Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada. Because of how sprawling it is, you’ll probably be driving more often than walking. So, naturally, understanding how insurance claims work after a car accident is essential here.
Speaking with a Henderson car accident lawyer early on can save you from making expensive mistakes. They’ll know exactly how Nevada’s fault laws work, and how to protect you from blame-shifting tactics that insurance companies or other drivers might try to pull.
What to Do Right After the Crash
Everything starts at the scene. Nevada law requires you to stop if there’s any injury or property damage. If you leave the scene, even unintentionally, it could be treated as a hit-and-run.
Once you’re safely stopped and the area is secure, check if anyone’s injured. If there’s any injury or the vehicle damage seems major, call 911. But be aware: police don’t respond to minor accidents anymore, especially if the damages are under $750 and there are no injuries. In that case, it’s all on you to document what happened.
Exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license info, insurance details, and vehicle registration. And yes, get witness contact info too. It can be a lifesaver if there’s a dispute later.
Start taking photos. Snap the damage, the position of the cars, road signs, weather conditions, your injuries (if visible), and even the traffic lights. If something might have contributed, take a photo of that too.
How and When to Report the Accident
Many people confuse the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit with the insurance company’s deadline to file a claim. These are totally different things.
Your insurance company usually expects you to report the accident within 24–48 hours. That’s fast. If you wait too long, they could deny your claim entirely, no matter how strong your case is. So as soon as you’ve gathered your information and taken care of urgent medical needs, call them. Have your notes, photos, and your insurance card ready when you do.
Now for lawsuits: Nevada gives you two years from the date of the accident to file. That’s the statute of limitations. It sounds like a long time, but here’s the thing: if you plan to file a lawsuit because the other driver’s insurance won’t pay, or the settlement offer is too low, you need time to prepare. If you let those two years slip by, you lose all rights to sue.
How Fault Gets Decided in Nevada
In Nevada, car accident claims follow a fault system. That means whoever caused the crash is responsible for paying damages such as medical bills, car repairs, and so on. But fault isn’t always black and white.
Insurance companies will launch their own investigations. They’ll go through police reports, talk to witnesses, and look at all your evidence. Sometimes they’ll even bring in accident reconstruction experts if things are unclear. And if there’s no police report because no officers showed up at the scene, they’ll rely heavily on what you documented. That’s why your photos, witness names, and written notes are so important.
