Personal Injury Claims After a Car Show Accident

Personal injury lawsuits involving an accident at a car show will have similarities to other accident and personal injury lawsuits. But they will also have some significant differences. The details of the event, how it happened, and who was involved can make the case too complex to manage alone. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when involved in a car show accident.

Follow Common Procedures

All personal injury victims should follow some basic steps after an accident. The most important thing to do is get medical help. Ask a loved one to collect information for you if you need to go to the emergency room.

Get information about where to retrieve a copy of the police report when it is ready. Contact your insurance company. Have available the name of the insurance company and the policy number for the individual responsible for the accident. Take photos and videos of the accident site, the vehicles involved, and any surrounding damage.

Take photographs of any visible injuries. Drivers of classic cars may have more severe injuries due to the lack of seatbelts in older vehicles. Nevada’s seatbelt law allows exceptions for automobiles made before 1968. Victims not wearing a seatbelt in a classic car will not invalidate any accident claim.

Make a list of damaged property from inside the vehicle, like eyeglasses, clothing, or cellphones. Keep all receipts including, medical bills, towing bills, and any other expense. Other related costs could include extra childcare, parking

and travel costs for medical appointments, and home improvements to make it accessible for a wheelchair or crutches.

Explain Additional Costs

The lack of modern safety features in classic cars can cause more severe injuries for those involved. Accident victims need to have their doctors document their probable future medical expenses due to the severity of their injuries.

If you have an accident while in a classic or customized vehicle, the insurance company may not want to cover the total cost of your damaged car. Vehicles at car shows are often much more valuable than their blue book estimates. Gather receipts, documents, and photos that prove the time and money invested in restoring or maintaining a classic car or customized vehicle.

Get estimates for the repairs from qualified restorers or companies that offer the custom details you had on the vehicle at the time of the accident. Keep the car or truck protected to prevent further damage but do not begin any repairs until the appraisers have finished their inspections.

Consider the Cause

The driver that caused an accident at a car show could be held liable for the accident. The organizer of the event may also have responsibility for the incident. Consider a claim against the organizers if the area was unsafe for bystanders or participants. Alack of signage, unclear driving paths, or poor crowd control could have contributed to the accident.

Understand Liability Waivers

Car show participants often sign waivers that exempt the organizers from liability if an accident occurs. The liability forms may prevent a lawsuit but are not always valid. The document may violate state or local laws, have improper wording, or not include the specific concern that caused the accident. Have a copy of the waiver reviewed by an attorney.

Car show accidents can involve drivers in classic cars or customized hot rods or bystanders attending the events. The cause of the accident, who is liable, and the extensive costs that may arise can make the claims complex. Professional

legal guidance makes any case easier to prove. At Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney, we can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.