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After a Nevada car accident, knowing how long you have to take legal action is one of the most important steps. Nevada law gives you a limited amount of time to file a claim if you’ve suffered physical injuries, property damage, or lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions. This legal time limit is called the statute of limitations, and missing it can stop your case before it even starts.

At Temple Injury Law, we help accident victims across Las Vegas and throughout Nevada understand their rights after a crash. Whether you’re dealing with medical costs, time away from work, or trauma from the accident itself, our goal is to help you move forward.

This guide explains how the two-year window works and what you should do before the legal deadline runs out.

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Nevada’s Two-Year Window for Car Accident Claims

Under Nevada law, most car accident claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. This rule applies to both personal injury cases and wrongful death claims. If you were hurt in the crash, you have a two-year period to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

If someone died as a result of the accident, the two years start on the date of the victim’s death. This time frame provides individuals affected by car accident cases an opportunity to recover damages. But once that deadline passes, you likely lose the right to file a legal claim. Filing a car accident lawsuit within the time limit helps protect your right to seek compensation, especially if the claims process becomes difficult.

Why Timing Matters After a Car Accident

Understanding the timeline after a Nevada car accident can make the difference between a valid claim and a dismissed case. Here’s why acting early matters:

  • You protect your right to file a legal claim: Nevada’s statute of limitations gives you two years to sue. If you wait too long, your case may be dismissed even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
  • Evidence is stronger shortly after the crash: Photos, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions are easier to document right away and help support your personal injury claim.
  • Witnesses are easier to reach early on: People’s memories fade, and contact information may change. The sooner you speak to witnesses, the more reliable their accounts become.
  • Medical records clearly link your injuries to the accident: Getting medical attention right after the crash helps show that your physical injuries were caused by the accident, not something else.
  • Insurance companies take your claim more seriously: Filing a claim soon after the accident shows that you are taking the legal process seriously, which can help during settlement negotiations.
  • You allow your legal team time to build your case: A strong case takes time to prepare. Reaching out to Temple Injury Law early helps our team gather facts, talk to the right people, and file before the limitations deadline.
  • You avoid legal stress later on: Waiting too long can make it harder to make decisions, find documents, or stay ahead of the legal time limit. Acting early keeps your options open.
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I’ve had the pleasure of working with personal injury attorney, Jeff Temple for quite some time now. In a city that has no shortage of lawyers, Jeff really stands out to me. He is kind, understanding and very knowledgeable about personal injury law in general. My dad was in a minor car accident and without
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Jeff Temple is the best- I got into an accident in early March and he was caring, checked on my well being, and got right to work on my case. He kept me in the loop on where we were at, what he’s accomplished, and next steps. He was more than accommodating to meet me when papers needed to be signed and cognizant of my time. He took the care to explain what I was signing, what it meant, and answered any questions I had. I highly recommend Jeff if you need an injury lawyer.
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Exceptions to Nevada’s Statute of Limitations

Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations applies to most car accident claims, but there are some exceptions. These situations are rare, but they can extend your legal deadline.

When the Injury Isn’t Immediately Clear: The Discovery Rule

Sometimes, an injury from a car accident doesn’t show up right away. This could include head injuries, back damage, or internal problems that take time to notice. Under the discovery rule, the two-year clock may begin when you first become aware of the injury, not when the accident happened. If you needed time to identify the full impact of your injuries, this rule might apply. It’s important to have medical records that show when the issue was diagnosed and how it relates to the accident.

When a Child Is Injured: Minor’s Exception

If a car accident victim is under 18, Nevada allows extra time to file a lawsuit. Minor’s parents or legal guardians can file a personal injury claim on the child’s behalf. If no claim is filed, the child usually has until age 20 to file their own claim. This means the two-year legal time limit begins on the child’s 18th birthday. These types of claims often involve long-term medical care or emotional effects that develop over time, so having clear documentation helps support the case.

When a Victim Can’t File: Mental Incapacity

Some people injured in a Nevada car accident may not be able to file a claim because of mental incapacity. This can happen after a severe head injury, coma, or another condition that affects memory or decision-making. If someone is declared mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may pause until they regain legal capacity. This exception is only allowed under specific conditions, and it often requires medical proof or legal documentation.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Car Accident

If a car accident victim passes away because of their injuries, the family may file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit helps surviving family members recover damages for funeral costs, emotional loss, and lost financial support.

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date the victim dies. This may be different from the date of the accident. Those eligible to file include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or the estate. These lawsuits can be complicated for grieving families to handle on their own. But missing the deadline can permanently close the door to financial recovery.

Filing a claim on time can help bring some level of closure while making sure the at-fault party is held responsible.

Preparing for a Lawsuit Before the Deadline

Acting early is one of the best ways to protect your rights. As the deadline gets closer, it becomes harder to gather and use important evidence. This includes traffic camera footage, witness contact, vehicle inspections, and even your own medical records.

If you plan to pursue legal action, you’ll need clear documentation that shows the accident caused your physical injuries or damage to your personal property. You also need time to evaluate the value of your losses, including medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and long-term care.

Filing a lawsuit immediately isn’t always required, but you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney well before the statute of limitations runs out.

Insurance Claims and the Statute of Limitations

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Filing an insurance claim after a car accident is usually the first step in the claims process. However, dealing with insurance companies doesn’t halt the legal time limit from expiring. If the insurer delays, denies the claim, or offers a low settlement, you still only have two years to sue. Many people think they have more time when negotiating, but that’s not the case. The court follows the law, not the timeline of your talks with insurance adjusters.

If your claim filed with the insurance company doesn’t result in a fair offer, you’ll need to switch gears quickly. That means preparing your personal injury case and filing it before the statute expires. At Temple Injury Law, we guide clients from the first phone call to settlement negotiations, helping protect your case through every stage.

Jeff Temple

Jeff Temple

Personal Injury Lawyer

Call Temple Injury Law Before Time Runs Out

The sooner you understand your legal options, the better your chances of a good outcome. If you were injured in a Nevada car accident, don’t wait until the two-year period is almost over. Even if you’re still dealing with medical attention, treatment, or insurance paperwork, the clock is ticking.

Our legal team can help you understand where you stand and what steps you should take next. We work directly with injured clients, parents filing for children, and families dealing with wrongful death cases.

With a free case review, there’s no risk in asking for help. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a case, especially when evidence remains fresh for only a short time. Call us at (702) 487-4999 to see how we can help you recover damages and pursue maximum compensation while there’s still time.