Do you know if Nevada uses a no-fault or at-fault car insurance system? What does this mean for filing a claim after an accident occurs? This guide covers everything you need to know.
No-Fault | At-Fault |
All drivers file claims with their own insurer, regardless of fault | Driver deemed responsible pays for damages |
Designed to lower costs by reducing lawsuits | Covers costs beyond car repairs like medical, lost wages, etc. |
Claims limited below certain damage/injury thresholds | Typically allows more types of accident claims |
What type of car insurance system does Nevada have?
Nevada uses an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing an accident is also responsible for paying associated damages.
If you are in an accident in Las Vegas, and you are injured, don’t take your first offer from the insurance company. Let us discuss your rights and the responsibilities of the other driver. Give us a call at (702) 680-1111 to set up an appointment.
When someone mentions insurance, are you baffled by all the details and different coverages? And if all of that wasn’t confusing enough, somebody brings up no and at fault. Do you even know what no-fault versus at-fault insurance is? Sure, you’ve heard of it, but do you even know if Nevada is a no-fault or at-fault state? And what does that all mean anyway?
Simply put, if you and another vehicle are involved in an accident, you both are required to carry insurance on your own personal property as well as insurance against personal injury. Since there is not fault assessed, claims are made against your own carrier.
Why no-fault? In theory, this was designed to lower insurance costs because in a no-fault system, it can potentially eliminate lawsuits. But there is a caveat. No lawsuits unless injury or damage reaches a certain threshold. What adds to the confusion is that states can essentially set that threshold and they differ from state to state. There are also definitions of no-fault, state by state. Confused?
So, what exactly does it mean to reside and drive in an At-Fault state? Simply said, it means the driver who is deemed responsible for the accident is responsible for the damages. You can purchase insurance in case you have an accident for uninsured or underinsured drivers, However, legally, the responsible party is still liable for the damages. Even if the driver is insured, in an at-fault state such as Nevada, your claim may not be limited to:
There may also be additional expenses incurred such as:
These costs will not likely be readily reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company and you may not want to take their initial offer. It is best not to handle this on your own, but rather to call an attorney who specializes in car accident cases and personal injury.
No matter what, you still have to meet the mandatory insurance requirements posted by the state of Nevada (currently $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 in property damage.)
These amounts are liability only and will only protect you if you are at fault, and will only cover the other persons and vehicles in the accident. It will not cover you, your passengers, or your vehicle. To cover your own property, you will need to add on comprehensive or collision coverage, and any other additional coverages you may require. Your insurance agent can help you sort through this and recommend appropriate coverage.
If you are in a car accident in Nevada, these things are required by law:
Failure to stop at an accident may be considered a hit and run and may have legal consequences. Failure to stop at an accident when someone is seriously injured or dies, may be considered a felony and jail time could be imposed.
After you are safely out of traffic and the police have been notified, call your insurance company. Gather essential information for the police report. Have your driver’s license and insurance card available.
If you are uninjured, use your phone to take photographs of damage, injury, or anything that might be important to a claim or lawsuit.
It’s also a good idea to write down everything you know about what just happened.
By the time the claim is processed, you may not remember as clearly as you do when the accident first occurred. This documentation could be crucial in investigating the claim.
If you are not seriously injured and transported to a hospital, be sure that you see a doctor for any injuries. Be sure to attend all follow up appointments, and report to your doctor any additional pain or injury that was not first noted at the time of the accident.
To sum up, Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning if you are in an accident and are not at fault, you are entitled to compensation for:
Driving with an expired license can lead to complications when involved in an accident.
It’s essential to understand how an expired license can impact your car accident claim and the potential legal consequences you might face.
If you are in an accident in Las Vegas, and you are injured, don’t take your first offer from the insurance company. Let us discuss your rights and the responsibilities of the other driver. Give us a call at (702) 680-1111 to set up an appointment.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.