Getting hit by a driver who has no insurance—or not enough insurance—can leave you wondering who will pay your medical bills and other losses. But knowing how to file an uninsured motorist claim in Nevada is the first step in protecting your right to compensation when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Naqvi Injury Law has handled more than 17,000 personal injury cases. Every day, we help Nevada accident victims navigate complex insurance claims, including uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. In this guide, we explain how to file an uninsured motorist claim, what evidence to preserve, what you should do after an accident, and the mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents
What Are Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims?
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage helps pay for damages when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Here’s a comparison:
| Comparison | Uninsured Motorist Coverage | Underinsured Motorist Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | The at-fault driver has no liability insurance or the crash involves certain hit-and-run situations. | The at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage is not enough to cover your damages. |
| What it may cover | Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, depending on your policy. | Additional compensation for covered damages, subject to your policy limits and terms. |
| Key difference | The at-fault driver is uninsured. | The at-fault driver is insured but does not have enough coverage. |
Step-by-Step: How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Nevada
Step 1 — Report the Accident and Notify Your Insurer Immediately
After a hit-and-run, file a police report in Las Vegas or the city where the incident took place. Notify your insurer promptly and tell them in writing that you intend to make a UM or UIM claim.
Step 2 — Gather Evidence That the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured
Settling a car accident injury claim typically requires evidence-building and strong documentation. Collect photos, witness information, medical records, bills, lost-wage documentation, and insurance communications.
Step 3 — Navigate the Insurance Investigation and Protect Your Statement
Your insurer will investigate the accident, your coverage, and your damages. Review how long your insurer has to investigate your claim, and talk to a car accident attorney before giving a recorded statement or attending an Examination Under Oath (EUO).
Step 4 — Respond to the Settlement Offer or Invoke Arbitration
Compare any settlement offer with your medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and other covered damages. If the offer falls short, review your policy’s dispute or arbitration provisions and consider speaking with a Las Vegas car accident attorney before accepting it.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Nevada UM/UIM Claims
Small mistakes can delay a UM/UIM claim or make it harder to recover compensation. Avoid these common problems:
- Assuming you do not have coverage: Check your declarations page before ruling out a UM or UIM claim.
- Waiting to notify your insurer: Report the accident promptly and follow all notice requirements in your policy.
- Settling too soon: Before settling with the at-fault driver’s insurer, make sure you understand how the settlement could affect your UIM rights.
- Giving an unprepared recorded statement: Talk to an attorney before giving a recorded statement that could affect your claim.
- Accepting the first offer: Compare the offer with your medical costs, lost income, future care, and other covered damages.
- Failing to document a hit-and-run: Report the crash promptly and preserve photos, witness information, video, and other evidence.
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FAQs
How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Nevada?
If you are learning how to file an uninsured motorist claim, it’s important to act promptly. Nevada UM/UIM claims can involve different legal and policy deadlines, so check your policy and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
Can I file a UM claim if the other driver fled the scene?
UM coverage can apply to qualifying hit-and-run accidents. Report the crash to police, notify your insurer promptly, and preserve photos, videos, witness information, and other evidence.
Does filing a UM claim raise my insurance rates in Nevada?
Not necessarily. Any rate change can depend on your insurer, policy, driving history, and other underwriting factors.
What if my insurer offers less than my medical bills?
You can reject or negotiate an offer that does not adequately account for your covered damages. Review your policy’s dispute-resolution provisions and consider speaking with a Nevada car accident attorney before accepting a settlement.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Nevada?
Nevada insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can reject the coverage in writing. Check your declarations page or contact your insurer to confirm your coverage.