Every driver in Nevada should understand the laws that govern car accidents and insurance responsibilities. Whether you commute daily through Clark County or travel along the Las Vegas Strip, knowing how fault, insurance, and reporting requirements work can make a major difference after a collision. Nevada operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing a crash must pay for resulting damages. Without this knowledge, you could unknowingly give up rights to fair compensation.
Our firm represents individuals injured in car accidents throughout Las Vegas, Paradise, and across Nevada. We apply veteran-led discipline to every case, helping clients navigate the legal system and hold negligent drivers accountable. Understanding your responsibilities under state law not only protects your claim but also ensures you take the right steps immediately after a crash.
Why Choose Drummond Law Firm
Choosing the right legal team is critical when dealing with an accident and insurance companies. Drummond Law Firm stands apart through disciplined representation, ethical standards, and consistent communication. We combine proven trial experience with an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
Military Discipline and Strategic Representation
Our firm is led by attorney Craig W. Drummond, a former U.S. Army Captain and Bronze Star recipient. The discipline and leadership he developed during military service are reflected in our approach to law. Every case is handled with thorough investigation, precision, and strategy—ensuring our clients are positioned for the best possible outcome.
The Reduced Fee Guarantee: Never Paying More Than You Recover
We are the only law firm in Nevada offering the Reduced Fee Guarantee®. Our attorney fees will never exceed what you recover, ensuring that you always retain the majority of your settlement. This commitment reflects our dedication to fairness, integrity, and the trust that defines every client relationship.
Veteran-Led Advocacy and Proven Trial Record
Our firm’s foundation rests on service, integrity, and results. We prepare every claim as if it will go to trial, ensuring that insurance companies know we are ready to fight for full compensation. Whether through negotiation or courtroom litigation, we pursue justice with precision and perseverance.
Is Nevada a No-Fault State? At-Fault vs. No-Fault in Nevada
Drivers often hear the terms “fault” and “no-fault” when discussing car insurance but may not understand how these systems affect compensation. Nevada follows an at-fault model, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the financial consequences. Understanding how this system works helps you make informed decisions after a crash and avoid costly mistakes.
Nevada Is an At-Fault State: What It Means for Drivers
In Nevada’s at-fault system, the person responsible for causing an accident must pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses through their insurance policy. The injured party has the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, pursue compensation through their own policy, or file a lawsuit. This approach differs from no-fault states, where drivers typically seek reimbursement through their own insurance regardless of who caused the crash.
How At-Fault Systems Differ From No-Fault Insurance States
In no-fault states, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory, and each driver’s insurance pays for their injuries up to certain limits. Nevada does not require PIP coverage, which means determining who is at fault is essential to recovery. Because fault affects every aspect of a claim—from liability to settlement amounts—our attorneys focus on building strong evidence that clearly establishes responsibility.
When Drivers Must File a Claim With Their Own vs. Another Driver’s Insurer
If you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, you may file a claim directly with their insurance company. However, if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage or disputes liability, you can also turn to your own insurer under uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions. Our firm helps clients identify the appropriate coverage and navigate both claims simultaneously to maximize compensation.
How Fault Is Determined in Nevada Auto Accidents
Determining fault after a collision requires examining all available evidence. Police reports, witness statements, and physical damage tell part of the story, but a complete investigation often reveals factors that insurers overlook. Nevada’s comparative negligence rule further complicates this process, allowing more than one party to share responsibility for the same crash.
Modified Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar Rule Explained
Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law, injured drivers can still recover compensation even if they share some blame for the crash—as long as their fault does not exceed 50 percent. The total compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent responsible, your recovery would be $80,000. We use evidence and expert testimony to challenge exaggerated claims of shared fault and protect your recovery.
Key Evidence Used to Prove Fault: Police Reports, Cameras, Witnesses
Evidence plays a central role in proving liability. Police reports provide objective details about the scene, while photographs, dashcam recordings, and witness statements help reconstruct what occurred. Our firm collects and analyzes this evidence early in the process to prevent disputes and establish fault clearly.
Role of Accident Reconstruction Experts and Insurance Investigations
Accident reconstruction experts can recreate how a crash occurred based on vehicle damage, skid marks, and other data. This analysis often refutes inaccurate assumptions made by insurance adjusters. Our attorneys collaborate with these experts to present technical proof of negligence when liability is questioned.
