Car Accident Laws in Nevada
Car accidents in Nevada can happen in seconds but leave lasting impacts. Injuries, damaged vehicles, and confusion about the law often follow. Understanding the rules regarding fault, insurance requirements, and filing a car accident claim is important for protecting your rights.
Car accident laws in Nevada shape how accident victims can recover compensation for bodily injury, property damage, and lost wages. They also explain what drivers must do at the accident scene, including when to file a crash report and what information to share.
When accidents occur, many people face challenges with insurance adjusters, police reports, and determining fault. The law is designed to ensure accountability, but the claims process can feel overwhelming. That is why working with a Nevada car accident lawyer can make a difference.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we help accident victims handle every stage, from filing an insurance claim with their own insurance company to building strong personal injury claims against the at-fault driver.
How THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Help With Car Accident Laws in Nevada
Understanding how to apply Nevada car accident laws to your case is not always simple. Every accident is unique, and details such as the accident scene, the police report, and whether a crash report was filed matter greatly. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we help clients navigate these steps with care.
Our role includes gathering evidence from the investigating officer and ensuring that all required written or electronic reports are filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles when needed. We also deal directly with the insurance company providing coverage, making sure accident victims do not feel pressured to admit fault or accept less than they deserve. Insurance adjusters often try to resolve accident claims quickly, but this can leave injured people with unpaid medical bills or reduced compensation for property damage.
When a personal injury lawsuit is necessary, our firm guides clients through the trial process with clear explanations and ongoing support. The goal is always to secure a fair settlement or verdict that reflects the true losses caused by the auto accident.
Nevada Car Accident Laws: Basics You Should Know
The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), particularly Chapter 484E, lay out specific duties for drivers, while other sections cover insurance, liability, and legal deadlines.
Duties After a Crash (NRS 484E)
Drivers must always stop at the scene of an accident. If the crash causes injury or death (NRS 484E.010), leaving the scene is a Category B felony punishable by 2–20 years in prison and fines of $2,000–$5,000.
Based on NRS 484E.020, failing to stop for property damage is a misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and six demerit points on the license. After stopping, drivers are required under NRS 484E.030 to exchange information (name, address, registration, license) and render reasonable aid, including medical assistance. If no police are present, the driver must report the accident to law enforcement.
Reporting Requirements
Under NRS 484E.070, a written or electronic crash report must be filed within 10 days if there is an injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more. Drivers must include a repair estimate or statement of loss from a licensed adjuster.
Police reports may substitute if they already document all required details. Failing to file or filing a false report (NRS 484E.080) is a misdemeanor that can lead to a license suspension of up to one year.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
If property is damaged but unattended, drivers must leave identifying information and notify law enforcement (NRS 484E.040–.050). Repair shops are also required to retain accident-related repair records for two years (NRS 484E.100). State agencies, under NRS 484E.110–.130, compile crash data and statistics.
Traffic Safety Laws
Nevada law prohibits tailgating. NRS 484B.127 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, resulting in 4 license points, and are often treated as negligence per se in civil lawsuits.
Insurance Requirements
According to NRS 485.185 and 485.187, all Nevada drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of the following:
- $25,000 per person (bodily injury)
- $50,000 per accident (total bodily injury)
- $20,000 per accident (property damage)
Proof of insurance must be available at all times. Driving uninsured may result in fines ($250–$1,000 for a first offense), license/registration suspension, and possible SR-22 filing requirements.
Fault and Compensation Rules
Nevada follows modified comparative negligence (NRS 41.141). Accident victims who are less than 50% at fault can recover damages, reduced by their fault percentage. If a driver is 50% or more responsible, they cannot recover. In lawsuits, punitive damages are capped at three times compensatory damages.
Deadlines for Legal Claims
Victims must act quickly. NRS 11.190 sets the statute of limitations at 2 years for personal injury and 3 years for property damage.
Determining Fault in Nevada Car Accidents
A central issue in car accident cases is determining fault. Nevada employs the comparative negligence rule, which permits injured individuals to recover compensation even if they share some degree of responsibility. Under this rule, an accident victim can recover damages if their share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if an accident victim is found 20 percent at fault for a car crash, their compensation is reduced by that percentage. If the other driver is primarily at fault, the victim may still be able to recover significant damages. This rule is critical in personal injury claims, as insurance adjusters often use it to reduce settlement amounts.
