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Car accidents are stressful, and figuring out what to do afterward can be confusing. One of the biggest questions drivers face is whether or not they need to call the police after an accident. In Nevada, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the severity of the accident and the situation, there are specific instances where notifying law enforcement is a must.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key steps and legal obligations you should follow after an accident in Nevada, so you can be prepared in case the worst happens.
In Nevada, not all accidents require the immediate involvement of law enforcement, but there are circumstances where it’s mandatory to report an accident.
Nevada law requires you to call the police if:
If either of these situations applies, you must notify the police right away. Failing to do so could lead to legal trouble down the road, including fines or even a license suspension.
Not reporting an accident can have serious consequences. If you fail to report an accident that involves injuries, it can be considered a hit-and-run, which is a felony.
In addition, if the property damage exceeds $750 and you don’t report it, you risk having your driver’s license suspended for up to a year.
In short, not reporting an accident could lead to serious legal trouble, even if the accident seems minor at first.
It can be hard to know when to call the police, especially if the accident seems minor. Below are a few common scenarios where calling law enforcement is important.
If someone is hurt in the accident, even if the injury seems minor, you should call the police. Sometimes injuries that seem small, like bruises or sprains, can get worse later on. Calling the police ensures that there’s an official report of the accident, which can be helpful if you or someone else needs to file a claim for medical bills.
If no one is hurt but the damage to the vehicles or other property is more than $750, you are legally required to report the accident. Even though it might be tempting to settle things privately with the other driver, it’s always best to involve the police to avoid any issues down the road.
Accidents can make people emotional, and sometimes drivers can become aggressive. If the other driver becomes hostile or refuses to cooperate, it’s a good idea to call the police. Law enforcement can help keep the situation under control and ensure that everyone’s rights are protected.
In Nevada, there may be times when the police don’t arrive after you call them, especially if it’s a minor accident. This could be due to other emergencies taking priority or limited resources.
Police are typically dispatched based on the severity of the accident. If your accident doesn’t involve injuries or significant property damage, the police might not show up. However, you’re still required to report the accident, even if they don’t come to the scene.
If the police don’t arrive, you’re responsible for reporting the accident yourself. Here’s what to do:
It might seem unnecessary to report a minor accident, especially if there are no injuries and the damage seems small. But there are a few important reasons why you should file a report even for minor accidents.
Sometimes injuries from car accidents don’t show up until days or even weeks later. What might seem like a harmless bump on the head could turn into a serious issue. Having a police report on file can be extremely helpful if you need to file a claim for medical expenses later on.
Not reporting an accident could lead to major problems, especially if injuries or property damage are discovered after the fact. For example, if a minor injury turns into a more serious issue, you could be facing a hit-and-run charge if the accident wasn’t reported properly.
In the case of a minor accident, it’s important to stay calm and follow the right steps. Here’s what you should do:
In Nevada, minor accidents can be reported online through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s website. This is a convenient option if the police don’t come to the scene.
Not always. If no one is injured and the damage is less than $750, you don’t have to call the police. However, it’s still a good idea to report the accident.
If the other driver is uncooperative or hostile, you should call the police to help manage the situation.
Yes, you can file a report for minor accidents online through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Failing to report an accident can result in a suspended license or even a felony charge if injuries are involved.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Nevada and aren’t sure whether to call the police, it’s important to know the laws. If someone is hurt or the damage is more than $750, you must call the police. Even for smaller accidents, it’s a good idea to report the incident to avoid problems later on.
If you’re feeling unsure about what to do after an accident, Gina Corena & Associates is here to help. Our experienced car accident lawyers can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Reach out to us today for free consultation.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
