Generally, it is best to call the police after any car accident in Nevada, even a minor one. This will bring police officers to the scene, and they can collect information they will use to put together an accident report. Following the incident, you may partner with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer who may use this report to support your request for damages.
The attorneys at H&P Law have more than six decades of combined personal injury case experience. We are here to help you seek damages from anyone responsible for your auto accident. To learn more, reach out to us.
What to Expect When You Call the Police for a Minor Accident
You are not legally required to report an accident to the police if no one was injured and there was no property damage. When in doubt about whether to notify the police, it may be a good idea to do so. If you do not fill out a report for a traffic crash within 10 days of your incident, you may face jail time, a fine, or both.
Once you call the police, they should come to the accident scene within minutes. Police officers will speak to you, the other driver, and anyone else involved in the accident. They may also gather information from eyewitnesses.
You may submit a crash report request after your accident. At H&P Law, we may help you request this report and collect other pieces of evidence to support your auto accident claim. For more information, get in touch with us.
Why You Should Call the Police After a Minor Accident
What you view as a minor car accident may actually be significant. For example, consider what may happen if you suffer a brain injury during your accident without realizing it. If you never called the police and let the other driver off the hook, you may be solely responsible for any costs to treat your injury now and in the future.
By calling the police, you can err on the side of caution. Police officers will be able to use the information you and others at the accident scene provide to prepare a report. They may also help you get medical care that allows you to identify and treat any accident-related injuries before they escalate.
If you decide to submit a claim for damages against a liable party, you may use your police report in conjunction with other pieces of evidence to support your argument. Your attorney can help you gather evidence that puts you in a great position to achieve your desired case results. Plus, your body of proof may convince the defendant in your case to offer a fair settlement.
What to Do if the Police do Not Come to the Scene After a Minor Accident
You can use the time before the police arrive at your accident scene to take stock of what happened. It may be beneficial to make sure you and anyone else involved are OK. Also, you may use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of damage to your vehicle, your injury, and other parts of the accident scene.
The police are legally required to respond to your call right away. If, for some reason, police officers do not arrive, you may report your accident through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You are legally required to notify the DMV about your accident if someone suffered an injury or died or there was property damage totaling $750 or more.
If you want help in the aftermath of an accident where the police did not come out to assist you, connect with an attorney. At this point, your lawyer can learn about your accident and go over your legal options with you. They can explain how long you have to sue after a car accident in Nevada.
How Calling the Police After Your Accident Can Help You with an Insurance Claim
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) §11.190, you may have up to two years to pursue damages from anyone responsible for your accident. The window for submitting your claim may not be extended. Beyond two years from the date of your accident, you may have to cover the losses for it out of your own pocket.
An attorney may help you submit a claim through an at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is mandatory to have liability insurance if you drive a car in Nevada. However, a liable driver’s insurer may dispute your claim, which may make it tough to get the compensation you want.
Calling the police gives you a report that you can share with a liable driver’s insurance provider. It may be difficult for this insurer to dispute the information included in this report. Therefore, the insurance carrier may be inclined to give you an adequate amount of compensation to cover your losses.
Why You Should Pursue Damages After a Minor Accident
Regardless of whether you call the police after a minor accident, it may be beneficial to consult with a lawyer. From here, you can learn how to file a car accident claim in Nevada. Your attorney can also determine if you have a valid case.
A car accident may leave you with car repairs, medical bills, and other damages. Your lawyer can help you seek compensation to cover these losses. They may work with you to take your case to trial or pursue a settlement.
Your attorney can offer legal guidance and support at each stage of your litigation. No matter how the defendant tries to contest your claim, your lawyer puts your best interests front and center. They will do everything within their power to help you get damages.
Request Legal Help with Your Accident Claim
If you are interested in taking legal action against anyone responsible for your car accident, the team at H&P Law may be able to help you out. We can take a look at your case and explore ways to hold any liable parties accountable for their actions. To schedule a free and confidential case consultation, contact us today.