Common Scenarios: Rear-End, Intersection, and Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Certain types of accidents appear straightforward but can still present legal complications. Rear-end collisions usually suggest fault on the following driver, but exceptions exist if the front vehicle made an abrupt or unsafe stop. Intersection crashes often involve disputes over right-of-way, while multi-vehicle pileups may involve several negligent drivers. Each scenario demands a careful review of evidence to determine fault accurately.
Key Nevada Laws and Crash Reporting Requirements
After a collision, Nevada law requires specific steps to ensure safety and accountability. Failing to report an accident or provide required documentation can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal penalties. Understanding these rules helps drivers comply with legal obligations and preserve their rights.
When You Must File a Police Report or DMV SR-1 Form (NRS 484E)
Drivers must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $750. The report can be made by calling law enforcement at the scene or by submitting a DMV SR-1 form within ten days of the crash. The Nevada Highway Patrol, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, or local agencies may respond depending on the location. Prompt reporting creates an official record that supports insurance and legal claims.
Nevada’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Nevada law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Many drivers choose higher coverage levels to protect against lawsuits and out-of-pocket costs. Maintaining valid insurance is not only a legal obligation but also a practical safeguard against financial loss.
Penalties for Failing to Report or Driving Without Insurance
Driving without valid insurance can lead to significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and vehicle registration revocation. Failing to report a qualifying accident may also result in criminal charges. Our attorneys help clients handle these situations responsibly and ensure that any reporting issues are resolved properly with the DMV and law enforcement.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and Legal Consequences
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Nevada. Drivers involved in a crash must stop, exchange information, and provide assistance if someone is injured. A hit-and-run involving injury or death is treated as a felony. Our firm assists victims of hit-and-run accidents in pursuing claims through uninsured motorist coverage or by identifying the responsible party through investigation.
Types of Compensation Available After a Nevada Car Accident
Compensation after an accident depends on the type of damages you suffer. Nevada law allows victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the responsible driver or their insurer.
Economic Damages: Medical Bills, Property Repairs, and Lost Wages
Economic damages include measurable losses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, property repair expenses, and lost wages. We gather all financial records to ensure these costs are accurately reflected in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Beyond financial losses, accident victims often experience emotional distress, physical pain, and disruption to their daily lives. These non-economic damages are harder to quantify, but they represent an essential part of full recovery.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Recklessness or Gross Negligence
When an at-fault driver’s behavior shows deliberate disregard for safety—such as drunk driving or excessive speeding—courts may award punitive damages. These damages punish egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Our firm evaluates each case to determine whether punitive recovery may apply.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Nevada
Knowing what to do in the minutes and days after a collision can protect both your health and your legal rights. Even minor accidents require careful documentation, and taking the right actions early makes it easier to pursue compensation later. Following Nevada’s reporting and insurance procedures helps ensure that your claim is not denied for technical reasons.
Ensure Safety and Call Law Enforcement Immediately
Your first responsibility is to ensure everyone’s safety and report the incident. Nevada law requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage to notify the police. Responding officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, or local agencies will create a detailed report documenting the scene. This report becomes critical evidence in your insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
Exchange Information and Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, exchange contact and insurance details with all involved drivers. Take photos of vehicle damage, traffic signs, skid marks, and visible injuries. These details can prove invaluable in establishing liability and defending against inaccurate statements made later by other parties. Our firm often uses client-provided photos and notes to support insurance negotiations and litigation.
Seek Medical Treatment and Keep Records
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries—such as concussions or soft-tissue trauma—can take days to appear. Medical records establish a timeline and link your injuries directly to the accident. Keep copies of all medical reports, receipts, and prescriptions; this documentation will be essential when calculating damages.
Contact Drummond Law Firm Before Speaking With Insurers
Insurance adjusters may call within hours of a crash to obtain statements or push early settlements. Their goal is to reduce payouts, not protect your interests. Before signing documents or agreeing to any offer, contact our firm. We review every communication, handle all insurer correspondence, and ensure that your rights are protected from the beginning.
Unique Considerations for Las Vegas and Clark County Drivers
Traffic in Clark County presents unique risks that make collisions more complex than in rural parts of Nevada. Dense urban areas, heavy tourism, and high volumes of rideshare and commercial traffic create distinct legal and logistical challenges for accident victims. Understanding these local dynamics helps explain why cases in the Las Vegas Valley often require experienced, trial-ready representation.
