Las Vegas is one of the most traffic-congested cities in the American West, and car accidents happen every day on the Strip, the 215 Beltway, I-15, and throughout the valley. If you have been injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can make a significant difference in your ability to recover fair compensation. This guide walks you through what to do - and what not to do - after a crash.
Nevada statute of limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada (NRS 11.190). Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to sue. Don't wait to consult an attorney.
Your safety and the safety of others is the first priority. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, get police and medical personnel to the scene. A police report is important documentation for your insurance claim and any future lawsuit.
Leaving the scene of an accident in Nevada - even a minor one - is a criminal offense. Stay until police arrive and give you clearance to leave.
If you are physically able to do so safely:
Adrenaline masks pain. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries often don't present symptoms for 24–72 hours. See a doctor the same day or the next day. Delayed treatment gives insurance companies grounds to argue your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident.
You are required to report the accident to your insurer, but be careful about what you say. Do not speculate about fault, minimize your injuries, or give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters - including your own - are trained to document statements that reduce payouts.
Do not accept a quick settlement offer. Insurance companies often call accident victims within days, offering a fast payout. These early offers are almost always far below what you are actually entitled to - especially once the full extent of your injuries becomes clear. Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot go back for more.
Nevada is an at-fault (tort) state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Nevada also follows modified comparative negligence (NRS 41.141):
This makes establishing fault as early as possible critical. The other party's insurance company will often argue that you share a greater percentage of blame than the facts support - a tactic designed to reduce their payout.
In a Nevada car accident claim, you may be entitled to recover:
PRO LAW GROUP represents clients injured in all types of accidents, including rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, sideswipes, rollover accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups. Common injuries include:
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to pay you as little as possible. A car accident attorney levels the playing field:
PRO LAW GROUP has represented car accident victims in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County since 2000. We understand Nevada personal injury law, know how local insurers operate, and fight to recover every dollar you are owed. Contact us for a free consultation or call (702) 474-0500 - Monday through Thursday 8:30am–5pm, Friday 8:30am–3pm.