Nevada Car Accident Report Basics

Auto accidents happen no matter how careful you are. You can be the best driver, but that doesn’t control how other people drive. You may not know what to do if someone is negligent and crashes into your vehicle.

If you don’t take certain steps immediately after your car crash, you may jeopardize your personal injury claim. Rather than have that happen, you should familiarize yourself with Nevada’s car accident report basics. Not only will this ensure that you comply with Nevada law, but it will also increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Here, we’ll explain the car reporting laws in Nevada and describe the steps to file a car crash report. If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact an experienced Nevada car accident lawyer.

When and How To File a Report

Every state has specific laws regarding a motorist’s obligations after a vehicle accident. Most states, including Nevada, require drivers to submit a crash report immediately after their auto accident. These are in addition to filing a claim with the insurance company.

If you don’t comply with Nevada’s reporting requirements, you’ll face severe consequences. For example, if you don’t report an accident in Nevada, the state may suspend your driving privileges for up to one year. Once you properly file the report, they may reinstate your driver’s license. 

The law also requires that you be honest and upfront when you file your accident report. If you knowingly give false information in your car accident report, you may be guilty of a misdemeanor.

What Information Does the Police Report Contain?

The first thing you should do after your accident is call 911. The police will then come to the scene and conduct a thorough investigation. If the other driver refuses to wait for the police to arrive, do your best to write down their license plate number or take a picture of their vehicle with your cell phone.

Once the police arrive, they’ll investigate the crash scene and put their findings in their police report. Some of the information in the report includes:

• Description of the road conditions
• Diagram of the accident scene and motor vehicles involved in the crash
• Notes about any severe injuries or fatalities
• Comments about any vehicle damage
• Whether any of the drivers or passengers needed medical attention
• Insurance policy information for both drivers
• Contact information for the drivers and eyewitnesses
• Notes about whether either driver doesn’t have car insurance

While waiting for the police to arrive, you should exchange information with the other driver. For example, ask them for their insurance information and try to get their contact information as well. You have no idea if they will flee the scene before the police show up.

Your personal injury attorney will need the police report to help prove your claim. This is especially true if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

Specific Accident Reporting Laws in Nevada

If you have recently been in an accident in Nevada, you should know the state laws regarding auto accident reporting. 

The following chart provides more information about filing a car accident report in Nevada.

Note: State regulations are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state’s laws.

Filing a Nevada Car Accident Claim? An Attorney Can Help

Car accidents of any magnitude can be overwhelming and exhausting. It can be difficult to know what steps to take first, especially if an accident results in injuries. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or suffered significant property damage, it might be a good idea for you to speak with a Nevada motor vehicle accident attorney.

Related Car Accident Resources

• Nevada Highway Patrol
• Car Accidents – FAQ
• How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident?
• Car Accident Resources
• Tips for Reporting an Accident to Police