July 15, 2025
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Rear-End Collision?
Fender benders are a part of lifer. You are stopped at a traffic light when, suddenly, your car and your body is propelled backwards and forwards. Once the shock wears off and you realize what happens, you get out of your car to inspect the damage. You notice your car is several feet into a crosswalk or intersection but you’re surprised the damage to your car doesn’t seem that bad. The other driver comes up to you and asks if you are ok. You don’t feel any significant pain or are still processing what happened or what to do next that you aren’t noticing symptoms, so you say that you’re fine. An ambulance and EMTs arrive, and they ask if you need medical assistance. Even if you are feeling some symptoms, you’re thinking it’s not serious, why should you incur the cost of an ambulance trip and an ER visit? Later that day, you notice a little more pain in your neck or a headache, but you’re thinking it’s all going to go away. You may continue to think that way the next day or the following day, but the pain doesn’t go away. In fact, the pain worsens. You get medical care but the symptoms never go away. You make a claim to either yours or the other driver’s insurance company, and they tell you they don’t think the accident was bad enough to cause your injuries. You explain that you’ve never had these symptoms before, but they don’t listen. This scenario is far too common, and it’s one reason why it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney.
Who Is At Fault For A Rear-End Collision?
In Nevada, the rear driver is usually blamed for rear-end collisions because they’re expected to maintain a safe distance or not follow too closely. Nevada law requires drivers to leave room between them and the driver in front sufficient for them to stop, even in the event the front car stops suddenly. Drivers are expected to anticipate such things..
What Injuries Can Happen in a Minor Rear-End Crash?
Even if you’re only going 10 mph, your body is subject to a surprising amount of force. Injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, so you may end up filing an injury claim, even for a small crash. Even “minor” impact cases can cause permanent or long lasting injuries. Common injuries from minor rear-end crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Back and neck strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- Cuts or bruises
What Should You Do Right After a Fender Bender?
Keep your cool and follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone’s hurt.
- Pull your car over to avoid blocking traffic, if possible.
- Call the police. An official report helps later if things get complicated.
- Exchange information, including names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance carriers.
- Take photos of the vehicle damage, visible injuries, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
- Talk to witnesses. If someone saw what happened, jot down their statement and get their contact information to follow up later, if necessary.
- See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to show up.
- Contact a lawyer, especially if you’re not sure what to do next.
What Is the One Thing You Must Never Do After an Accident?
Never admit fault at the scene. Simply saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you legally, even if you’re just being polite. Let the insurance companies and lawyers sort out the blame. Your job at the accident scene is to stay calm, gather information, and get everything in writing.
Is a Police Report Really Necessary?
Even if both cars are barely scratched, a police report gives you an official record to fall back on. If the other driver changes their story later, you’ll have documented proof on your side. Some insurance companies even require a report to process a claim. If you are unsured about calling 911, you can call the non-emergency line, 311, instead.
If you decide not to call the police, you’re required to report the car accident if it resulted in bodily injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more. You have 10 days to submit the report using the SR-1 form to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you don’t, you could lose your license for up to a year. So, even if no one is hurt, play it safe and file the report.
Should I File an Insurance Claim if There’s No Damage?
Here’s a common scenario: both cars look fine, and you’re not in pain, so you skip filing a claim to keep things simple. Days later, you notice your neck hurts when you look to the left. You also realize that the impact must have messed with the vehicle’s alignment because now it pulls to the right. Conversely, the other driver could suddenly claim they’ve been injured or that their car needs a new frame.
No matter the case, it’s wise to file a rear-end accident insurance claim, even if damage and injuries aren’t visible. This smart move protects you in case things go south after the fact.
What If the Other Driver Wants to “Handle It Privately”?
It’s tempting to skip the insurance headache and pay the other driver out of pocket for the repairs. Unfortunately, this can backfire. What if they later claim more damage or say they’re injured? Without a formal claim, you have no legal proof of what actually happened. This makes it much harder to defend yourself or get reimbursed later.
Can You Manage Without a Lawyer?
If the accident is truly minor, everyone agrees on what happened, and no injuries crop up, you might be able to manage it alone. However, if there’s any disagreement regarding fault or signs of injury, it’s wise to consult a lawyer who works with rear-end accident insurance claims in Nevada. A lawyer can help protect you from the following:
- Lowball settlement offers from insurance companies
- Being unfairly blamed for the accident
- Denied or delayed claims
- Missed filing deadlines
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
If you’re unsure whether to contact a rear-end accident lawyer in Nevada, ask yourself these questions:
- Did anyone feel pain, even slightly?
- Is there any visible damage?
- Is the other driver acting shady or changing their story?
- Is the insurance company stalling or denying your claim?
- Are you being blamed when it wasn’t entirely your fault?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, talking to a lawyer is worth it.
Consult a Lawyer After Your Car Accident
Rear-end collisions are frustrating, but even a small crash can snowball into a bigger issue if you’re not careful. The team at Carvalho & Associates has spent over 30 years helping people across Nevada get the support and results they deserve. Whether it’s a minor damage rear-end crash or an injury-causing rollover, we’re available to help 24/7. Our proven track record and reputation across the state speak for themselves. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in Las Vegas to discuss your options.