One of the most important things to do when a car accident happens is to file a police report. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a car crash, it is compulsory to make a report to a police officer in Las Vegas. The document is usually vital if there was an injury or at least one vehicle was damaged.
The report is filled by a police officer who comes to the crash scene to investigate it. It would contain the details of the driver’s statements, witnesses’ accounts, and the driver’s insurance companies’ contact information, among others.
Filling a police report after an accident is essential for many reasons. But more than just registering it, it’s vital to file within the time limit the law permits. Nevada has strict laws on filing crash reports, and your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will need these documents to file a successful claim.
Why Do I Need a Police Report for a Car Accident?
First, it’s important to note that Nevada is an at-fault state. This means that when you get into a car accident caused by someone else, that person is obligated to compensate you for any injury or damage caused. To get your compensation, you’ll have to file a claim at the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
It is essential to file a claim with an insurance company. But it doesn’t automatically make you eligible for compensation. The insurance company would need to carry out their investigations to substantiate your claims. To this end, the insurer would sometimes, depending on the circumstances of your request, ask for a police report.
It will help them with vital information to verify your claims. It will also help you prove your case because it confirms that an accident occurred and can help uncover who the at-fault driver is.
A police report would also be useful in court as an objective third-party account of the accident should you decide to go through that route. You can talk to an auto accident attorney in Nevada about this.
How Long Do I Have to Report an Accident in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, the law mandates every car accident victim to report the car crash if it involves:
- Someone under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- A collision where someone sustained personal injuries
- At least one fatality
- A commercial vehicle
- Property damage estimated at $500 and above
- A tolled or wrecked car
- A hit and run
Not only are the crashes above to be reported, but the victims should also make the documentation within a specific time frame. Nevada car accident laws stipulate that these cases require a police report.
The victims must submit the filled forms within ten days after a law enforcement officer concludes the investigation. Unfortunately, many car accident victims don’t know this and only realize it when it becomes too late.
Las Vegas personal injury lawyers always advise car accident victims to call their local police as soon as they can. If possible, you should contact the police right at the scene of the accident just after you have sought medical attention.
If you intend to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver, you should receive medical treatment within 14 days of the accident and immediately contact the insurance company.
How to Change an Incorrect Police Report
A police report is a sensitive document and should be filled with caution to avoid errors. However, if you’ve filled a police report and discovered you made some mistakes, you don’t have to panic.
You can correct an erroneous police report by countering the facts you wish to update by producing evidence. You can also correct opinion errors by writing your account of the incident and requesting it be attached to the police report.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer After I’ve Filed a Police Report?
Filing a report after a car accident is good because it keeps you on the right side of the law and can help to clarify specific facts. But if you need to get the compensation you deserve in record time, only a Las Vegas auto accident attorney will help you with that.
Let Auto Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve!
Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Christian Morris Trial Attorneys would help you get the compensation you deserve without hassles. Many car accident victims have banked on us to get them the damages they desire. We’ll listen to your needs and represent your best interests at all times. If you need to file a claim in court, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that it concludes in your favor.
