Filing an auto accident claim in Nevada can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re hurting and trying to get your life back on track. Understanding the steps to take to file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas helps you protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights from day one.
This checklist guide walks you through what to do—from the moment of impact through the insurance claim—so you know exactly how to protect yourself and how Howard Injury Law can help. Call us 24/7 at (702) 331-5722 for a free consultation or fill out our 24/7 web form.
Step 1: Put Safety First and Call 911
Immediately after a crash, your first priority is safety.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- If you can move safely, get your vehicle out of traffic—onto the shoulder, a parking lot, or the side of the road.
- Turn on your hazard lights and stay as calm as possible.
Call 911 to report the collision and request medical help if anyone may be hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, having police and medical professionals involved creates an official record that will become part of your auto accident claim in Las Vegas later.
Never leave the scene before law enforcement arrives, unless emergency medical treatment requires it.
Step 2: Call the Police and Get an Official Report
In Nevada, crashes that result in injuries or significant property damage should be reported to the police. When officers arrive:
- Explain what happened in clear, simple terms.
- Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Ask how and when you can obtain a copy of the report.
If, for some reason, police do not respond, you may need to complete a written accident report or DMV form after the fact. That written record will form part of the documentation for your claim.
Avoid guessing about speed, distance, or fault. If you do not know an answer, it is okay to say so.
Step 3: Exchange Information—But Do NOT Admit Fault
The next step in the steps to take to file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas is gathering basic information from everyone involved. Exchange:
- Names and contact details
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Make, model, and year of each vehicle
Stay polite and calm, but do not apologize or say you “caused” the crash. You may not know all the factors—another driver could have been speeding, distracted, or intoxicated. Admitting fault at the scene can make it harder to recover compensation later, even if you were only partly to blame.
Step 4: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Your phone is one of your best tools for protecting your claim. As long as it is safe to do so, take photos and video of:
- All vehicle damage (close‑ups and wide shots)
- The position of vehicles before they are moved
- Skid marks, broken glass, and debris
- Traffic lights and signs, including any that were blocked or not working
- Weather and road conditions (rain, nighttime, construction zones, etc.)
- Visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Quickly jot down what they say they saw. Witness statements can be powerful evidence if the other driver later changes their story.
This on‑scene documentation will help us be your winning car accident lawyer in Las Vegas that can later prove what happened and support your version of events.
Step 5: Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Even if you feel “okay,” you should still see a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic soon after the crash. Some injuries—like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries—may not show symptoms right away.
Getting prompt medical care:
- Protects your health by catching hidden injuries early
- Creates a medical record linking your condition to the collision
- Shows the insurance company that you took your injuries seriously
Follow your doctor’s instructions, attend follow‑up visits, and keep all discharge papers, prescriptions, and billing statements. These records will be critical when you calculate your damages and submit your auto accident claim in Las Vegas.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Most policies require you to report accidents within a reasonable time—even if the other driver was clearly at fault. When you call:
- Provide the date, time, and location of the crash
- Share basic information about the vehicles and drivers involved
- Confirm whether there were injuries and whether police responded
Keep your description factual and short. Do not guess about fault, minimize your injuries, or agree to a recorded statement before you understand your rights. If you feel unsure, let the adjuster know you will have your attorney follow up.
Remember: adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to limit what the company pays.
Step 7: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Before Negotiating
One of the most important steps to take to file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas is talking to an attorney early—ideally before you give detailed statements or sign any forms from an insurance company.
A lawyer at Howard Injury Law can:
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your claim
- Explain how Nevada’s comparative negligence rules could affect your compensation
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters so you do not have to
- Help you avoid common mistakes, like accepting an offer before you know the full extent of your injuries
Initial consultations are FREE, and the firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless money is recovered for you. That allows you to get experienced help without adding financial stress.
Step 8: Organize and Preserve All Evidence
Strong claims are built on strong evidence. From the first day after the crash, start a simple system to keep everything together. Save:
- Medical records after a car accident, test results, and treatment notes
- All medical and pharmacy bills
- Receipts for out‑of‑pocket costs (medications, crutches, parking at the hospital, etc.)
- Pay stubs and employer letters showing lost wages or reduced hours
- Vehicle repair estimates, towing bills, and rental car costs
- Copies of the police report and any DMV documents
- Emails, letters, and notes from conversations with insurance companies
You might also keep a journal that tracks your pain levels, sleep issues, emotional struggles, and missed events (work shifts, family activities, vacations). This personal record helps show how the crash has affected your daily life, which is valuable when claiming non‑economic damages like pain and suffering.
Your attorney will use all of this evidence to build a complete picture of your losses and demand full and fair compensation.
Step 9: Understand the Damages You Can Claim
When you file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas, you may be able to pursue two broad categories of compensation.
