Las Vegas sees thousands of car accidents every year, from minor fender benders on the Strip to serious collisions on I-15 and US-95. If you’ve been involved in an accident, the steps you take in the first hours and days can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what every Las Vegas driver needs to know.
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately — under Nevada law, you are required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750 (NRS 484E.030).
Even if you feel fine, request medical attention. Many injuries — such as whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding — may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the collision.
2. Exchange Information, But Watch What You Say
Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s). However, do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the responding officers.
3. Document Everything
Use your phone to thoroughly document the scene:
- Photographs: Vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries
- Witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
- Police report number: Ask the responding officer for the report number — you’ll need this for your insurance claim
- Your account: Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh in your mind
4. Seek Medical Treatment Promptly
Visit a doctor or emergency room within 24-48 hours of the accident, even if you think you’re uninjured. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident — a critical piece of evidence for any personal injury claim. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but keep your statement brief and factual. You are required to report the accident under most policies, but you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
6. Understand Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141). This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you’d receive $80,000.
7. Be Aware of 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). Missing this deadline almost certainly means losing your right to compensation. For property damage claims, you have three years.
8. Consult a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize your payout. Having an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney on your side levels the playing field. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Accepting the insurance company’s first settlement offer
- Signing medical authorizations from the other driver’s insurer
- Failing to follow through with medical treatment
- Waiting too long to consult an attorney
Get the Help You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, don’t navigate the legal process alone. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.