Detailed Answer
Yes — in Nevada you can usually get a copy of the police crash report prepared after a motor vehicle collision and you can request additional records that the investigating agency created. Which documents you can obtain, how quickly you can get them, and whether any parts are withheld depends on who investigated the crash (city police, county sheriff, Nevada Highway Patrol, or another agency) and whether the matter involves an ongoing criminal investigation.
Who holds the report?
The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the crash keeps the official report. Typical holders include a city police department, a county sheriff’s office, or the Nevada Highway Patrol. If you do not know which agency investigated the collision, check with the law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction where the crash occurred (for example, the city where the accident happened or the nearest county sheriff’s office).
How to request a basic crash report
- Identify the investigating agency and either visit its website or call its records unit. Many Nevada agencies provide an online request form or information on how to order a copy.
- Provide identifying information: date, time, location of the crash, names of involved drivers, and the crash or report number if you have it.
- Pay any required fee. Agencies commonly charge a small fee per page or a flat fee for processing.
- Receive the report. Agencies typically provide a PDF or photocopy of the standard crash report that summarizes the collision, involved parties, witness information, and officer observations.
What if I need more than the standard crash report?
Beyond the standard collision report, you may request additional material such as:
- Officer supplemental reports or investigative narratives;
- Photographs taken by officers;
- Dash-cam or body-worn camera video;
- Tow records and diagrams;
- 911 call recordings or dispatch logs.
These materials are generally public records under Nevada’s public records laws, but there are important limits. Records that are part of an active criminal investigation may be withheld until the investigation concludes or until the prosecutor releases them. Some personal information of uninvolved third parties may be redacted for privacy.
Nevada’s open records laws are found in the Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter on public records (see the public records chapter for general rules): NRS Chapter 239 — Public Records. That chapter governs what agencies must disclose and lists some exemptions agencies may claim.
When an agency refuses to provide records
If the agency refuses, it should cite the legal basis for withholding part or all of the material. Common reasons are an ongoing criminal investigation, witness safety concerns, or statutory exemptions. If you believe the agency wrongly withheld records, you have options:
- Ask the agency in writing for the specific statutory reason and an estimated date of release.
- File a formal public records request in writing (keep a copy); many agencies have an internal review process.
- If the agency still refuses, you may petition the district court for an order to compel disclosure or consult an attorney about filing a subpoena during litigation.
Subpoenas and litigation
If you are pursuing an insurance claim or a civil case, your lawyer can subpoena additional materials (officer notes, unredacted materials, or video) during discovery. Subpoenas can compel production of records that agencies otherwise decline to release voluntarily. Note: courts will still consider privilege or investigatory exemptions when ruling on subpoenas.
Practical timeline
Turnaround varies. A routine crash report often takes days to a couple of weeks to process. Supplemental or investigative materials (photos, video) may require additional processing time and review for redactions. If a criminal case results from the crash, access to some materials may be delayed.
Using the report for your insurance claim
Insurance companies accept crash reports as helpful evidence but do not rely on them exclusively. The report documents the officer’s observations, statements taken at the scene, and initial diagram. If you’re making a claim, provide the crash report to your insurer early. If you need additional records, request them promptly and preserve any evidence (photos, medical records).
Reminder: This is a general explanation based on Nevada public-records practice. It does not replace legal advice.
Helpful Hints
- Start with the investigating agency: city police, county sheriff, or Nevada Highway Patrol. Many agencies publish crash-report ordering instructions online.
- When you call, have the crash date, time, location, names, and any report number ready to speed the search.
- Ask whether the agency charges a fee and the accepted payment methods.
- If you need dash-cam or body-cam footage, specifically ask for it. Expect extra processing time and possible redactions.
- If the agency claims an ongoing criminal investigation, ask for a written estimate of when records might be released.
- If the agency refuses to release records, make a written public records request and keep a copy. Refer to NRS Chapter 239 for public records rules: NRS Chapter 239.
- If you plan litigation or need materials for a claim, consult an attorney about subpoenas and discovery—these tools can force production of otherwise withheld records.
- Keep your own file: date-stamped photos, medical records, repair estimates, witness contact info, and copies of all insurance communications.
Disclaimer: This article explains general Nevada practice and public-record considerations. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.