In addition, accident victims should be careful when speaking with an insurance adjuster employed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Statements made without reviewing the police report or other evidence can unfairly shift blame. Working with a car accident lawyer can ensure that fault is determined reasonably and supported by strong evidence.
Personal Injury Lawsuits for Car Accident Claims After a Nevada Car Accident
Not all accident claims are resolved through the insurance process. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, accident victims may file a personal injury lawsuit. Nevada law gives victims the right to recover compensation from the at-fault driver through the courts.
The process involves gathering records such as the police report, medical evaluations, and proof of lost wages. Attorneys then present these in court or during settlement negotiations. If a case proceeds to such a trial, the court will apply the comparative negligence rule to determine how much compensation the victim may receive.
While many car accident lawsuits are resolved before trial, the claims process requires careful preparation. A car accident lawyer can help victims build strong cases and negotiate with insurance adjusters to reach a resolution that reflects the actual costs of the accident.
Common Issues in Nevada Car Accident Cases
After a crash, accident victims often encounter problems that extend beyond medical treatment and car repairs. Below are some of the most frequent issues people face when dealing with Nevada car accident laws and the claims process:
- Delays or Denials by Insurance Companies: Accident victims often face problems when the insurance company providing coverage delays payments or denies liability altogether. This can slow down recovery for medical bills and property damage.
- Other Driver Refusing Information: Sometimes, the other driver fails to provide their license or insurance details at the accident scene. This makes it harder to begin the claims process and may require police involvement.
- Disputes Over Financial Responsibility: When multiple drivers are involved in a crash, disagreements often arise about who is responsible under Nevada’s financial responsibility laws. These disputes can complicate accident claims.
- Comparative Negligence Arguments: Insurance adjusters may use Nevada’s comparative negligence rule to reduce payouts. By claiming that the injured person shares part of the blame, they attempt to reduce the settlement amount.
- Errors in Crash Reports: Mistakes in a crash report or omissions in the investigating officer’s report can be used against accident victims. Inaccuracies may affect how fault is determined and the outcome of accident claims.
- Need for Legal Support: A car accident lawyer can review reports, challenge unfair blame, and ensure that victims have someone fighting for their right to fair compensation under Nevada law.
Working With Insurance Adjusters
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a crash can be frustrating. The adjuster’s role is to save money for the insurance company, not to ensure that accident victims recover full damages. Adjusters may request recorded statements, medical records, or quick settlements. Accepting these without legal guidance can reduce your claim’s value.
Accident victims should be cautious when speaking with an insurance adjuster employed by the at-fault driver’s insurer. Always review the police report, medical bills, and documentation before making statements. Avoid saying you might have been at fault, as adjusters may use this to lower your compensation under the comparative negligence rule.
Keeping records of all communication, bills, and costs can strengthen your position. Working with a car accident lawyer helps level the playing field and ensures that your personal injury claims are not undervalued.
Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
If you are involved in a car crash, here’s what you should do:
- Stop your vehicle and provide reasonable assistance to any person injured in a crash.
- Call the police so that a police officer, in the performance of their duty, can create an official report.
- Exchange information, including driver’s license number and insurance details, with the other driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicle involved.
- Seek medical or surgical treatment right away, even if you feel fine.
- Notify your own insurance company about the accident.
How Our Car Accident Lawyer at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Can Help You After an Auto Accident
Recovering after a car accident in Nevada is not just about repairing his or her vehicle. It often involves medical or surgical treatment, missed work, and financial stress. Understanding accident laws and insurance requirements helps protect your rights, but applying them correctly can be challenging.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we guide clients through every step, from filing accident claims to negotiating with insurance adjusters and pursuing car accident lawsuits when necessary. Our focus is on securing fair outcomes for accident victims, ensuring they recover compensation for the losses they face.
If you were injured in a crash, call us at (702) 478-2266 or schedule a free consultation online. We will review your case, explain how Nevada car accident laws apply, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.