Economic damages
These are your out‑of‑pocket financial losses, such as:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow‑up visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Future medical care if you have ongoing limitations
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage
- Reasonable out‑of‑pocket costs related to the crash
Non‑economic damages
These cover the human impact of the crash, including:
- Physical pain and chronic discomfort
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of your normal activities
- Impact on your relationships and quality of life
A car accident lawyer in Las Vegas will review your records, speak with your doctors, and, when needed, consult experts to ensure that both types of damages are fully and accurately reflected in your claim.
Step 10: Let Your Lawyer File and Negotiate the Claim
Once you have hired Howard Injury Law, your attorney takes the lead on moving your claim forward, which typically includes:
- Preparing a detailed demand letter that explains how the crash occurred, why the other driver (or drivers) are at fault, and the full extent of your damages
- Submitting supporting evidence like medical records, bills, photographs, and witness statements
- Responding to questions and requests from the insurance company
- Negotiating for a settlement that reflects the real value of your claim—not just an opening low offer
- Advising you whether to accept, counter, or reject settlement proposals
- Filing a lawsuit and preparing for court if the insurer refuses to be reasonable
Most auto accident claims in Las Vegas resolve through settlement, but being prepared to go to trial often leads to stronger offers. Your lawyer’s job is to push for the best result while keeping you informed and involved in every major decision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the steps to take to file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas. Try to avoid:
- Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene
- Saying “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt” before seeing a doctor
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Ignoring or delaying medical treatment
- Signing releases or accepting a quick check from the insurance company
- Giving recorded statements without legal advice
These missteps can give insurers ammunition to deny or reduce your claim.
Protect Yourself In the Future
While no one plans to be in another accident, you can make your life easier if one happens by:
- Keeping a basic emergency kit in your car (first aid supplies, flashlight, phone charger, flares or triangles).
- Storing your insurance card and registration where they are easy to find.
- Saving a simple “accident checklist” in your glove box or phone so you can stay calm and follow the right steps.
- Reviewing your insurance limits and considering higher coverage (for example, raising limits above Nevada’s minimum and adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) to better protect yourself and your family.
Ensure your coverage meets Nevada’s minimum requirements:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 property damage per accident
BUT Nevada’s minimum car insurance limits are designed to keep you legal on the road—not necessarily to fully protect you after a serious crash. Increasing your coverage above the 25/50/20 minimum is usually a smart move, especially in a place like Las Vegas.
Here are the main reasons to raise your limits:
- Medical bills can easily exceed 25/50.
A single ER visit, imaging, and follow‑up care can quickly surpass 25,000 for one injured person, and serious injuries involving surgery or rehab can be much higher. If your policy only covers the minimum, anything above that comes out of your own pocket. - Modern vehicles often cost more than 20,000 to repair or replace.
Many new cars, SUVs, and trucks have repair bills that exceed 20,000 after a major crash, particularly when frame damage or advanced electronics are involved. If property damage goes beyond your limit, the other driver can pursue you personally for the difference. - Your personal assets are at risk.
If you cause a serious crash and your minimum coverage is not enough, the injured party can sue you individually to recover the rest. Raising your limits (for example, to 100/300/50) gives you more protection and helps shield your home, savings, and future income from being targeted in a lawsuit. - Higher limits are often affordable compared to the risk.
Many insurers offer higher liability limits for a relatively modest increase in premium, especially when you bundle policies. The cost of extra coverage is usually far less than the financial hit from one serious collision. - More protection if you add UM/UIM coverage.
Nevada requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in amounts that match your liability limits, though you can decline it. If you raise your liability to 100/300, your UM/UIM can match—giving you much better protection if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. - Las Vegas traffic increases the stakes.
Heavy tourist traffic, high speeds on nearby highways, and dense urban driving mean serious crashes are not rare. Larger potential claims make minimum coverage more likely to fall short.
In short, minimum car insurance in Las Vegas keeps you legal, but higher limits and added protections—like strong UM/UIM coverage—help make sure a single accident does not turn into a long‑term financial disaster for you and your family
Being prepared will help you move through the process more confidently if another collision occurs.
Legal Deadline (Statute of Limitations) for Filing a Claim in Las Vegas
Nevada law gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, under the car accident statute of limitations (NRS 11.190). For property damage claims, the deadline extends to three years.
Missing these deadlines means you could lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how clear the fault or injury severity may be. Acting quickly is essential to protect your claim.
Speak to a Las Vegas Auto Accident Claim Lawyer
If you’re dealing with pain, bills, and stress after a crash, you do not have to navigate the steps to take to file an auto accident claim in Las Vegas alone. Howard Injury Law can step in, protect your rights, and handle the legal and insurance issues while you focus on healing.
At Howard Injury Law, we expertly guide you through the legal process as your dedicated personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas. From the initial FREE consultation to the resolution of your case, our experienced car accident attorneys or personal injury lawyers serve Nevada, California, Colorado, and Arizona, and are committed to providing comprehensive support and representation. We understand the complexities and challenges that come with personal injury claims, and we’re here to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Call or fill out our free online form!
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