The deadline: two years for most injury claims
Nevada generally gives you two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). Property damage claims have a separate, longer period, and claims involving government vehicles or property can carry extra procedural requirements. Missing the deadline usually ends the claim regardless of its merits, so the safest approach is to get advice well before it approaches.
Fault: modified comparative negligence
Under NRS 41.141, you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the people you are claiming against. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage. For example, someone with $100,000 in damages found 20% at fault would recover $80,000. Someone found 60% at fault would recover nothing. Because the percentage matters so much, evidence about speed, signals, lighting and distraction is central to most claims.
Insurance: minimums and what to check on your own policy
Nevada requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for all injuries in one crash and $20,000 for property damage (NRS 485.185). When the at-fault driver has only the minimum, or no insurance at all, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can make up the difference, and it often applies even when you were a pedestrian or cyclist. Medical payments coverage, if you bought it, can pay early bills regardless of fault.
Rideshare insurance
For Uber and Lyft, the coverage depends on what the app showed: at least $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 while the driver is logged in and waiting, and at least $1.5 million once a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board (NRS 690B.470). See the rideshare accident page.
Reporting requirements
Drivers involved in a crash must stop, exchange information and help anyone injured. If police did not investigate and the crash caused injury, death or more than $750 in property damage, a Report of Traffic Crash (SR-1) must be filed with the Nevada DMV within 10 days. Failing to file can affect your driving privileges. The car accident page lists what else to do in the first days.
Road rules that come up often
Motorcycles
Nevada requires helmets for riders and passengers (NRS 486.231) and does not allow lane splitting. See motorcycle accidents.
Cyclists
Drivers must give cyclists at least three feet when passing (NRS 484B.270). See pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Where cases are heard
Most injury lawsuits in Clark County are filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court at the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. Smaller disputes can go to Justice Court. Most claims, however, settle through negotiation without a trial. Questions about cost and timing are answered in the FAQ, and how it works explains what happens when you send an enquiry.