You do not necessarily need a police report after a car accident in Nevada, even if you intend to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. However, the police report is a byproduct of notifying the police of your collision. You can expect the police to complete their report in a matter of days following an accident.
If you are thinking about legal action following a car accident in Nevada, obtaining the police report is a good place to start. However, it is only one of the important steps that come with seeking compensation for your injuries. Contacting experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers could also benefit your case tremendously.
How to obtain a copy of your police report
If a police report was created for your accident, it is in your best interest to secure a copy. The way you get a copy of your police report will depend on the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash site. This is often a municipal police force when the accident occurs within a city’s limits. County or state police are more likely to respond to accidents elsewhere.
Every police force has its own process for providing reports. Some jurisdictions offer them online, while others might require you to appear in person to request a copy. A car accident attorney could help you obtain a copy of your report.
Why is an accident report important?
It is understandable to wonder why an accident report might be important to your personal injury case. This is especially true given the fact that the report likely cannot be used as evidence should your case go to trial.
These reports are important, even if they are not admissible in trial. A police report could provide our attorney with valuable information regarding your case. This could include a sketch of the accident scene, contact information for witnesses, and even insurance information for the other driver. Most attorneys rely on the police report as a starting place for their case.
Accident reports are also valuable in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies typically rely on the information contained in these reports when attempting to resolve a case. Adjusters frequently have little information to go on regarding an accident other than the word of their insured driver. Police reports provide a neutral viewpoint regarding how an accident happened. Having a copy of the report could go a long way to settling your case without the need for a lawsuit.
Contact an attorney about an accident in Nevada
If you were injured in a car accident in Nevada, the police report is only one important factor in your claim. There are many steps that go into recovering compensation for your injuries, and an experienced attorney could assist you with each of them.
The Nevada car accident attorneys of Valiente Mott are ready to help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Reach out to our trusted law firm right away for a free consultation.