Getting into a car accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada is scary and confusing. One minute you are driving, and the next, you are facing chaos. A million things rush through your mind: Is everyone okay? Can I move my car? What am I supposed to do next?
While your health and the health of others are the most important things, you must also think about the law. Nevada law requires drivers to notify the police after certain types of crashes. Making sure you file a police report correctly is a big step in protecting yourself, especially when dealing with insurance companies later.
This post breaks down the exact steps you need to take and the deadlines you need to know after a car accident in Nevada.
Why You Must Stop and Report a Crash in Nevada
If you are involved in a car accident in Nevada where someone is hurt or killed, the law is very clear about what you need to do right away. This isn’t just a suggestion; it is a legal duty that every driver must follow.
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484E.010 mandates that the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision that results in bodily injury or a fatality must:
- Stop immediately. You must stop your vehicle at the scene or as close as possible without blocking traffic further.
- Stay put. You need to remain at the accident site until you have done everything required by law, which includes exchanging information.
- If you fail to comply with these rules, you could face very serious consequences. The failure to comply with NRS 484E.010 is classified as a class B felony.
A separate law, NRS 484E.030, explains the rest of your responsibilities at the scene. You are required to:
- Exchange Information: Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the injured person and any other attending drivers. If another driver asks, you must also show them your driver’s license.
- Share with Police: Give this same information, along with your license, to any police officer who arrives at the scene.
- Provide Aid: You must provide reasonable aid to any injured person. This includes helping arrange transport for the victim to a local health facility. Usually, the police take charge of making these transportation arrangements.
Only after you have done all of the above, if no police officer is present at the scene, should you contact the nearest police office or the Nevada Highway Patrol to report the crash. Your report should include your name, address, and registration details. You also have to contact the police even after minor car accidents if certain conditions are met, like when property damage exceeds a certain amount. As a practical matter, calling 911 immediately is the best step.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report in Nevada?
Many people wonder about the timeline for filing a report. In most accidents, you should call the local police immediately after the crash, right after you confirm everyone’s safety, exchange information, and make sure any injured victims get medical care.
However, sometimes the police do not complete their full, official accident report at the scene. If the police do not complete a report, then the responsibility falls back on you.
According to NRS 484E.070, drivers have up to 10 days to file their own report with the police department. This report can be submitted in writing, usually at the police station, or electronically, which means online.
In most cases, if the police officer files their own comprehensive report at the scene, you do not have a separate duty to file another one.
There is one important exception regarding who files the report: if the driver of the vehicle is not the owner, and the driver cannot file the report because of their injuries, the owner of the vehicle must file the report instead.
Failing to follow these requirements for assisting accident victims and reporting the crash can lead to criminal charges and the loss of your driving privileges.
What to Do If Police Can’t Get to the Scene Quickly
Sometimes, especially if the accident involves only property damage, the police dispatcher may tell you that an officer will not be sent to the scene, or they may tell you there will be a significant delay.
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, or if they are not coming at all, you still have important duties to handle:
- Care for the Injured: Call local emergency services immediately to tend to anyone who is injured.
- Exchange Details: Make sure you exchange the required information, including their name, address, and vehicle registration, plus their insurance information.
- Find Witnesses: Get the names and contact information for anyone who saw the crash happen.
- Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the entire accident site. Be sure to capture the car damage, the surrounding area, and the license plates of all vehicles involved.
- Keep Quiet: Do not talk about the cause of the accident or admit fault to anyone else at the scene.
- Contact Your Insurer: Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as you can.
Filing a report, whether it’s done by you or the police, shows insurance companies and future juries that you took the event seriously. Never let another driver convince you to skip contacting the police after any car accident in Las Vegas.
How Your Report Differs from the Official Police Report
If the police do not show up and you have to file your own written report, that report mainly serves to identify the essential details. It will list your license, insurance, and registration information, along with the date and exact place of the accident. Sometimes, it may include a repair estimate. Your personal report will not discuss who caused the crash or the medical care you are receiving.
The police, on the other hand, use special forms or computer software to create a comprehensive car accident report. This official police report is much more detailed and typically includes:
- The driver, vehicle, and insurance information for every person involved.
- The type of cars that were in the crash.
- The names and contact details of any witnesses.
- A description of the scene, including the layout of the roads, intersections, and the rest of the accident site.
- Where the vehicles were located when the officers first arrived.
- The health status of everyone with injuries.
- Whether anyone died because of the accident.
- The weather, roadway, and visibility conditions at the scene.
- Whether any citations were given, such as a charge for driving under the influence of alcohol or a prohibited substance.
The police report may also include the officer’s opinion about the cause of the accident. While officers’ opinions and citations are generally not allowed to be used as evidence if the case goes to trial, the police report and any citations are still extremely important when you are negotiating a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company.
If you have been hurt in a crash, experiencing the complicated legal process can feel like a second accident. Dealing with state laws, police reports, and insurance deadlines is a lot to handle while trying to recover.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a car accident, call Friedman Injury Law today at (702) 970-4222 to schedule a free consultation. Our Vegas injury lawyer team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