High-Traffic Zones: I-15, US-95, and the Las Vegas Strip
The major highways running through Las Vegas and Paradise—Interstate 15, U.S. Route 95, and the 215 Beltway—are some of Nevada’s busiest. Congestion, construction zones, and high-speed merging lanes make accidents common. Many collisions occur near Tropicana Avenue, Flamingo Road, and the Strip, where tourists and commercial vehicles share narrow lanes. Our attorneys are familiar with these high-risk areas and understand how traffic flow and roadway design affect liability.
Tourism-Related Accidents Involving Out-of-State Drivers
Tourists driving rental cars or unfamiliar vehicles often cause accidents in Paradise and on the Strip. When out-of-state drivers are involved, insurance and jurisdictional issues can become complicated. We work with insurers and law enforcement agencies to ensure that claims involving visitors are handled efficiently, even when responsible parties reside outside Nevada.
Rideshare and Taxi Collisions Common in Paradise and Downtown
The heavy presence of Uber, Lyft, and taxi services adds another layer of complexity. Rideshare accidents can involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate defendants, and multiple claimants. Our firm’s experience with rideshare litigation helps ensure that victims are not caught in disputes between insurers or misled about their coverage.
How Local Courts and Insurers Handle Urban Crash Claims
Clark County courts handle a significant volume of personal injury and auto accident cases each year. Because of this, insurers operating in the region are well-practiced at defending claims and may use aggressive tactics to delay or deny compensation. We counter these tactics with disciplined preparation, early evidence gathering, and courtroom readiness—sending a message that every client’s case will be taken seriously.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Nevada Car Accident Laws
Misunderstandings about Nevada’s fault system and reporting rules often lead drivers to make costly mistakes. Clearing up these misconceptions helps protect your rights and ensures that you follow the law after a collision.
Myth: Nevada Is a No-Fault State
Many drivers mistakenly believe that each person’s insurance automatically covers their injuries regardless of fault. In Nevada, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. You can file a claim against that driver’s insurer or your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy if they lack coverage. Understanding this distinction prevents confusion about where to file your claim and what compensation you can pursue.
Myth: You Cannot File a Claim if You Are Partly Responsible
Under comparative negligence, you can still recover damages even if you share some fault, as long as your responsibility does not exceed 50 percent. Insurance companies often exaggerate fault percentages to reduce payouts. We use evidence, expert reports, and witness statements to challenge those claims and preserve your right to compensation.
Myth: Minor Crashes Do Not Require Reporting
Even low-impact collisions can result in injuries or property damage exceeding Nevada’s reporting threshold. Failing to file a report or notify the DMV can complicate your insurance claim and potentially lead to penalties. Always document the incident properly and seek medical evaluation, no matter how minor the crash seems at first.
Myth: Insurance Always Covers Every Expense
Insurance companies are obligated to act in good faith, but that does not mean they automatically pay fair value. Policy limits, exclusions, and liability disputes often affect compensation. Our attorneys examine every available policy—yours and the at-fault driver’s—to identify all potential sources of recovery.
Craig Drummond: A Veteran Leader and Trusted Trial Lawyer
Craig W. Drummond’s leadership and courtroom experience define how our firm represents accident victims throughout Nevada. His background in the U.S. Army and extensive trial record distinguish Drummond Law Firm from settlement-focused practices that prioritize volume over quality.
Former U.S. Army Captain and Bronze Star Recipient
Craig Drummond served as a U.S. Army Captain and received the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership and commitment to justice. The same principles of integrity and discipline guide his legal practice today. Clients trust our firm to approach every case with the same thorough preparation that defined Craig’s military service.
Recognized Among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers by MyVegas Magazine
Craig Drummond has been named among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers for his success in personal injury litigation and ethical advocacy. His work has earned recognition for fairness, preparation, and consistent results in challenging cases.
Committed to Serving Nevada Drivers With Integrity and Precision
We proudly represent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians across Clark County. Whether your case involves a simple insurance dispute or complex litigation against a corporate defendant, our firm approaches every matter with professionalism and persistence. Our focus remains on achieving justice while maintaining the integrity and discipline that define our practice.
Contact Drummond Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
If you have been injured in a car accident anywhere in Nevada, you deserve legal guidance from a firm that values integrity and preparation. Drummond Law Firm offers free consultations to help you understand your rights under Nevada law and determine your best path to recovery.
We are available 24 hours a day to speak with clients across the Las Vegas Valley and beyond. There are no upfront fees, and we operate entirely on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Call the Captain today at 702-CAPTAIN or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced Nevada car accident lawyer. Our team is ready to guide you through the legal process and help you pursue justice with confidence and clarity.