Getting hurt in a crash on the Strip, on I-15, or at a neighborhood intersection raises a lot of fast questions, and the answers carry real legal weight. Below, our Las Vegas injury attorneys answer the questions Nevada drivers ask most after a wreck. This is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice for your specific case, so treat it as a starting point and confirm the details that apply to you.
What should I do right after a car accident in Las Vegas
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Under Nevada law you must stop, exchange names, addresses, registration, and license information, and render reasonable aid to anyone injured. If no police officer responds to the scene, you are required to report the crash to the nearest police authority or the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Do I have to report the crash to the DMV
If law enforcement does not investigate the crash at the scene, and there is bodily injury, death, or property damage of about 750 dollars or more, the driver generally must forward a report to the Nevada DMV within 10 days. When an officer responds and takes the report, you usually do not need to file a separate DMV report. Keeping a copy of any crash report helps protect your car accident claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Nevada
Nevada gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under NRS 11.190. A wrongful death claim is also generally two years, measured from the date of death. Missing the deadline almost always means the court will dismiss your case, so do not wait to get advice.
What is Nevada minimum car insurance
Every registered vehicle in Nevada must carry liability coverage of at least 25,000 dollars for bodily injury or death of one person, 50,000 dollars per crash when two or more people are hurt, and 20,000 dollars for property damage. These limits are often written as 25/50/20. They are minimums only, and serious injuries frequently exceed what a minimum policy will pay.
What if the other driver had no insurance
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can step in when the at fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. Insurers in Nevada must offer this coverage, but you can reject it in writing, so many drivers do not carry it. Review your own declarations page to see whether you have it before assuming you are out of options.
Can I still recover if the accident was partly my fault
Yes, in many cases. Nevada follows modified comparative negligence under NRS 41.141, so you can recover as long as you are not more at fault than the other side. If your share of fault reaches 51 percent or more, recovery is barred, and if it is below that, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. An insurer pointing fingers does not automatically end your claim.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so early can hurt your case. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you later. It is reasonable to decline a recorded statement and speak with an attorney first.
How much is my car accident case worth
Value depends on the specifics, including medical bills, lost income, future treatment, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault involved. No honest attorney can promise a dollar figure at the start, and every case turns on its own facts and evidence. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What if I was hit as a pedestrian or on a bicycle
Pedestrians and cyclists injured by drivers can pursue the same kinds of injury claims as occupants of a vehicle. Nevada traffic laws under NRS Chapter 484B govern right of way, crosswalks, and how vehicles must share the road, and a driver’s violation can support a negligence claim. These cases often involve severe injuries, so prompt investigation matters.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident
Not every fender bender requires an attorney, but injuries that need ongoing treatment, disputed fault, or a lowball offer are good reasons to get one. Many injuries that seem minor at first, such as soft tissue or head injuries, surface days later. A consultation costs nothing and helps you understand whether your situation needs help.
How much does a Las Vegas injury attorney cost
Most Nevada personal injury attorneys, including our Las Vegas personal injury team, work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. The fee is a percentage of what you recover and is agreed to in writing before any work begins. That structure lets injured people get representation without paying out of pocket up front.
Talk With Our Las Vegas Injury Team
If you were hurt in a crash anywhere in the Las Vegas valley, Mitchell Rogers Injury Law can review your options and the deadlines that apply to you. Call our Las Vegas office at (702) 702-2622 to set up a free, no obligation consultation and get clear answers about your next steps.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.