If you’ve been in a car accident in Nevada, one of the first things you’ll need to do is complete an official accident report. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, or simply keeping records for your own peace of mind, securing a copy of this report is essential.

In Nevada, you may hear it called an NHP accident report if the Nevada Highway Patrol handled the crash.

This guide explains what an accident report is, why it matters, and how to obtain one from agencies like the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), and other local police departments across the state.

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Why Accident Reports Are Important

Accident reports play a central role in the aftermath of a crash. They provide an official account of what happened and can be used in several critical ways:

Proving fault and liability: Insurance companies and courts rely on these reports to determine who was responsible for the crash.
Supporting insurance claims: Adjusters review accident reports when deciding whether to approve or deny claims.
Personal injury lawsuits: Attorneys use the details in reports to build stronger cases on behalf of accident victims.
Personal documentation: Many drivers and passengers request copies simply to keep for their own records.

Who Files Accident Reports in Nevada

Not every accident in Nevada is handled by the same agency. The department that files your accident report depends on where the crash took place:

Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP): Handles accidents that occur on state highways, interstates, and rural roads.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD): Covers accidents within Las Vegas and the surrounding areas in Clark County.
Other local police departments: Cities like Reno, Henderson, and Sparks have their own police forces that file accident reports within city limits.
County Sheriff’s offices: In rural areas without a dedicated city police department, the Sheriff’s office may respond and complete the report.

In general, if the accident involved injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, police are required to respond and file a report. For minor accidents, drivers may still be required to self-report under Nevada law.

Nevada Accident Reporting Laws & Requirements

Nevada law sets clear rules on when accidents must be reported. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 484E):

Drivers must report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more.
Reports should be filed immediately with local law enforcement if police do not respond to the scene.
Drivers must also file a report with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if law enforcement was not involved.
Failing to report can lead to penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges.

These laws ensure that serious crashes are documented and that both drivers and authorities have accurate records of what happened.

How to Get a Copy of an Accident Report

Once you’ve determined which agency handled your accident, the next step is to request a copy of the report. Understanding how to get a copy of an accident report in advance can save time and frustration in an already stressful situation.

Here’s what to expect:

Identify the agency: Was it NHP, LVMPD, or a local police department? This determines where you’ll submit your request.
Check request methods: Most agencies offer online portals, mail-in requests, and in-person pickups.
Provide required details: You’ll typically need the case or incident number, date and location of the crash, and the names of parties involved.
Pay the fee: Fees vary by agency.
Wait for processing: Online requests may be fulfilled in a few business days, while mail-in or in-person requests can take longer.

How to Request an NHP Accident Report

If your accident happened on a Nevada highway or interstate, the NHP is likely the agency that prepared your report. Typical processing times range from a few business days to two weeks, depending on the volume of requests.

Here’s how you can request a copy of your NHP accident report:

Online: The NHP provides an online portal where drivers can request and pay for accident reports. You’ll need the case or incident number, or other identifying details.
Mail-in request: Complete the official request form and mail it to the NHP Records Division along with the required fee (check or money order).
In-person: Visit an NHP office to request your report directly. Bring identification and payment for the fee.

Requesting a Las Vegas Accident Report from LVMPD

If your crash took place in the Las Vegas area, you’ll need to go through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

There are several ways to request a copy of your Las Vegas accident report:

Online accident report portal: The fastest way is through LVMPD’s secure website. Reports are usually available within 7–10 days.
In-person pickup: You can visit one of the LVMPD Records Bureau locations to obtain a copy.
Mail: Print and fill out a Request for Report/Background Check Form. Send by mail to the LVMPD headquarters, Records & Fingerprint Bureau.

Expect to pay $12 per report. Online requests require a credit card, while in-person requests accept cash or money orders.

Other Agencies in Nevada That Handle Accident Reports

Not all Nevada accidents fall under NHP or LVMPD jurisdiction. Depending on where your accident occurred, you may need to contact another department:

Reno Police Department: Handles accidents within Reno city limits.
Henderson Police Department: Responsible for crashes in Henderson.
Smaller municipal police departments: Cities like Sparks, North Las Vegas, or Mesquite may handle reports locally.
County Sheriff’s offices: In rural areas, the Sheriff’s department is often the responding agency.

If you’re unsure which agency to contact, start by identifying where your accident occurred. From there, you can call the non-emergency line of the nearest police department to confirm whether they have your report.

Information You’ll Need to Request an Accident Report

Before making your request, make sure you have all the required details ready to ensure it will be processed without unnecessary delays.

Case or incident number
Date and location of the accident
Names of the drivers or passengers involved
Driver’s license number or license plate number
Your contact information (phone number, email, or mailing address)
A valid photo ID

Who Can Access Nevada Accident Reports

The general public does not usually have access to accident reports, as these documents contain sensitive personal and legal information. Access is generally limited to people who have a direct connection to the crash, including:

Drivers and passengers involved in the crash
Vehicle owners listed in the report
Insurance companies handling related claims
Attorneys representing accident victims
Immediate family members of deceased victims

How Long Does It Take to Receive an Accident Report?

Processing times vary depending on the agency:

LVMPD: Reports are usually ready within 7–10 business days, but high caseloads may extend this timeline.
NHP: Online requests may be processed in a few days, while mail-in requests can take up to two weeks.
Other agencies: Smaller departments may process requests faster, but timelines can differ.

Factors that can delay processing include incomplete request forms, high demand for records, or ongoing investigations.

Cost of Obtaining an Accident Report in Nevada

The cost of getting a copy of an accident report also depends on the agency. Standard fees are typically around $10.

NHP Accident Report: Approximately $11 per report, depending on format.
LVMPD Accident Report: $12 per report.
Local departments: Fees may vary slightly but are generally in the same range.

Keep in mind that online reports may include a small convenience fee for credit card processing, while in-person requests allow for cash or money orders.

What to Do If You Can’t Locate Your Accident Report

Sometimes, drivers struggle to find their report. Here’s what to do if that happens:

Confirm agency jurisdiction: Double-check which agency handled your accident. A crash on I-15 is likely NHP, while a downtown Las Vegas collision is LVMPD.
Follow up directly: Call the records division of the suspected agency and provide details like the date, location, and names involved.
Consider that no report exists: For minor accidents, police may not have filed a report. In those cases, drivers may need to self-report to the DMV.
Seek legal help: If you’re hitting roadblocks or struggling to pursue a claim without an official police report, an experienced car accident lawyer can provide helpful insight.

Why You Should Consider Legal Help When Requesting an Accident Report

While many people can request a report on their own, working with an attorney has several advantages:

Faster access: Lawyers often have direct lines of communication with police departments and can speed up the process.
Handling denials: If your request is denied due to privacy rules or errors, an attorney can appeal or refile on your behalf.
Building a strong case: Accident reports are critical in proving fault and recovering compensation. Attorneys know how to use them effectively in personal injury claims.
Insurance negotiations: Legal teams can leverage accident reports when negotiating with insurers to secure fair settlements.

If you’re struggling with the process or preparing for a personal injury case, consulting a knowledgeable car accident attorney can significantly improve the experience and secure you the compensation you deserve.

Contact Naqvi Injury Law for Help with Your Accident Report

At Naqvi Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. Our team has years of experience helping Nevada accident victims secure the documents they need to move forward with insurance claims and legal cases.

We can assist you in obtaining your accident report, explain your rights, and, if necessary, use that report to build a strong case on your behalf. Best of all, we offer free consultations — so you can get answers before making any financial commitments.

If you’ve been in a crash and need help with your NHP accident report or another Nevada police report, don’t wait.

Contact Naqvi Injury Law today to get started.