the accident contains the following information:

• Names of the parties involved,
• Injuries sustained by the parties, if any,
• Damage to the vehicles involved,
• Time, date and place of the accident, and
• Statements of witnesses.

Here are tips when reporting a car accident to police officers.

Call 911 Immediately

If you’re involved or witnessed a car accident (especially a major, catastrophic one), the first thing you need to do is call 911. Do this even if there are no apparent injuries or damage. The purpose is to let the police officers ascertain the circumstances and write a report on the incident.

There will be an investigation as soon as the police officers will arrive. Searching questions will likely focus on who or what caused the accident and how.

Law enforcement officers will also want to obtain the personal and contact information of the involved drivers and passengers, if any. The police, however, will focus more on the driver; whether there was a likelihood that he or she drove under the influence.

Witness on the scene as well as injured bystanders will also be requested to give their personal and contact information. Statements will also be obtained.

Based on the investigation, the police officers responding at the scene will make the report.

What If There Are No Police Officers at the Scene

There may be instances when police officers don’t respond at the scene of the accident. Thus, you may need to file your own report to the police as soon as possible. In support of your narrative, taking photos and/or videos that cover all angles is highly recommended.

Collect as much evidence as may be available and necessary in support of your side of the story. This may be needed as it is not uncommon for the party at fault to change their story to evade liability.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

To cover your bases, seek legal representation from an experienced car accident lawyer. With his or her help, you can ensure that your interests and rights are protected during your action to obtain compensation for damages.

Looking for a highly experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Reporting a Car Accident to the Police appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Las Vegas Pregnant Woman Killed in DUI Car Crash

Drinking and driving are not a good mix. This could lead to serious bodily injuries and damaged properties. Or worse, death. Here’s another alcohol-related car accident that resulted in a fatality.

In March 2018, a pregnant woman named Monique Leiwalo was driving on the northbound lane of Rainbow Boulevard around 7 in the morning. Suddenly a man driving an SUV hit another car and rear-ended Leiwalo’s vehicle. The force threw Leiwalo’s vehicle, crashing it into a pole. She died as a result.

But it was not only Leiwalo who perished in the car accident. The unborn child in her tummy also died. According to the deceased’s sister Jasmine, Leiwalo was scheduled to give birth in May. Originally from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Leiwalo moved to Las Vegas in 2013 with her longtime beau Anthony Cruz.

The suspect, driving the SUV in question, was identified as Timothy Naas. After the car crash, Naas reportedly fled the scene. But he was later apprehended and criminally charged on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The 29-year-old Naas was delivered to the Clark County Detention Center where he faces countless charges. Among the criminal actions filed against him include DUI and hit-and-run.

DUI Car Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death Involving an Unborn Child

Is an unborn child considered a person for purposes applied in wrongful death cases? Yes, according to a 1972 case decided by the Supreme Court of Nevada in Weaks v. Mounter.

In Naas’ case, he may be criminally charged for the death of Leiwalo and her unborn child. Additionally, Naas may also face a civil action for recovery of damages arising from two counts of wrongful death.

Under Las Vegas jurisdiction, tortfeasors like Naas may be held liable for pecuniary losses. They will be required to answer for the decedent’s medical bills on his/her final illness or injury. Upon the latter’s death, these tortfeasors will also answer for the funeral or burial costs.

Tortfeasors will also be held liable to cover for the decedent’s lost future income, paying to the latter’s heirs. The heirs will also receive damages founded upon the decedent’s pain or suffering as well as the lost emotional guidance on the part of the dependents.

Establishing Liability in Las Vegas DUI Cases

To establish criminal and civil liability in wrongful deaths arising from Las Vegas DUI cases, the plaintiff will need to gather direct or circumstantial evidence to prove the fault or negligence of the tortfeasor. To wit, it must be shown to the court that:

the tortfeasor has the duty to observe proper diligence in operating his motor vehicle on the roadways,
(2) there was a failure to observe the requisite degree of diligence,
(3) this failure resulted in a violation of a safety statute; e.g., DUI laws,
(4) the violation of the safety statute involved an injury or death.

Based on the accident report, it can be deduced that Naas is liable for the wrongful death due to his failure to follow the DUI laws. However, from a legal standpoint, this fact needs to be presented and proven before the court.

You Need an Aggressive Las Vegas DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Las Vegas DUI incident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained. In the case of death, the heirs may be awarded the damages. For this purpose, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation from a highly experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer.

Get in touch with Dan Lovell of the Empire Law Group.

The post Pregnant Woman Killed in Alcohol Related Car Crash appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

The post Las Vegas Boat Accidents Attorney appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.