Car accidents are stressful, and when money and health are on the line, one wrong move can seriously weaken — or even end — a legal claim. Nevada’s rules about fault, timing, and evidence mean that victims who try to handle everything alone often make avoidable errors. Below are five of the most common mistakes people make after a crash in Nevada, why each one matters, and practical steps to avoid them.
Mistake #1 — Not calling the police (or not getting an official report)
Skipping a police report to “handle it privately” is tempting, especially when damage seems minor. That choice, however, removes a crucial piece of neutral documentation. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on the police report for facts like who was present, statements taken at the scene, officer observations, and often a preliminary determination of fault or contributing circumstances.
If an officer comes and does a report, get the report number and the responding officer’s name and badge. If you’re in a rental car or a rideshare, having an official report helps untangle questions about vehicle ownership, driver identity, and third-party liability later on.
Mistake #2 — Delaying medical attention or skipping follow-up care
Not all injuries are obvious right away; soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and internal trauma can present hours or days after a crash. Insurance adjusters frequently point to delayed treatment as a sign that an injury is not serious or not linked to the accident. Medical records are among the strongest evidence of injury, causation, and necessary treatment.
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor or urgent care and follow recommended appointments. Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and billing statements — they’ll be essential for proving damages and future care needs.
Mistake #3 — Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene
A casual “I’m sorry” can be converted into an admission of fault by an insurer. In Nevada, comparative negligence rules mean the percentage of fault you’re assigned directly reduces your recovery; being seen as partly to blame can lower a settlement or even bar recovery if your fault is greater than the other party’s. NRS 41.141 reflects Nevada’s modified comparative fault approach and is applied when courts allocate percentages of responsibility.
Stick to basic facts: exchange names and insurance info, give a short statement of what happened to police, and avoid apologizing or speculating about blame. If you’re unsure what to say, limit conversation to non-accusatory details and document everything you observed.
(If there’s any doubt about how fault might be assigned in your situation, talking with a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer early even to get a quick read — can help you avoid missteps that erode your position.)
Mistake #4 — Talking too much (or too little) to insurance companies
Insurance company adjusters are trained to protect the bottom line. Giving long recorded statements, guessing about how much an injury will cost, or accepting a quick settlement offer without full documentation can devastate a claim. Conversely, refusing to provide basic information can lead to denial on technical grounds.
When you notify your insurer, provide the essentials: time, place, and what happened. Avoid recorded interviews until you have medical records and a clear understanding of your injuries. Also, understand your coverages: Nevada law requires insurers to explain options like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and the limits that apply; having UM/UIM can make a big difference if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Document every conversation: date, time, who you spoke with, and what was said. If an insurer pressures you to sign releases or accept an offer, slow down and get paperwork reviewed.
Mistake #5 — Waiting too long to act (losing evidence or missing deadlines)
Time kills cases in two ways: physical evidence disappears and legal deadlines run out. Surveillance footage is often recorded over in days or weeks. Witness memories fade. Vehicles are repaired, and scene conditions change. Beyond that, Nevada imposes strict time limits to file lawsuits: for many personal injury claims the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury, and missing that window can permanently bar recovery. These timelines can vary for special categories (like professional negligence or older rules around medical malpractice), so what looks like a small delay can have big consequences.
Act fast to preserve evidence: request camera footage quickly, obtain witness contact info, and avoid repairing critical vehicle damage until a thorough inspection is done (or at least photograph and document the damage before repairs). If you plan to leave Nevada after the crash, understand that legal timelines continue to run — filing deadlines aren’t paused just because you flew home.
Bonus mistake — Not keeping thorough records of damages and impact
It’s easy to underestimate the long-term effects of an accident. Beyond medical bills and vehicle repair invoices, track lost wages, transportation costs to appointments, prescription expenses, and non-economic losses like sleep disturbance or reduced enjoyment of life. Keeping a symptom diary and preserving receipts builds a fuller picture of damages and helps with accurate valuation when negotiating or litigating.
Putting the pieces together: prevention and preservation
Avoiding these five mistakes means treating even a seemingly minor crash like a serious legal event. Call police, seek medical care promptly, limit statements that could sound like admissions, document everything, and move quickly to preserve evidence and comply with filing rules. Remember: Nevada’s comparative fault rules and statutes of limitation can change the calculus of a case, so protecting facts and paperwork early preserves your legal options down the line.
Understanding common traps makes it far more likely your claim will be fairly evaluated. Small, simple actions after a crash — an official report, timely medical care, and careful communication — are often the difference between a successful recovery and a case that quietly unravels due to avoidable errors.
