Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Las Vegas? You are certainly not alone. A collision can happen when you least expect it. Following a crash, you must know what to do to protect your rights and your interests.
Among other things, you need to get a copy of the police report (accident report). It is a key form of documentation to support your claim. Here, our Las Vegas auto accident attorney provides a guide to getting a police report after a crash.
All Injury Collisions in Nevada Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement
A serious car accident should always be reported to state or local law enforcement. In Nevada, it is required by law. You must report any motor vehicle collision that results in a physical injury or more than $750 in total property damage. In practice, this means that most collisions need to be reported.
Be sure to report your crash to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, or another state or local agency. It is more than a mere legal requirement. Reporting a crash ensures a formal record of the incident. Along with other things, the responding officer(s) will draft an accident report. That report is crucial for your car accident claim.
What is a Car Accident Report?
A car accident report is an official document compiled by law enforcement following an automobile collision. It details the circumstances of the accident. Key details that may be included in a car accident police report include:
- Basics (Time, Date, Location): The basics section of a police report provides essential information about when and where the accident occurred. It includes the exact time and date, ensuring there is a precise record of the incident’s timing. The location is detailed with street names, intersections, and any relevant geographical markers. Seemingly basic information can be very useful as the claims process progresses.
- Identification of Vehicles and Drivers: Another important part of the crash report includes detailed information about the vehicles and drivers involved. It lists each vehicle’s make, model, color, and registration details, alongside the driver’s name, contact information, and driver’s license number. Insurance information for each vehicle is also recorded to facilitate claims processing.
- Witness Names and Witness Statements: Witness names and statements are recorded to provide independent accounts of the incident. This section captures the contact information of each witness, which can be crucial for follow-up interviews or clarifications. Witnesses’ statements can offer differing perspectives on the accident, helping to piece together an unbiased view of how the incident unfolded.
- A Description of What Happened: A police officer may also include a narrative description of the accident as they understand it from the initial investigation. It details the events leading up to the crash, the crash itself, and any significant aftermath, constructed from physical evidence, witness accounts, and the involved parties’ statements. A narrative helps visualize the sequence of events and is used to assess fault and causality. To be clear, the officer’s description is one account. It is important, but never, by itself, definitive.
- Citations Related to Crash (If Applicable): If any traffic laws were violated, this section lists the specific citations issued at the scene of the crash. It details the nature of each violation and identifies which driver was cited, providing a legal basis for fault and potential penalties. To be clear, even a crash citation could potentially be challenged in court. Still, if any of them were issued, they must be recorded.
How to Get a Copy of the Car Accident Report in Las Vegas
How do you get a copy of a police report after a crash? To start, you need to know which law enforcement agency responded to the collision. It will be that agency that writes—and keeps—the report. Notably, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) emphasizes that motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists involved in a crash have three options to get a copy of the report:
- Online;
- In-person; and
- Via mail.
Note: There is a fee to get an official copy of a crash report. In Las Vegas, a traffic collision report costs $12.00. It is an important document so you should always get a copy after a bad crash.
A Police Report is Often a Key Form of Evidence After a Crash
Nevada is a fault-based traffic collision state. The party who is at fault for a crash can be held legally responsible for the resulting harm. A police report plays a key role in determining fault. Indeed, it provides authoritative information on the circumstances.
Remember, the report can be pivotal in establishing fault and liability. It can help resolve disputes between victims and insurers.
Recovering Compensation After a Collision in Las Vegas
Under Nevada law, car accident victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the full scope of their damages. However, getting the maximum settlement offer can be difficult. With the police report in hand—and guidance from a Las Vegas auto accident lawyer—you will be in the best possible position to take on the insurance company. Along with other types of damages, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Long-term rehabilitative support;
- Loss of income and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a close family member.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Today
At Ace Law Group, our Las Vegas auto accident lawyers fight aggressively for justice. If you have any questions about obtaining a copy of the police report after a collision, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation initial appointment. From our law office in Las Vegas, our firm handles motor vehicle crash claims in Clark County and throughout Nevada.