Hurt in a crash in Las Vegas? The immediate aftermath can be stressful and even overwhelming! Many people don’t know what the next steps are following an accident or what they’re entitled to as a victim of a crash.
A police report is a foundational piece of any auto accident claim. It helps to confirm not only that a crash occurred, but also some of the key details. In this article, our Las Vegas auto accident attorney highlights the key things you should know about filing a police report after a crash.
All Injuries and Crashes in Nevada Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement
If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Clark County, it is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your rights and interests. Under Nevada law (NRS 484E.020), any car accident that results in an injury, death, or even property damage that appears to be greater than $750 should be reported to law enforcement. You can report a collision to state or local law enforcement. Notably, a collision in Las Vegas should generally be reported to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). After a serious crash, a police officer will generally be dispatched to help control the scene and document the collision.
The Steps for Filing a Police Report After a Collision in Las Vegas
How do you file a police report in Las Vegas? After a traffic collision it is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps that you need to take:
- Notify the Police: Contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) or other local law enforcement to report the accident.
- Wait for the Police to Arrive: If you are still at the scene, stay at the scene until the police arrive. Do not leave unless your safety is at risk.
- Provide Accurate Information: Be sure to give the responding officers as much information as possible, including details of the accident.
- Collect Officer Information: Ask the responding officer for their name, badge number, and the incident number of the report.
- Request a Copy of the Report: Find out how you can obtain a copy of the police report. You can request a police report from the LVMPD online, in-person, or via mail.
What are Your Options If the Police Did Not Come to the Scene of the Crash?
If a car accident was not initially reported at the scene, you can still file a police report by visiting the nearest police station or by contacting the local law enforcement agency over the phone, Provide them with all the relevant information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and any details about the other vehicles involved. Take action as soon as possible.
A Police Report is a Key Form of Documentation in the Legal Claims Process
Nevada is a tort state for motor vehicle accident claims. The at-fault party can be held liable for a crash. Evidence is at the foundation of any successful insurance claim. After a car accident in Las Vegas, a police report is a valuable document. It is evidence of your crash and it will generally provide basic information, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident;
- A description of the vehicles involved, including crash damage;
- The names of witnesses and, potentially, brief witness statements; and
- Any traffic citations that were issued related to the incident.
When getting started with a claim, insurance companies rely heavily on police reports to determine liability and process claims. While it is not, by itself, irrefutable proof, the police report is viewed as a neutral account of the events that can help establish fault for a crash.
Why Injured Victims Trust the Las Vegas Car Crash Lawyers at Ace Law Group
If you have questions about how to navigate the motor vehicle accident claims process, you are certainly not alone. Insurance companies can make things hard on injured victims—especially so if there is a dispute over liability. At Ace Law Group, we put the best interests of our clients first. With a proven history of successful verdicts and settlements and millions recovered on behalf of victims, our Las Vegas auto accident lawyers are prepared to take your case as far as needed to get results.
Contact Our Las Vegas, NV Auto Accident Attorney Today
At Ace Law Group, our Las Vegas car crash lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and passionate advocate for injured victims. Have questions about filing a police report? We can help. Give us a call now at (702) 333-4223 or contact us directly online for a free, no strings attached case review. From our Las Vegas office, we fight for the rights of car accident victims in Clark County and throughout Nevada.