Wondering what to do after a car accident in Las Vegas? Move to safety and call 911, get checked by a doctor, document the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and notify your insurer — carefully. The steps you take in the first hours and days shape both your recovery and your injury claim. Here is the full sequence, step by step.
Step 1: Get to safety and call 911
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries first. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them out of the travel lanes and turn on your hazard lights. Las Vegas roads — the Strip corridor, I-15, the 215 — stay busy at all hours, and a second collision is a real danger.
Call 911 even if the crash seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the date, location, drivers, and initial statements. Insurance companies treat a documented crash far more seriously than a dispute that comes down to one driver's word against the other's.
Step 2: Document the scene and exchange information
If you can do so safely, gather evidence before the vehicles are moved and witnesses drift away:
- Photos of all vehicles and their positions, license plates, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
- The other driver's name, phone number, driver's license, and insurance card
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- The responding officers' names and the report or event number
Say as little as possible about fault. Even a polite reflex like apologizing can be used against you later, because Nevada reduces your compensation by your share of the blame. You can see exactly how that works in our guide to the Nevada comparative negligence rule.
Step 3: See a doctor even if you feel fine
Adrenaline masks pain. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries often surface hours or days after a crash. Prompt medical care protects your health, and it also creates the record that connects your injuries to the accident. A long gap between the crash and your first visit is one of the insurance company's favorite reasons to argue you were not really hurt.
Step 4: Notify insurance and watch what you say
Report the crash to your own insurer promptly and stick to the facts. Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the negligent driver's insurance is responsible for your losses. Expect the other driver's insurer to call quickly. You are not required to give them a recorded statement, and you should not accept a fast settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Keep in mind that Nevada's minimum liability coverage is only $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Serious injuries can exceed those limits quickly, which is where your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help — including after a hit-and-run.
Step 5: Know your deadline and get advice early
Nevada generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for property damage. Two years sounds like plenty, but evidence disappears much faster. We explain the details in our article on the Nevada car accident statute of limitations.
A consultation costs nothing and helps you avoid the mistakes insurers count on. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers offer free consultations 24/7 in English, Korean, Spanish, and Chinese, and there is no fee unless we win.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call the police for a minor accident?
Yes. Damage and injuries are often worse than they look at the scene, and a police report is the best neutral documentation you can have. Without one, the other driver can change their story later and it becomes much harder to prove what happened.
What if the other driver leaves the scene or has no insurance?
Report a hit-and-run to the police right away, then check your own policy. Nevada insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, and if you carry it, it can step in when the at-fault driver is uninsured or never identified.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Rarely. Early offers usually arrive before anyone knows what your treatment will cost. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more — talk to a lawyer before you accept anything.
This article is general information, not legal advice about your specific situation.