A car crash in Nevada can turn a normal day into chaos in seconds. Between checking for injuries, calling a tow truck, and exchanging insurance details, few people think about deadlines. Yet how long you have to report a car accident in Nevada is one of the most important rules you’ll face after a collision. Missing the required time to file a police report or submit your DMV crash report can lead to penalties, suspended driving privileges, or even a denied insurance claim.
Nevada law imposes strict reporting requirements for any accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage. Understanding those rules now saves you from serious consequences later. This guide explains exactly how long you have to report, what counts as a “reportable” crash, and how prompt reporting protects your right to recover damages after a car accident.
When Are You Required to Report a Car Accident in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, certain car accidents must be reported to either the police or the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), depending on the circumstances.
1. When police must be called
If you’re involved in a traffic accident that results in injury or death, or if property damage is $750 or more, Nevada law requires you to notify law enforcement. That means a crash in Las Vegas where someone is hurt or the damage is significant triggers a police-response requirement. The investigating officer will prepare the official police report.
2. When you must file with the DMV
If no law enforcement officer investigates the crash at the scene and the accident meets one of the above thresholds (injury, death, or $750+ in damage), then the driver must file a crash report form (Form SR-1) with the Nevada DMV within the legal timeframe.
3. Minor accidents
If there are no injuries, no fatalities, and property damage is under $750, you may not be legally required to report the accident to the police or DMV. But even then, it is smart to document the crash and exchange information.
Why This Deadline Matters for Insurance and Lawsuits
Protecting a future personal injury claim or accident lawsuit
If you’re a car accident victim, you may need to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In Nevada, you have a statute of limitations of two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to make required reports or missing deadlines can hurt your ability to seek compensation and may give insurance companies leverage to reduce your payout.
Avoiding a driver’s license or legal penalties
If you neglect your duty to report, you expose yourself to:
- License suspension (up to one year in Nevada) for failing to file the required form.
- Fines or criminal charges in some cases.
- Insurance claim denial or delays, because your insurance company may argue you failed to comply with your policy’s “duty to report” clause.
Steps You Should Take After a Nevada Car Crash
When you’re involved in a car accident in Las Vegas (or anywhere in Nevada), you’ll want to act quickly and correctly. Here’s a practical checklist:
- Ensure safety at the accident scene: move your vehicle if you can do so safely, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or trapped.
- Call the police if required (injuries, death, or major damage). The investigating officer will create a police report.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s): names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy details, vehicle registration.
- Document the crash site: take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, license plates, and the position of vehicles. Collect witness names and contact info if possible.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine now, because injuries can show up later.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as you can. Even if you don’t think you’re at fault, the insurance company will expect a timely report.
- File the SR-1 report with the DMV if no officer investigated and you had injury, death, or damage over $750. Attach the required documents: insurance proof, repair estimate or total loss statement, and medical statement if injury or death.
- Consult a Nevada car accident lawyer as soon as possible if you have injuries, significant damage, or disputed fault. Legal help can protect your right to full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering, property damage, and other losses.
How Reporting Affects Your Insurance Claim & Legal Action
Insurance claims
Prompt reporting ensures your insurance company has the facts while the evidence is fresh. Delay can raise questions about your fault, the extent of damage or injury, and could lead to a reduced settlement or denial. Also, if no police report was filed and you failed to complete the SR-1, the other party’s insurer might argue you did not play by the rules, making it harder to recover full compensation.
Personal injury claims/lawsuits
If you’re injured in the crash, you may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In Nevada, the rule of “modified comparative negligence” applies: if your share of fault is 50% or more, you may be barred from recovering damages.
A properly filed police or DMV crash report strengthens your case by recording liability factors, vehicle damage, and injury. Without it, you may struggle to prove the other driver caused your losses (medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering) or may see a delayed defense tactic from the insurance company.
If you miss the 10-day reporting deadline and the other side raises that issue, you might still recover, but the risk is higher and the process tougher.
Temple Injury Law: Helping You Handle Every Step After a Nevada Car Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a Nevada car accident, reporting it is just the first step. The next, and often the hardest part, is dealing with insurance companies and medical bills while trying to recover. That’s where Temple Injury Law comes in.
Our firm represents car accident victims across Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, helping clients file proper accident reports, preserve evidence, and pursue fair compensation. We know how quickly deadlines can close under Nevada’s reporting laws and the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Attorney Jeff Temple and our team take the pressure off by handling the legal and insurance details for you. From filing your crash report to negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer, we work to ensure no deadline or technical mistake reduces your recovery.
Contact Temple Injury Law for Guidance and Peace of Mind
Recovering after a car accident is rarely simple. Beyond medical appointments and vehicle repairs, the deadlines and paperwork can create real stress, especially if you’re unsure what the law requires. At Temple Injury Law, we handle the details so you can focus on healing. Our team helps clients file the right reports on time, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation when the at-fault party refuses to take responsibility.
Our clients often tell us how much it means to have someone who listens and responds quickly during such a difficult time. As Stephanie Zelidon shared,
My experience with Jeff and team was great! They were very accommodating to my work schedule, which is just what you need after an accident with all of the doctor visits. I loved being able to send a text and getting a response in a timely manner. I would definitely call on them again if needed and will be referring anyone who needs help in the future. That kind of trust matters to us. If you’ve been injured in a Nevada car accident and need clear answers about your rights or the reporting process, we invite you to reach out. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward and protect your future.
Jeff Temple focuses his practice in the area of personal injury. As a skilled personal injury attorney, he handles a broad range of cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. He is a graduate of the Radford University, he later attended the University of Miami School of Law and studied abroad at University College London. Upon graduating, Jeff relocated to Las Vegas and founded Temple Injury Law in 2022.
