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Summary
According to NRS 484E.030, you must call the police to the scene of a car accident if there are injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $750.
Table of Contents
Does Nevada Law Require You to Call the Police After an Accident
Nevada law requires drivers involved in car accidents to call the police if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more.
The requirement to notify law enforcement of a car crash is outlined under NRS 484E.030, which states that in the event a car accident results in injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more, you must:
- Notify the proper police agency of the accident scene. This could be LVMPD, Nevada Highway Patrol, or the county sheriff's department.
- Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other parties involved in the car wreck.
- Show your driver's license on request.
- Render reasonable medical care to anyone injured.
What Could Happen If You Don't Call the Police to the Scene of a Car Accident
In Nevada, if you fail to report a car accident to the police, you could face severe criminal and financial repercussions.
Such repercussions could include:
- Criminal Charges: Depending on the severity of the accident, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
- Loss of Evidence: When filing a car accident claim, you must provide substantial evidence to back your claim, and by not calling the police, you'll lack a police report, which could allow the other driver to deny fault.
- License Suspension: Failing to report an auto accident could result in your license being suspended.
- Civil Liability: By not calling the police, car accident attorneys can attempt to place the fault on you by stating that you avoided calling the police because of your negligent actions, potentially resulting in you losing your legal claim and being left with the other party's medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Nevada DMV
If the car accident involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750, and a crash report was not already filed by law enforcement at the accident scene, you must report the accident to the Nevada DMV.
Under NRS 484E.070, drivers reporting a car accident to the Nevada DMV must file a Report of Traffic Accident (Form SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days of the accident.
Failure to file a Form SR-1 with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles after an accident could result in fines and criminal penalties.
Will I Have to Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Company?
Most insurance company policies include a "duty to report" clause requiring you to report all accidents to an agent, even minor ones.
While Nevada law does not require you to report an auto wreck to your car insurance company, you should still face consequences imposed by your insurance company, such as:
- Denial of coverage
- Policy cancellation
- Delays or denial of your insurance claim
To avoid any complications with the insurance companies, schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer from our law firm today by calling (702) 566-3600.
Should I Call the Police in a Minor Car Accident
If you are involved in a minor accident, calling the police is highly recommended, even if the accident didn't result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750.
Calling the police in minor accidents is advised, as numerous factors, such as hidden serious injuries, unpredictable insurance company negotiations, and potential legal risks, could turn a minor accident into a larger, more complex claim that may require assistance from Las Vegas personal injury lawyers.
Can You Settle a Minor Accident Without Reporting It?
Yes, a minor accident can be settled without reporting it to the DMV, police, or insurance company.
However, it's not inadvisable as the potential of violating Nevada Revised Statutes and losing official record protection can put you at a substantial risk.
The best choice in any motor vehicle accident is to contact the police, even if the accident doesn't legally require you to do so.
What Can a Police Report Do to Strengthen Your Accident Case
Police reports are crucial pieces of evidence that can substantially strengthen a personal injury claim.
Key ways in which a police report can strengthen your accident case are outlined below.
Provides a Third-Party Account of the Accident
Police officers will provide an unbiased report of the accident site, which can include details on factors such as the time, location, weather conditions, physical evidence, and personal observations.
In addition, the officer will provide information on any citations they may have issued.
Helps Prove Liability
In insurance negotiations or court, a police report can be used to establish liability, as your personal injury attorney can use the officer's notes on driver and witness statements to piece together the events of the accident.
Provide Documentation for Injuries and Property Damage
A police report may also include the officer's observation of any damages to motor vehicles and any injuries sustained, which can be used to defend against claims of pre-existing injury or damage.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
