What to do after a car accident in Nevada
Every rule below is quoted from Nevada law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
At fault state
The short answer
Nevada is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash, and that driver's insurance, pays for the other person's injuries and damage. A driver must report a crash to police right away if someone was hurt or killed, or if the crash happened on a highway and no officer is already there. You generally have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
Deadlines in Nevada
- 2 years
- to sue for injuriesNRS 11.190(4)(e)
- 3 years
- to sue for car or property damageNRS 11.190(3)(c)
- 2 years
- for a family to sue after a deathNRS 11.190(4)(e)
- 2 years
- to notify the government if a public vehicle or road was involvedNRS 41.036
Miss one of these and you can lose the right to claim, even with a strong case.
At the scene
Stop, share your information and help anyone hurt
After a crash, Nevada law says a driver must stop, give their name, address, and license plate number, and help anyone who is injured, including arranging a ride to a doctor or hospital.
“Render to any person injured in such crash reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon or hospital.”
When you must call the police
A driver must report a crash to police right away if someone was hurt or killed, or if the crash happened on a highway and no officer is already there.
“shall, if the crash resulted in injury to or death of any person or occurred on a highway, forthwith report the crash to the nearest office of a police authority”
Moving your car out of traffic
After a minor crash, Nevada law says drivers must move a car that can still be driven out of the traffic lanes to a safe spot so it does not block traffic.
“cause the vehicle to be moved out of the traffic lanes of the roadway to a safe location that does not create a hazard or obstruct traffic”
In the days after
Whether you must file a report yourself
If a crash causes injury, death, or about $750 or more in damage, the driver must also send a written crash report to the Nevada DMV within 10 days.
“if the crash results in bodily injury to or the death of any person or total damage to any vehicle or item of property to an apparent extent of $750”
Getting a copy of the crash report
You can request a Nevada Highway Patrol crash report online using the crash number, the last name on the report, and the crash date. It costs $10 and is usually ready 7 to 14 days after the crash.
“Crash reports will be available 7-14 days from date of crash.”
Who pays for the damage
Nevada is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash, and that driver's insurance, pays for the other person's injuries and damage.
“Liability insurance coverage protects you only if you are liable for an accident and pays for the injuries to others or damages to their property.”
Insurance rules in Nevada
What insurance every driver must carry
Nevada drivers must carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per crash, and $20,000 in property damage coverage, often written as 25/50/20.
“the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage will increased to $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 in property damage”
Personal injury protection (PIP)
Nevada does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Only liability insurance is required by law.
“By law, all drivers in Nevada must purchase auto insurance.”
If the other driver has no insurance
Nevada insurance companies must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to drivers, but the driver can turn it down.
“insurance companies transacting motor vehicle insurance in this State must offer, on a form approved by the Commissioner, uninsured and underinsured vehicle coverage in an amount equal to the limits”
Medical payments coverage
Nevada insurance companies must offer medical payments coverage of at least $1,000 on car and motorcycle policies, but the driver can turn it down.
“the option of purchasing coverage in an amount of at least $1,000 for the payment of reasonable and necessary medical expenses”
If an insurance company treats you unfairly
If you have a problem with your car insurance company, you can file a complaint with the Nevada Division of Insurance.
The deadline rules, word for word
Deadline to sue for injuries
You generally have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
“An action to recover damages for injuries to a person or for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”
Deadline to sue for car damage
You generally have 3 years from the date of the crash to sue over damage to your vehicle or other property.
“An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for specific recovery thereof”
Deadline for a wrongful death claim
Family members generally have 2 years from the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit tied to a crash.
“An action to recover damages for injuries to a person or for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”
If a government vehicle or road was involved
If a state or local government vehicle or road is involved in your crash, you generally must file a claim with the government agency within 2 years of the crash.
“a claim against the State or any of its agencies arising out of a tort must file the claim within 2 years after the time the cause of action accrues”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.