J. Cogburn Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | September 26, 2024 | Car Accidents

Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Nevada?

If you’ve been in a car accident and aren’t sure whether you should call the police, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Calling the police, even for a minor accident, can save you from potential complications down the road. The Nevada Highway Patrol recommends calling 911 to report any accident, even if there are no visible injuries. 

While it might seem unnecessary to involve the police in a minor accident, especially in a busy metro area like Las Vegas, where law enforcement may take a while to respond, skipping this step can create bigger problems later. Relying on the other driver to handle the repair or liability issues without a police report is risky. 

Before you decide to exchange information and leave without involving the authorities, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re involved in an accident in Nevada. Consulting with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and ensure your rights are protected. Keep reading to learn more.

What Does the Law Require?

Each state has specific laws outlining when drivers must report accidents to the police, and Nevada is no exception. Here are a few important points to consider: 

  • Accidents Involving Injury or Death: If anyone is injured or killed in an accident (e.g., speeding), Nevada law requires you to immediately report the crash to law enforcement. 
  • Vehicle Damage: If the accident results in significant vehicle damage that makes a car unsafe to drive, you are legally obligated to call the police. 
  • Accidents Involving Bicyclists or Pedestrians: If you’re involved in an accident with a bicyclist or pedestrian, you must contact the police. 
  • Injured Animals: If a domestic animal such as a dog or cat is injured in the accident, you must notify the police or attempt to find the animal’s owner. 

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so make sure you take precautions to report your accident to the proper authorities. Calling the police is usually a wise choice after a car accident. 

What if the Other Driver Will Not Cooperate?

In minor accidents, it can be tempting to simply exchange phone numbers and insurance information with the other driver without involving the police. But keep in mind that you likely don’t know this person. Even if they seem cooperative at the scene, they might later deny responsibility, especially if they could be held liable for negligence. 

Without an official police report, it could be difficult to prove what happened. Having law enforcement document the accident helps remove any uncertainty about the other driver’s intentions and ensures an accurate record of the event. 

What if Drivers Disagree About Fault?

It’s common for drivers involved in an accident to disagree about who was at fault. What might seem obvious to you could be contested by the other driver. For example, if you suddenly braked to avoid hitting an animal and were rear-ended, you may assume the other driver is at fault. However, they might argue that you were driving recklessly or dispute the reason you stopped. 

These disagreements can become more complicated when insurance companies get involved.  A police investigation and report can serve as an impartial record, helping to clarify the situation and prevent the other driver from unfairly shifting the blame onto you.

What About Future Medical Bills and Other Damages?

Not all injuries are immediately visible. Some may take days or even weeks to show symptoms.  If you didn’t call the police and later realize you’ve been injured, it may be difficult to link your injuries to the accident without an official report. A police report provides important evidence that can be crucial if you need to seek compensation for medical bills or other damages. 

What Might Your Insurance Company Require?

It’s essential to review your car insurance policy closely. Some policies may require a police report to process claims, even for minor accidents. Without a report, you may have difficulty getting your insurer to cover damages. This is especially true when the other driver contests your account of the accident. 

For these reasons, it is important to contact the police after any accident. Taking this step ensures you have an official record of the incident, which can help protect your rights and simplify the claims process if any issues arise later.

If you have any questions, a Henderson car accident attorney can help you today.

For more information, please contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at J. Cogburn Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Clark County and throughout Nevada:

J. Cogburn Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Las Vegas
2300 W Sahara Ave Suite 800-816, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 710-0198
Open 24 hours

J. Cogburn Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Henderson
2580 St Rose Pkwy Suite 330, Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 541-9766
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