Getting a Car Accident Report in Las Vegas
After a car accident in Las Vegas, obtaining a police accident report is crucial. This document contains valuable details about the accident, including the location, time, parties involved, witness statements, and possibly even information on who may be at fault. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain one.
When you hire a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney, they often handle gathering necessary documents like the accident report to build a strong case.
Contact the Police at the Scene
When an accident occurs, it’s best to contact law enforcement right away. In Las Vegas, either the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) or Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) will respond, depending on the location. Police officers will investigate the accident, collect statements, and document evidence to complete the accident report. Make sure to provide accurate information and cooperate fully with officers.
Wait for the Report to Become Available
The police do not typically provide a completed accident report on the spot. The report usually becomes available within seven to fourteen days after the accident, as the investigating officer needs time to file and review it. You can check with the relevant department during this period to see if the report is ready for release.
Who Prepares the Report?
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) prepares accident reports for collisions that occur within its jurisdiction. For accidents on highways or freeways, the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) may handle the report. If the accident happened in North Las Vegas or Henderson, the local police departments for those cities will prepare the reports.
Know Which Department to Contact
Where your accident occurred in the Las Vegas area determines which department handled your accident report:
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD): Handles most accidents within city limits. You can visit the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau to access your report.
- Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP): Manages accidents on highways and outside city limits. Contacting the NHP Southern Command in Las Vegas will help if the accident occurred on a highway.
Each agency has its own process for handling reports.
Different Ways to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Las Vegas
You have a few options for obtaining a copy of your accident report, depending on which law enforcement agency responded to the scene.
- Online Request (LVMPD)
The easiest way to obtain a report for accidents handled by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is through their online portal:
- Visit lvmpd.com
- Navigate to the “Records and Fingerprint Bureau” section
- Select “Traffic Collision Reports”
- You will need the report number, your name, date of the accident, and a valid form of identification
- Pay the required fee (typically around $10)
- In-Person Request
You may also request the report in person at:
LVMPD Headquarters
400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Building C
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bring a government-issued ID and payment for the report fee.
- By Mail
Mail a written request with your name, report number (if known), date of the accident, and a copy of your ID to the LVMPD address above. Include a check or money order to cover the report fee.
Gather Information Needed to Request the Report
To request a copy of your car accident report, you will need specific details about the accident:
- Full name and driver’s license number
- Date and time of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Report number (if available, often provided by officers at the scene)
Having this information readily available will speed up the process.
Request the Report Online or In Person
LVMPD Accident Report Requests
If the LVMPD handled your accident, you can request the report through several methods:
- In Person: Visit the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau at 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. to request a physical copy. They accept cash, credit cards, or checks for payment.
- Online: Use the LVMPD’s online portal to request the report digitally.
There is a $12 fee to receive a copy of the report.
NHP Accident Report Requests
If your accident was on a highway, the Nevada Highway Patrol Southern Command in Las Vegas will have your report. You can request it:
- Online: Go to the NHP’s Crash Records Portal on the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s website and enter your accident information to access the report.
- By Mail: You can mail a request to NHP’s Southern Command office at 4615 W. Sunset Rd., 89118.
The fee is $10. For fatal reports and all crash photos, you must contact the regional office. There is an additional $5 fee for photos.
Review the Report for Accuracy
Once you receive the report, double-check details such as the accident location, time, and witness statements. If you notice any discrepancies, you may need to contact the officer who filed the report to request a correction.
Use the Report for Insurance or Legal Claims
Share the report with your insurance company and attorney (if you have one) to support your claim. A car accident report is a critical piece of evidence for filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action. Both insurance companies and attorneys rely on these reports to establish facts about the crash, making them key to securing fair compensation.
What to Do if the Report Is Delayed
In some cases, accident reports may be delayed beyond the standard processing time due to high demand or ongoing investigations. If you experience a delay, follow up with the appropriate agency to check on the report’s status. Your attorney may also be able to assist in expediting the process if your claim depends on it.
What if No Officer Responded?
If no law enforcement officer filed a report at the scene, Nevada law requires drivers to submit a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1) to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if the accident involved injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more. Failure to file can result in the suspension of your driver’s license and the DMV may also suspend your vehicle’s registration.
An Attorney Can Help
Obtaining a car accident report in Las Vegas is a straightforward process but may be challenging when recovering from a severe injury. Attorneys understand the process and can access these records quickly, saving you time and effort.