In a Car Accident; Do I Need to Call the Police?

An accident can leave your head spinning, no matter how minor it is. The actions that you take in the moments following a collision are important for ensuring that the situation is resolved as quickly and as soon as possible. In some cases, filing a police report is an essential part of settling a claim, especially if you or the other driver will be seeking compensation for damage to a vehicle.

First Things First: Exchanging Information

If you are in a collision in Las Vegas, Nevada, then you’re required to give the other driver(s) certain information, and they’re required to share their information with you. Depending on the extent of the accident, it may also be wise to gather contact information of any witnesses, as you might need them to testify in court regarding the accident. Take pictures! Key information that should be exchanged includes:

• License plate numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Photos of the vehicles
• Names, home address, and contact information
• Auto insurance information (the insurer, the policy number, and the expiration date on the insurance card)

Calling the Police After an Accident

Unless the accident is very minor (no one is injured, no one’s car sustained any damage, and everyone agrees to laugh it off and be on their away), then Nevada state law requires that you report the accident to the police. The police will come out, investigate, and then prepare a police report. During the investigation, they’ll likely check to see if anyone is intoxicated or otherwise impaired by alcohol or drugs. If any laws were violated by you or the other driver, a citation may be given. You’ll be able to get a copy of the police report, which you can pass along to your insurance company to aid in settling the claim.

What If the Police Don’t Come?

In Las Vegas, Nevada, the police are required to respond to most accidents. If for some reason you call in an accident and they choose not to respond, then state law requires that you fill out a form through the DMV. This form should be submitted within 10 days of the accident if it resulted in any bodily injury, a fatality, or more than $750 of property damage.

Keep in mind that injuries sustained in an accident may not always be immediately obvious. Back and neck pain may not be felt until the next day (or even longer) after an accident. What appears to be minor damage can end up costing far more than expected. For this reason, it’s generally a good idea to fill out a report for the DMV, even if damage appears to be minor.​

Getting in Touch with Your Insurance Agent At Nevada Insurance Enrollment

After you’ve spoken to the police, the next person to call is your auto insurance agent and or claims phone number. They will help you navigate the next steps in the process of filing and settling a claim.