5 min read time
Summary
You have 10 days to file an SR-1 traffic accident report with the DMV and must report the accident immediately to the police if the car wreck resulted in injuries, death, or property damage over $750.
Table of Contents
How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Nevada?
In Nevada, under NRS 484E.070, if the car accident results in property damage exceeding $750, injury, or death, you must report the car crash to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the car accident.
In addition to reporting the car accident to the Nevada DMV, you must also immediately call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or North Las Vegas Police Department to the accident scene if the accident results in injury, death, or significant property damage so the police officer may file the required police reports.
This legal requirement to inform the Las Vegas Metro Police of the accident is outlined in NRS 484E.070.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance
Filing a car accident report with insurance companies doesn't have a specific timeline, which Nevada law requires.
However, for insurance companies to process claims efficiently, they often set time requirements for filing an injury claim in the terms of your policy.
Most insurance policies require that insurance claims for traffic accidents be reported within 24 to 72 hours of the accident.
What If I Don't Report a Car Accident to Insurance in Time
If you do not report a car accident to your insurance company within their set timeframe, complications can occur, such as:
- Denial of Car Accident Claims: The insurance company may deny your insurance claim if they believe the delay in notifying them was done with ill intent.
- Policy Repercussions: Failure to follow your policy terms, such as filing a traffic accident report within the set time limit, could result in penalties, such as coverage cancellation.
To avoid any of the listed above, you must file an insurance claim and contact legal professionals immediately to obtain a fair financial recovery.
If you wish to speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer today, call (702) 566-3600 for a free, no-obligation consultation
How Can I File an Auto Accident Report with the DMV
Under NRS 484E.070, you must file a Las Vegas accident report with the DMV following a motor vehicle accident that resulted in injury, death, or substantial property damage.
In addition to being one of the many legal obligations associated with an auto accident, filing a report with the DMV is essential to the claims process and obtaining a successful recovery.
Obtain a SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident Form
It's important that you obtain the correct form used for filing an accident report.
The required form is the SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident Form, which can be downloaded from the Nevada DMV website or picked up in person at a nearby DMV office.
Fill Out the Form
Complete the form and make sure to provide details about the motor vehicle accident, including:
- Date, time, and location of the car wreck
- Parties involved contact and insurance information
- Vehicle details such as license plate number, make, & model.
- Accurate account of the accident and damages
Once you have completed the form, you should also attach a copy of the police accident report filed by law enforcement or by you online.
Submit the Form
Mail or submit the SR-1 form in person to the Nevada DMV.
Ensure the report is submitted, as it is crucial for any following legal proceedings.
How Can I File a Police Report Online
After an accident, you can file an accident report online with the LVMPD or Nevada Highway Patrol; however, specific criteria must be met for this option to be valid.
In addition, it's important to note that if law enforcement was present at your motor vehicle accident the day it happened, you DO NOT need to file a police report online, as one has already been filed through the officer.
Ensure You Meet the Requirements for Filing a Police Report Online
When filing online, you must meet certain requirements, which are typically:
- The accident did not involve injuries or fatalities.
- The accident did not involve criminal activity, such as hit-and-run or DUI.
- The accident occurred within the jurisdiction of the police department with which you're looking to file a police report.
File the Police Report Through the Police Department's Website
Based on jurisdiction, understand which police department you are filing with and file a police report through their website.
Commonly used police sites to file a police report are:
When you report accidents online, ensure that the police report contains accurate and detailed information and supporting documents, such as photos of the accident.
What Information Do I Need to Complete a Police Report?
If, after a Las Vegas car accident, you are tasked with filing the police report, you must understand what information is required to do so to ensure a smooth insurance claims process.
Information required to complete a police report is:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Personal information such as full name, address, phone number, and driver's license number
- Parties involved license plate numbers, contact information, names, and addresses
- Vehicle information such as make, model, year, color, and VIN of all vehicles involved, including yours
- Your and other parties involved insurance company information and policy number
If you wish to complete this process professionally and ensure all the information is accurate, contact a Las Vegas personal injury attorney from our law firm today at (702) 566-3600 for a free consultation. We will handle each step in your case completely.
Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Nevada?
In Nevada, whether or not you need to call the police after a minor Nevada car accident depends on a variety of circumstances.
However, accident cases where you will need to call the police are if:
- Involved parties sustained injuries or fatalities
- Property damage exceeds $750
- A crime such as a hit-and-run occurs at the crash scene
If your accident does not contain any of the items listed above, you will not need to contact the police for the minor accident.
How Long Does a Police Report Take
In Nevada, a police report will typically take around 7-10 business days when filed with the LVMPD and around two weeks when filed with the NHP.
However, it's important to note that factors such as case complexity, the method of filing the police report, and the law enforcement agency you file with will all affect how long your police report takes.
How Long After a Las Vegas Car Accident Can I Claim an Injury
Following a motor vehicle accident, if you sustained injuries, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim, according to the Nevada Statute of Limitations outlined in NRS 11.190.
If you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit with a Las Vegas car accident attorney within this two-year time frame, you may be barred from seeking compensation from the opposing party.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
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.
