Filing a police report after an injury car accident is a legal necessity. This crucial step protects your legal rights and can make the insurance claims process smoother. If the police do not respond to the accident scene, you must file the report yourself. Being involved in a car accident is stressful and overwhelming. Emotions run high, and it can be hard to think clearly. However, taking the proper steps can help safeguard your interests. Knowing how to file a police report promptly and accurately is essential to documenting what happened and can provide peace of mind during this stressful time.
The first step is determining where to file the accident report. The two primary agencies are the Las Vegas Metro Police and the North Las Vegas Police departments. You might need to file a report with the Nevada Highway Patrol or Henderson Police Department if your accident occurred in either of their jurisdictions. Because most car accidents occur in Las Vegas, we’ll focus on how to handle an accident report at either police department.
How to File a Police Report in Las Vegas
You can file a report by phone or online with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). For non-emergency car accidents, your first option is to contact the LVMPD at (702) 828-3111. The other option is to use the LVMPD online reporting system. Visit the LVMPD website and navigate to the online services section “filing a report.” Follow the instructions and provide details about the accident.
How to File a Police Report in North Las Vegas
Filing a police report differs slightly in North Las Vegas, where you’ll work with the North Las Vegas Police Department (NLVPD). Call NLVPD at (702) 633-9111 for non-emergency accidents.
The other option is to file a report in person at the NLVPD headquarters, which is located at 2332 Las Vegas Blvd. North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030. The NLVPD only allows online reporting for some types of crimes. However, car accidents are not one of them.
When you report an accident to either police department, they should tell you how long it takes until the report is ready. In some cases, it’s around 10 days. You’ll want to request a copy for your records and future personal injury claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident
Filing a report immediately is crucial to comply with Nevada laws and protect your rights. In Nevada, you must report the incident if you’re involved in a car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $750.
If law enforcement did not investigate the accident at the scene, you must file a Report of Accident Form (SR-1) with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. You can download the SR-1 form from the Nevada DMV website or pick it up at a local DMV office. Failure to submit this form on time can lead to penalties, including license suspension.
Why timeliness matters:
- Adhering to the reporting timeline helps you avoid fines and legal issues;
- Insurance companies often require a police report to process your claim efficiently; and
- Prompt reporting ensures that all details are fresh, which can be crucial for future legal actions.
By understanding how to file a police report first, you can take the necessary steps to fulfill your legal obligations and protect your rights.
Information Required for a Car Accident Police Report
When filing a police report, provide detailed and accurate information. Here’s some of the information you need:
- Vehicle details—make, model, year, color, and license plate number of all vehicles;
- Accident location—exact date and time and specific street address where the accident occurred;
- Accident description—a clear, factual account of what happened, avoiding opinions or assumptions;
- Contact information—names and contact information for all involved parties, including driver’s license number and insurance information for the other driver;
- Injuries and property damage—a list of injuries and property damage; and
- Witness information—contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
Having all this information ready will make the process smoother and help ensure the police have enough information to process the report.
Contact a Auto Accident Lawyer at Friedman Injury Law
If you need assistance pursuing compensation for your injuries after a Las Vegas car accident, contact Friedman Injury Law. We have years of experience assisting injured victims get justice after another party caused an auto accident. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
Blake S. Friedman, Esq. is a personal injury lawyer helping those in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blake was born and raised right here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up watching his father, a battle-hardened lawyer, fight for his clients’ justice in the Clark County court system.