Car accidents are very common in the USA. On average, there are almost 6 million car accidents in the United States of America per year. Even tho these car accidents are so common, they may be very overwhelming for most, especially for Chinese and Asian immigrants.
The reason behind this is that they may not be very fluent in English, which is why understanding rules and regulations might be difficult. There are many other unique challenges that they face like cultural differences and fear of getting in legal trouble.
In this blog, you can get step-by-step information on what to do if you’re involved in a car accident in Las Vegas as a Chinese or Asian immigrant.
Immediate Actions at the Scene of the Accident
When you find yourself in a situation such as a car accident, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Panicking will only create more problems, and simpler injuries may become major ones due to panic. Also, as a Chinese or Asian immigrant, getting into an accident might seem terrifying, but staying calm is very important.
Check yourself and the passengers next to you for any signs of injuries. If there are injuries, then make sure to provide any type of medical assistance you know. Once that is done, call 911. You should call emergency services even if no one is severely injured because some injuries may appear after some time, whereas others may be internal.
After you have gained some consciousness, make sure to move to a safe spot. If the car is in a situation where it needs to move, then drive it to a safe place like the side of the road. Otherwise, leave the car and move to a safer spot.
Gathering Essential Information
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
It is very important to gather all the information regarding the accident, starting with talking to the other driver. One thing to make sure of is not to get into a fight and have a civil conversation, apologize if necessary, and don’t agree to be at fault. And make sure not to say anything that can be misinterpreted against you.
Exchange your name, phone number, car, and issuance details with the other driver. This will make sure you both have the important information needed to file for insurance.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene of the accident is very important. You need to take:
- Pictures of your vehicle
- Photos of the other person’s vehicle
- Take photos of the road and traffic conditions
It is also important to note down all the details that could have been caused, like weather conditions, location, and time.
Talk to Witnesses
Talking to witnesses and collecting their information can help you create a stronger case for yourself.
Handling Police and Insurance Matters
Communicating with the Police
When talking to the police, do not panic. It can be scary to speak to the police as a Chinese or Asian immigrant; however, remaining calm and being honest is very important. But don’t accept being at fault, as this can be used against you.
And if you are not fluent in English, resist trying to prove your point. Either use a translation application or call a lawyer. Getting a Chinese lawyer or an Asian lawyer in Las Vegas can make things easier.
Requesting a Copy of the Police Report
Once you are sure that the police have created a report, ask them for a copy of the report. This copy is essential to file for insurance. It will also help you in legal proceedings if necessary.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company as soon as the accident occurs is very important. Many immigrants don’t like to take legal action because they are afraid. But remember that this is your legal right to get compensation from your insurance company. Ensure you provide your insurance providers with all the information related to the case. You should have all the contact numbers and accident-related insurance papers.
Also, make sure to keep a record of all your interactions with the insurance company like:
- Details of the person handling your case
- The conversation you are having with your insurance providers, etc.
Challenges Faced by Chinese & Asian Drivers in Las Vegas
Language Barriers
Being a Chinese or Asian immigrant and not fluent in English is very common. However, the problem this causes for you is that you might not be able to understand the terms and conditions of the law or insurance companies properly.
Translating these terms and conditions is a solution; however, some things may get lost. Hiring legal help who understands you and your language in these circumstances can be very beneficial. So, try to find a Chinese or an Asian lawyer in Las Vegas.
Unfair Treatment from Insurance Companies
Some insurance companies treat Chinese or Asian immigrants with much discrimination. They can do this by giving you a low offer, assuming you have little to no law knowledge.
In such cases, seeking legal help will help. A skilled Asian lawyer in Las Vegas can help you understand your rights and negotiate with your insurance providers for the best offer.
Seeking Medical Attention and Legal Help
Getting Medical Treatment
After getting into an accident, even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical help. Seeking medical help can eliminate all the noticeable or unnoticeable injuries.
Finding an Attorney Who Speaks Your Language
As previously mentioned, hiring a Chinese or Asian lawyer who understands your language can help your case a lot. You can easily communicate your point to them and explain to them what exactly happened. Micheal Hua Injury Law Firm provides free consultation! Get help with your case today.
Preventative Measures for Future Accidents
Always Carry Important Documents
It is important to carry all of the legal documents with you at all times. These legal documents may be:
- License
- Car registration
- Insurance details
You should also always have your emergency contact list ready in case of unseen situations.
Install a Dashcam
Installing a dashcam for extra evidence is a really good idea. This will help you prove your point without having to fight.
Understand Your Insurance Policy
Also, when getting an insurance policy, make sure to read all the terms and conditions and know what you are signing up for. You should be aware of what is covered in your insurance and what isn’t. If understanding legal documents is difficult for you due to any circumstances like a language barrier or anything, seek legal help.
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