The moments after a car collision can be chaotic and stressful. Serious collisions often involve police who come to the scene to block off the accident site, direct traffic, and tend to injuries with the help of EMS. After you’ve had time to assess the situation, you may ask yourself, “Should I get a police report after a Las Vegas car accident?” Documenting the collision with proper evidence can greatly improve your chances of securing compensation.
Why Police Reports Matter Following a Las Vegas Accident
Requesting a police report after a collision in Las Vegas is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from false allegations and begin building your claim for compensation. This document often includes language that describes which driver is likely at fault for causing a collision. Police accounts are among the most credible forms of evidence that can be used when negotiating with insurance carriers to go to court.
Police reports are commonly issued in non-fatal and fatal collisions. In 2023, Clark County recorded 246 traffic fatalities. Whether your collision happened along the Strip, Summerlin, the 215 Beltway, or elsewhere, documentation can be critical. Without a report, it can be hard to prove fault, especially if you are contending with a complex case.
When Police Reports Are Automatically Generated
A minor fender bender may not require police involvement, but many accidents do. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police typically generate a crash report when an accident involves injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
If you are hit while driving or stopped on roads like Flamingo, Sahara, or Las Vegas Boulevard, there is a good chance that the police will arrive to document the scene. If you are involved in a minor collision, you can still file your own report online. These reports are used by insurance adjusters and, if needed, filed in court at the Eighth Judicial District Court, located in downtown Las Vegas.
Police Reports Help Prove Fault in Complex Situations
Fault can be challenging to determine following certain types of collisions. If the negligent driver insists that they did not cause the accident, a police report can play a critical role in establishing liability. Some cases are more straightforward and even make the news.
In early 2025, a four-car crash near Rainbow Boulevard left two people hospitalized after a driver ignored a flashing yellow arrow. Police reports provide crucial evidence in these cases, including diagrams of the crash, traffic citations, and officer observations. Not all cases are as clear-cut. When multiple cars are involved or uncooperative insurance carriers, a police report can play a clear role in determining who is really at fault.
How Police Reports Can Influence Drunk Driving Collisions
Las Vegas nightlife contributes to higher DUI risks. In 2023, Nevada saw 135 DUI roadway fatalities, with a majority occurring in and around Clark County. Officers responding to crashes near Fremont Street, the Arts District, or club-heavy zones on the Strip may administer field sobriety tests or breathalyzers. The results of those tests are recorded by the police and can be obtained by injured victims.
How a Police Report Can Help With an Out-of-State Claim
In 2023, Las Vegas welcomed more than 40.8 million visitors, and many of those visitors ended up being hit by negligent drivers during their visits. If you are filing a wrongful death claim from outside Nevada, securing a police report is essential.
Whether the crash occurred in Paradise, Henderson, or near the Las Vegas Strip, accident reports help establish liability and explain the circumstances. Without this evidence, your claim could become delayed or rejected, especially if you are dealing with an out-of-state insurance carrier.
FAQs
Q: Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Nevada?
A: In Nevada, you must call the police if anyone is injured or if property damage appears to exceed $750. Even for minor accidents, a police report can help document what happened and protect you if there are later disputes. If officers do not respond, you may need to file a crash report yourself with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q: Is There a Difference Between a Police Report and a Crash Report?
A: Yes. A police report is created when law enforcement responds to the scene and documents what occurred. A crash report may be filed by the driver directly with the DMV when police do not respond. Both are official records, but police reports often carry more weight because they include officer observations, witness statements, and initial determinations of fault.
Q: Should I Report an Accident That Was Not My Fault to My Insurance?
A: Yes. Even if you were not at fault, notifying your insurance company creates a record and allows them to assist with property damage, medical bills, or coverage issues. Some policies require prompt notice regardless of fault. Reporting also helps protect you if the other driver’s insurer delays payment or disputes what happened after the accident.
Q: Do I Need a Police Report to Fix My Car After an Accident?
A: Not always. If you are paying for repairs yourself, a report is not required. However, if you plan to file an insurance claim, especially through the other driver’s coverage, a police report helps document fault and speed up the process. It supports your version of events and makes it easier to recover repair costs without unnecessary delays.
Protect Your Rights After a Las Vegas Car Accident
After a car crash, one of the most important steps you can take is to file a police report. That step creates an official record that can clarify what happened, back up your version of events, and strengthen your claim for compensation. If your case goes to court, this important piece of evidence can support your case and claim for compensation.
At Easton & Easton, we help injury victims in Las Vegas use documentation like police reports to build strong legal claims. If you’re unsure what steps to take after a crash, our car accident attorneys in Las Vegas can walk you through the process and protect your rights from the start. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
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