Car accidents happen in Nevada (and the rest of the U.S.) every day. Some are minor, like fender benders. Others are devastating or fatal. Many people, especially those who are new to driving or have not been in an accident before, do not know what to do when something like this happens.
In Nevada, you must report an accident involving injury or death. It is also required to report an accident if property damage exceeds $750. This is in addition to the steps you need to take immediately after an accident, like calling 911 and taking photos of the scene.
If you do not report a serious accident, it can have legal and financial consequences.
What Does Nevada Law Say About Serious Accidents?
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484E.070 and 484E.080 require any driver involved in a serious accident to report it to the nearest police station. If there is no police station nearby, the driver must report the accident to the county sheriff’s office or the Nevada Highway Patrol. This must happen within 10 days after the accident.
The statutes protect victims by ensuring emergency services can get to the scene quickly. It also means the accident will be documented for legal and insurance purposes.
So, even if your injuries or the other driver's seem minor, you should still report the accident. If you are unsure whether the injuries warrant a report, err on the side of caution and report the accident anyway.
What If You Do Not Report an Accident?
If you ignore the law and decide not to report an accident, you could face serious consequences. These include the following.
Criminal charges. You may face a gross misdemeanor or felony charge for not reporting an accident. In particular, if you leave an accident scene involving death or serious injury, you will be charged with a category B felony. Felony charges mean years of imprisonment and steep fines.
Hit and run charges. If you do not stop after an accident to exchange information, you can also be charged with a hit-and-run.
License Suspension
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may also suspend or revoke your license if you do not report an accident in Nevada. Depending on the accident's severity, your license can be suspended for months to years. If you are a repeat offender, it is more likely to be years.
Civil Liability
Failing to report an accident, especially if it was your fault, can make it difficult for victims to file civil lawsuits. If you are eventually found out, your failure to report can be considered negligence. This may lead to a large settlement for the victim or a judgment against your assets.
Why It Is Better to Report an Accident
Reporting an accident is about more than following the law. Essentially, it protects you and the victims of the accident (if you caused it).
For one, reporting an accident immediately ensures that first responders can assist critically injured people. In some cases, this can save lives.
Moreover, reporting an accident results in an official police report. You will need this report if you want to defend yourself in court. If you did not cause the accident, you can use the report as evidence in a personal injury claim.
You will also demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for your actions if you report an accident. This will count in your favor if legal or civil issues arise from the accident.
What to Do After an Accident in Nevada
You can avoid most legal issues if you follow the right steps immediately after an accident.
- Stop immediately. Whether you caused the accident or not, you must stop your car without obstructing traffic (if possible).
- Check for injuries. If you feel okay after the crash, check on your passengers and the other car's occupants. You must call 911 immediately to request medical assistance if there are injuries.
- Contact the police. Call the nearest police station or department to report the accident. You should provide information about the location and whether there are injuries or fatalities.
- Exchange information. If you are not seriously injured, you should exchange information with the other driver if possible. Get their name, address, license number, and insurance details. You must also provide them with the same.
- Gather evidence. If you feel up to it, take photos of the scene. Also, take photos of the vehicles and your injuries. This can be helpful evidence later if you want to pursue compensation.
Exceptions to the Reporting Requirement
Nevada has strict laws regarding car accidents, but not all crashes need to be reported. For example, if an accident happens on private property and no one is injured or killed, it does not necessarily have to be reported. However, you must still exchange information with the other driver.
If a minor accident happens on the road and the property damage is less than $750, it may not need to be reported.
What If You Forget to Report an Accident?
It is not likely to happen, but if you forget to report an accident, you must rectify the situation. Call the police and explain the situation. Do not try to ignore it, as it will only make matters worse.
If you have not reported the accident to your insurance company, you should do it immediately. Keeping quiet may have a negative impact on your coverage.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Help You
If you are accused of causing an accident and failing to report it, the right lawyer can help. Get an experienced lawyer to assess your case and negotiate with the other involved parties. Your lawyer will also defend you during a criminal or civil case.
You can stay compliant with Nevada law by understanding your responsibilities, taking action, and hiring a lawyer after an accident. You can also protect your rights and those of others involved in the accident.
