Understanding your reporting obligations following a car crash in Nevada is crucial for avoiding criminal liability, civil liability, license suspensions, and exorbitant fines. This guide outlines when and how to report to the police, the DMV, and your insurance company.
In any case, it is advised you contact a personal injury attorney before you reach out to anyone. Depending on your situation, a lawyer can help you word your report to show you were not at fault.
Reporting a Car Accident to Police
In Nevada, you do not need to report car accidents to police if they arrive at the scene. They will fill out a report without you having to do anything.
In the event police do not come to the scene of an accident, you have a duty to immediately report the crash to the:
- nearest police office or
- Nevada Highway Patrol.
You will need to provide your name, vehicle registration number (VIN), and driver’s license information.
Penalties
If you do not report the car accident, you face misdemeanor charges carrying:
- up to 6 months in jail and/or
- up to $1,000 in fines.
Failure to report an accident can also trigger a one-year driver’s license suspension. However, your license will be returned once you finally submit the report or evidence that you did not willfully fail to submit the report.1
Reporting a Car Accident to Nevada DMV
In Nevada, you do not need to report car accidents to the DMV if either:
- police arrive at the scene, or
- the property damage amounts to less than $750, and there was no bodily injury or death.
Otherwise, you have only 10 days to report the crash to the DMV by submitting a completed SR1 Report Form. If the driver is physically incapable and is not the owner of the car, the owner has 10 days to make the report once they learn of the accident.
The SR1 Form asks for such information as:
- the date and time of the crash
- the location of the crash
- the driver and vehicle information of all the involved automobiles
- a description of what happened
- a copy of your insurance that was in effect at the time of the crash
- an estimate of repairs or a statement of total loss if there was $750 or more in vehicle or property damage (of any one person)
- a doctor’s statement of injury for each person injured in your vehicle (if the crash resulted in bodily injury or death)
Note that the repair estimate must be from:
- an established repair garage,
- an insurance adjuster employed by an insurer licensed to do business in Nevada,
- an adjuster licensed pursuant to NRS 684A, or
- an appraiser licensed pursuant to NRS 684B.
Mail the report and all the required attachments to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, 555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711.
Penalties
Failure to file an SR1 report with the DMV can also trigger a one-year driver’s license suspension. However, your license will be returned once you finally submit the report or evidence that you did not willfully fail to submit the report.
Note that knowingly submitting an SR1 report with false information is a gross misdemeanor, carrying:
- Up to 364 days in jail and/or
- Up to $2,000 in fines.2
Reporting a Car Crash to Your Insurance
You should immediately report all crashes to your insurance company, regardless of severity. Most policies require prompt reporting of any accident.
Failing to report an accident to your insurer may result in:
- a denial of coverage for the accident,
- difficulty filing a claim later if injuries or damage become apparent, and/or
- possible policy cancellation or non-renewal.3
Additional Reading
For more information, see our related articles:
- Is there a Nevada car accident statute? – Summary of NRS 484E.010 to 483E.130.
- How to get the police report after a car accident in Las Vegas – A step-by-step guide.
- Is Nevada a “no-fault state” when it comes to car accidents? – Explanation of how fault determines car accident lawsuits.
- How to file a car insurance claim after an accident in Nevada – A step-by-step guide.
- Can the lead driver be at fault for a rear-end collision in Nevada? – Discussion of how rear-end collisions can be caused by either driver.
