Car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Road accidents are common in Nevada, and their aftermath can be severe, ranging from property damage to injuries and even death. Knowing your obligations after a car accident ensures you comply with the law and protect your legal rights.

The Nevada Revised Statutes provide for your obligations after a car accident in Nevada. Specifically, these legal obligations are outlined in Chapter 484E of the Nevada Vehicles Code. They include stopping and exchanging information with the other parties involved, reporting the accident to the police and the DMV, and reporting the accident to your auto insurer.

Under NRS 484E.010, you are required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident until you provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party and the police. Failure to do so can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Additionally, if anyone sustains injuries in the accident, you should report it to the police and the DMV under NRS 484E.030.

If you do not know your obligations or have violated some for various reasons, you want to ask a car accident lawyer for expert advice.

Stop and Exchange Information

According to NRS 484E.010, if you are involved in an accident on a public road or premises that results in someone else’s physical harm or death, you should immediately stop your vehicle at the accident scene or nearby. You are required to return to and remain at the accident scene until you fulfill NRS 484E.030 requirements.

These requirements include giving your name and address. Failing to stop and remain at the scene until you provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party and the police can result in criminal charges and civil liability.

The possible penalties for fleeing the scene of a car crash that caused only property damage, injury, or death can include fines, imprisonment, license suspension or revocation, community service, probation, restitution, and increased insurance rates. For example, you may face penalties such as a category B felony charge, two to 20 years in prison, and fines of between $2,000 and $5,000.

To exchange information safely and effectively, ask the other motorists for their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you could also obtain their contact information. You never know who might be able to provide valuable testimony later on.

Move Out of Traffic

After a car accident, move your vehicle out of traffic if it is safe. This is a legal requirement and a practical measure that can benefit everyone involved in the accident and other road users.

Under NRS 484E.020, if your car creates a hazard or obstructs traffic flow and you could move it safely, you must move the car or have it moved off the highway to a safe spot that will not create a hazard or obstruct the flow of traffic. You could also act as required under NRS 484E.030, if possible.

By clearing the roadway, you are also making it easier for emergency vehicles to access the accident scene. This can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries sustained by those involved in the accident.

To move your vehicle safely, you could do the following:

  • Turn on your hazard lights. If your car is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and place warning triangles or flares behind your car to alert other drivers.
  • Assess damage done to your car.
  • Move your vehicle to a safe location. If your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot.
  • Take photos of the damage.

When parking your car, make sure that it is not obstructing any entrances or exits and that it is not creating a hazard for other drivers or pedestrians. If you need help determining where to park, consult the police or a towing company.

Help Anyone Who Needs Medical Attention

If anyone is injured or killed in a car accident in Nevada, it is your legal obligation under NRS 484E.030 to render aid to the injured party. Failing to do so can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil liability.

According to NRS 484E.030, if you are involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, you must offer any person injured in such a crash reasonable assistance. This includes the carrying or making of arrangements for the carrying of such a person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if the injured person requests such carrying.

Failing to render aid and give information after an accident anywhere in Nevada is a crime. It can also have moral implications, as it can be seen as a failure to help someone in need.

Do the following to assess injuries and call for an ambulance if needed:

  • Check for injuries. When assessing injuries, make sure to stay calm and focused. Check for signs of breathing and consciousness, and ask the person if they feel any pain or discomfort.
  • Offer first aid. If the person is conscious and able to communicate, try to keep them calm and provide basic first aid if necessary. This may include applying pressure to a wound or immobilizing a broken bone.
  • Call 911. If they cannot respond, assume that they need medical attention and call for an ambulance.
  • Provide your location
  • Describe what happened
  • Follow instructions given by emergency services

Notify The Police If Someone Sustained Injuries

Under NRS 484E.030, you are required to immediately report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750 to the police and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. A police report can be beneficial for insurance and legal purposes. Insurance companies use police reports to determine who is at fault and calculate damages. If you need to file a lawsuit, a police report can serve as evidence to support your case.

When cooperating with the police, be truthful and provide as much information as possible. Give the police your name, address, phone number, and driver's license number. Provide a detailed description of what happened and any injuries sustained. If there were any witnesses, write down their names and contact information.

You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. Stick to the facts and let the police do their job. If you are injured and unable to report the accident to the police, ask someone else. If you are a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, you may also have the right to file a report.

Report Your Car Accident To The DMV

After a car accident, you must submit a Nevada DMV Report of Traffic Accident Report (SR-1) within ten days. This is required under NRS 484E.030, and failure to do so can result in penalties such as fines, suspension of your driver's license, or even jail time.

The SR-1 form requires you to provide detailed information about the accident, including the accident's date, time, and location, the parties involved, and the extent of any property damage or injuries sustained. You should fill out this form accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions can delay the processing of your claim or result in a denial of benefits.

