What to Do After a Car Accident in Nevada
A car crash can happen in seconds, but what you do in the hours and days after can shape your entire claim. Nevada has specific laws around fault, insurance, and filing deadlines that every driver should understand. This guide walks you through each step — clearly and without legal jargon.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so, then check on everyone involved. Call 911 immediately if there are any injuries — even minor ones. Under Nevada law (NRS 484E.030), you are required to stop at the scene of an accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges.
When law enforcement arrives, a police report will be filed. This report is one of the most important documents in any future insurance or legal claim, so make sure the responding officer gets accurate information from you.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene:
- Photos and video: Capture damage to all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Driver information: Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance details.
- Witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Officer details: Badge number and the report number so you can request a copy later.
Do not admit fault or apologize, even casually. Statements made at the scene can be used against you later.
3. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma — do not show symptoms immediately. See a doctor the same day if possible, even if you feel fine. Two important reasons:
- Your health comes first. A delayed diagnosis can turn a manageable injury into a serious one.
- Your claim depends on it. Insurance adjusters look at the gap between the accident and your first medical visit. A long gap gives them grounds to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash.
Keep every medical record, bill, prescription, and treatment note. These documents form the foundation of your damages.
4. Understand Nevada's Fault and Insurance Rules
Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering damages. Nevada also follows a modified comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141). Here is what that means for you:
- If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation — but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other driver.
Nevada requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company — Carefully
Report the accident to your own insurer promptly. Most policies require timely notice as a condition of coverage. However, keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to the facts. Do not speculate about fault or minimize your injuries.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can reduce your payout.
- Do not accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you typically cannot go back for more money.
If you are unsure how to handle insurer communications, connecting with a legal professional through our intake tool can help you avoid costly mistakes.
6. Know Nevada's Statute of Limitations
In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (NRS 11.190). For property damage only, the deadline is also two years. If you are filing a claim against a government entity (such as a city or county), the rules are different and deadlines are much shorter — often as little as 90 to 180 days.
Missing the deadline almost always means losing your right to sue, regardless of how strong your case is. Do not wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim in Nevada?
You are not legally required to have a police report to file a claim, but it strongly supports your case. Nevada law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $750 to the DMV within 10 days if a police officer did not file a report.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Nevada does not require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but insurers must offer it. If you have UM/UIM coverage on your own policy, it can cover your medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Review your policy carefully or use our free intake tool to understand your options.
Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault?
Yes — as long as you were less than 51% at fault under Nevada's comparative negligence rule. Your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover up to $80,000.
How long does a Nevada car accident claim take to settle?
It varies widely. Minor cases with clear liability and limited injuries may settle in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or litigation can take a year or more. Settling too quickly — before your injuries are fully understood — can leave money on the table.
Should I hire a personal injury attorney?
Not every accident requires an attorney, but if you have injuries, significant property damage, disputed fault, or an uncooperative insurer, legal representation often makes a meaningful difference in outcomes. Most Nevada personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Taking the right steps after a Nevada car accident protects your health and your legal rights. The more thorough you are early on, the stronger your position will be.
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