How to File a Police Report After a Las Vegas Car Crash

Any type of car accident can be overwhelming. Many things rush through your mind, including your health, the health of the people in your car, and the health of others involved in the accident. Once you’ve determined whether anyone is seriously injured, you can consider whether it’s possible to move the vehicles out of the roadway. If you’re in an accident in Las Vegas, Reno, or anywhere in Nevada, the best thing you can do is to call the local police – usually by calling 911. Nevada drivers have a legal duty to notify the police after a car accident where anyone suffers injuries.

How do I file a police report in the Las Vegas, Nevada

Nevada law, NRS 484E. 010 mandates that the driver of any vehicle involved in a car accident in which someone suffers bodily injury or a fatality:

• Must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible. The stop must be made without obstructing traffic.
• Remain at the accident site until the driver complies with NRS 484E.030.

The failure to comply with NRS 484E.010 is a class B felony.

NRS 484E.030 provides that the vehicle driver involved in a collision that causes injury or death (or damage to any vehicle or property by a person in attendance) shall also:

• Exchange the name, address, and registration number of the driver/ vehicle (and exhibit their license if another driver asks) to the injured person and any attending drivers.
• Give the above information and license (on request) to any police officer at the accident scene (due to a call or other reasons).
• Provide aid to any injured person to the extent that is reasonable – including the transport of the accident victim to a local health facility. Generally, the police make these arrangements.

After complying with the above two laws, if no police officer is present, the driver (to the extent they are physically able) shall report the crash to the nearest police office/authority or the Nevada Highway Patrol. The report should include the driver’s name, address, and registration.

Drivers must also contact the police in minor car accidents under certain conditions.

How long do you have to file a police report in Nevada?

As a practical matter, if you are involved in any type of car accident, you should contact the local police. Generally, you must legally contact the police immediately after the accident or after you exchange information and help any injury victims receive medical care.

According to NRS 484E.070, drivers have up to 10 days to file a report with the police unless the police complete their accident report at the scene. Your report can be in writing (generally at the police station) or electronic (online).

Owners must file the report if the driver is not the owner and the driver cannot file the report due to their injuries.

In most cases, there is no duty to file a police report if the police file their own report.

If you fail to comply with the Nevada assistance and reporting requirements, you could face criminal charges and lose your driving privileges.

What happens if the police cannot get to the accident site quickly?

The police or the dispatcher should explain when the police will likely arrive. Sometimes, when there is only property damage, the police may not respond to the scene. Usually, the police will respond promptly – but depending on where the accident happens and the amount of traffic, the police could take some time to make it to the scene.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, drivers should:

• Tend to anyone injured by calling local emergency services.
• Exchange the necessary information, as described above, and their insurance information.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Take photos or videos of the accident site, including the car damage and the license plates.
• Do not discuss the cause of the accident with anyone else
• Notify your own insurance company about the accident

Filing a report with the police can help convince insurance companies and juries that you took the accident seriously. Don’t let other drivers talk you out of contacting the police after any car accident in Las Vegas.

How does your report differ from the police report?

Generally, if you have to file a written report, the report identifies your license, insurance, and registration information – along with the date and place of the accident. The report may also include a repair estimate. Your report does not discuss the cause of the accident and the medical care you are receiving.

The police usually use a form or computer software to complete their car accident reports.

The police report will typically include the following:

• The driver, vehicle, and insurance information of every driver
• The types of cars involved in the accident
• The names of any witnesses
• A description of the layout of the roads, intersection, and the rest of the accident site
• The location of the vehicles when the police arrived
• The health status of everyone with injuries
• Whether anyone died due to the accident
• The weather, roadway, and visibility conditions at the scene
• Whether there were any citations, 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 as to the cause of the accident. Generally, police officers’ opinions and citations cannot be introduced in court if the case gets to trial. However, the police report and citations are still important in negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company.

Claggett & Sykes has decades of experience representing personal injury victims, and our attorneys have been recognized for their trial work. Founding partner Sean Claggett was honored in 2017 by Nevada Justice Association peers as Nevada’s Trial Attorney of the Year. We demand all the compensation you deserve after any type of car accident, including compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, income loss, and property damage. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Las Vegas or Reno.