Contact your insurance company or an attorney if you need help completing the SR-1 form. They can help you gather the necessary information and ensure the form is filled out correctly.

Submitting the SR-1 form is vital as it helps the DMV keep accurate records of traffic accidents and identify areas where improvements in traffic safety are needed. Also, it helps insurance companies process claims more efficiently and accurately. The SR-1 form can be used as evidence in legal proceedings related to the accident.

Report Accidents To Your Auto Insurer

After a car accident, you are required to report the accident to your auto insurer as soon as possible. This is a requirement under most insurance policies, and failure to do so can result in a denial of benefits or cancellation of your policy.

When reporting the accident to your insurer, provide as much information as possible, including the accident's date, time, location, the parties involved, and the extent of any property damage or injuries sustained. Be truthful and accurate in your account of what happened, and avoid speculating about who was at fault.

Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to investigate the accident and assess the damage to your vehicle. They may also contact other parties involved in the accident to gather additional information.

If you have collision coverage on your policy, your insurer will typically pay for the repairs to your vehicle, minus any deductible you may have. If you are not at fault for the accident, your insurer may pursue reimbursement from the other driver's insurance company through a process known as subrogation.

If you are injured in the accident, your insurer may also provide coverage for your medical expenses and lost wages, depending on the terms of your policy.

Gather Evidence for the Accident

You have just been in a car accident in Nevada. It is a scary experience, and understandably, you may feel overwhelmed. But you must gather evidence to support your case if you want to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action. Here is what you are required to do in the aftermath of an auto accident in Nevada.

Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, any injuries you or your passengers sustained, and other relevant details. Use your smartphone or a camera if you have one. Be sure to capture the license plates of all vehicles involved and any traffic signals or signs that may have played a role in the accident.

If you have a dash cam, the footage could be incredibly helpful in proving fault. Dashcam footage can show the actions of both drivers leading up to the accident and can be valuable evidence in determining liability.

Identify the Liable Parties in your Accident

In Nevada, determining fault is particularly important, as the state follows a comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the collision. Below is what you need to know about identifying the liable parties in a road accident in Nevada:

  • Nevada has two types of fault, including comparative fault and strict liability. Comparative fault means that both parties may share fault for the accident, and compensation is awarded based on the percentage of fault. Strict liability means that one party is automatically at fault, regardless of the circumstances.
  • You should gather as much evidence as possible to determine fault after a car accident. This includes photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Evidence can help you prove who was at fault and the extent of the damages you suffered.
  • There are several possible responsible parties in a Nevada car accident. The other driver is the most obvious, but other parties may have contributed to the accident. For example, the manufacturer may be liable if a defective vehicle part caused the accident. If the road conditions were unsafe, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads might be liable.
  • Other possible responsible parties include passengers in the other car, the employer of the other driver, and even the bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the other driver if they were intoxicated at the time of the accident. You could consider all possible parties at fault to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Nevada, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you do not file within this time frame. Act quickly and seek legal guidance if you need clarification on your legal rights and options.

Seek Legal Guidance

Seeking legal guidance after an auto accident can be smart, especially if you want to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can help you avoid false accusations, determine the at-fault party, and seek compensation. Here's why you should seek a lawyer's help after an auto accident in Nevada.

Why You Should Seek A Personal Injury Lawyer's Help After An Auto Accident

The justice system in Nevada can be complicated, and it can be challenging to navigate on your own. A personal injury lawyer who understands the Nevada justice system better could help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also help you gather and present evidence in court, which is essential to building a solid case.

After an accident in Nevada, a car accident lawyer, can help determine who is at fault. In Nevada, the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages to the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. A lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove fault and ensure you are not falsely accused of causing the accident.

Hiring a lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for settling claims for as little as possible and may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you receive the total compensation you are entitled to.

A personal injury lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit, if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or you have significant injuries or damages, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover your losses. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and represent you in court, increasing your chances of success.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer gives you peace of mind. After an accident, you may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and having your pre-accident life back.

While not every accident will require legal action, learn about your options and seek legal guidance if necessary. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complicated justice system, determine fault, negotiate with insurance companies, file a lawsuit if needed, and provide peace of mind during a stressful time.

Find a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Law Firm

If you are involved in a car accident in Nevada, you must know your legal obligations and responsibilities. Failing to comply with these obligations can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, civil liability, and financial penalties. By following these obligations, you can protect yourself and others from harm and ensure that you are legally protected in the event of an accident.

Remember, the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in a car accident should always be your top priority. Contact your personal injury lawyer if you are unsure what to do or need further assistance. The Nevada DMV and your auto insurance provider can provide more information on your obligations, responsibilities, and helpful resources and contacts for assistance.

By being prepared and informed, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Nevada with confidence and ease. If you want to file a claim for injuries sustained in the crash, contact us, the Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm. You can reach us at 702-996-1224, and our able lawyers will take up your case for review and counsel.