What to Do Next After You Receive a Nevada Crash Report: Moving a Personal Injury Claim Forward

Short answer: After you have the official crash report, protect your health and evidence, notify your insurer, document damages, and either prepare a settlement demand or file a lawsuit before Nevada’s deadline. Consider consulting a Nevada-licensed attorney early to preserve rights and evaluate damages. This is not legal advice.

Detailed answer — step-by-step guidance under Nevada law

1. Prioritize medical care and document injuries

Seek medical attention immediately for any injury, even if it seems minor. Medical records are the primary proof of injury and causation in personal injury claims. Keep all records: emergency room reports, physician notes, imaging (X‑rays, MRIs), prescriptions, physical therapy records, and invoices.

2. Preserve the crash report and other evidence

Keep a certified copy or clear photo/PDF of the crash report. The report often lists parties, insurance information, officer observations, citation numbers, skid marks, and diagrams. Preserve photographs of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic controls, and any visible injuries. Save your vehicle repair estimates and receipts, rental-car records, and wage-loss documentation.

3. Notify your insurance company (and be cautious)

Report the accident to your insurer as required by your policy. Give factual information but avoid detailed admissions of fault. Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements — you can decline until you consult an attorney. Do not sign medical releases beyond what your insurer reasonably needs without getting advice.

4. Use the crash report to build liability and causation

The crash report can help identify who was involved, whether a citation was issued, and the investigating officer’s impression. Combine the report with photos, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage to support fault and causation. If witness contact information is in the report, interview and preserve statements quickly.

5. Calculate your damages

Personal injury damages typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. Collect pay stubs, tax records, repair bills, and receipts for out‑of‑pocket expenses. For future damages, obtain medical opinions estimating prognosis and treatment needs.

6. Demand letter or settlement negotiations

Many claims start with a demand letter to the at‑fault driver’s insurance company. The letter should summarize facts, attach supporting evidence (crash report, medical bills, photos), state damages, and set a settlement demand. Expect counteroffers from the insurer. An experienced attorney can draft a stronger demand and negotiate on your behalf.

7. When to file a lawsuit — statute of limitations

If negotiations fail, you may need to file a civil lawsuit. Nevada imposes a time limit (statute of limitations) on personal injury claims. Under Nevada law, actions for injuries to the person generally must be begun within two years. See NRS 11.190(4): NRS 11.190(4). Missing this deadline can bar your case, so act early.

8. Consider hiring a Nevada attorney

An attorney can evaluate liability under Nevada law, handle communications with insurers, preserve evidence through formal discovery (subpoenas, depositions), and, if needed, litigate. If you hire counsel, they can also ensure filing deadlines and notice requirements are met.

Common procedural and legal issues to watch for in Nevada

• Comparative fault: Nevada reduces recoverable damages by your percentage of fault. Be prepared to address any allegations that you contributed to the crash.
• Insurance limits: If the at‑fault driver’s policy limits are insufficient, you may need to look to your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other sources.
• Medical liens and subrogation: Health insurers, Medicare, or workers’ compensation may claim reimbursement from any settlement. Ask an attorney to identify and negotiate liens.
• Official reports and evidence retention: Crash reports and body‑cam footage may be subject to limited retention periods. Preserve what you can and request records early.

Helpful Hints

• Get a certified copy of the crash report from the investigating agency and save multiple backups (PDFs, photos).
• Write down your own contemporaneous notes about the crash: time, weather, road conditions, and what you remember. Date them.
• Collect witness contact info quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade and people move.
• Track all injury‑related expenses, including childcare, household help, vehicle rental, and travel for medical care.
• Don’t post details or photos about the crash or your injuries on social media; insurers and defense lawyers use social posts in defense strategies.
• Ask your doctor for clear records linking your injuries to the crash and for an estimate of future treatment if applicable.
• Know the filing deadline — in Nevada, many personal injury claims must be filed within two years (see NRS 11.190(4)).
• If you’re unsure about accepting an early low settlement offer, consult a Nevada attorney before signing releases.

How an attorney can help at each stage

Attorneys can (a) obtain and preserve evidence, (b) evaluate the crash report against other evidence, (c) estimate full damages including future costs, (d) handle negotiations and demand letters, (e) prepare and file a lawsuit if needed, and (f) represent you at trial or mediation. Many Nevada personal injury lawyers work on contingency (no upfront fee; a percentage of recovery), which can make representation accessible.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Nevada personal injury claims and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.