⚡ Quick Takeaways / Key Insights
You are required to speak to police after a crash — but you do not have to admit fault or speculate.
Anything you say at the accident scene can be used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim.
Keep statements brief, factual, and based only on what you personally observed.
Never say “I’m sorry,” “It was my fault,” or give guesses such as speed, timing, or what the other driver was doing.
If you are unsure or in shock, it is acceptable to say, “I’m not sure — I need to consult medical and legal guidance before giving more details.”
A Nevada car accident attorney can protect your injury claim in Edvin law, handle police follow-up, and prevent insurance misinterpretation.
What to Say to Police After a Car Accident in Nevada (And What to Avoid)
Car accidents are overwhelming — adrenaline is high, emotions surge, and memory may be foggy. In these moments, many people accidentally say things that harm their case, even when they think they’re being polite or helpful.
Why Your Words Matter After a Crash
In Nevada, the statement you make to the police is used to create the official accident report, which insurance companies rely on heavily to determine:
Fault
Compensation amounts
Whether to approve or deny a claim
Saying just a few wrong words may lead to:
Reduced settlement offers
Denied claims
Partial blame through comparative negligence
So the goal is not to lie — but to avoid guessing, apologizing, or accepting blame.
Your Legal Duty to Speak to Police in Nevada
Nevada law requires drivers to:
1. Stop at the scene
2. Call or wait for police if there are injuries or major vehicle damage
3. Provide your name, contact, license, and insurance
However, you do not have to:
Admit fault
Explain what you “think” happened
Give detailed statements on the roadside
You have the right to provide:
Factual, brief, objective information only
And you have the right to politely say you prefer to wait to give a formal statement later.
What to Say to Police After a Crash (Word-for-Word Guidance)
Keep your statements short and factual.
Here’s a script you can rely on:
“I’ll answer what I can, but I’m shaken up and may not have full clarity yet. I’ll provide any additional information once I’ve had medical evaluation and legal guidance.”
And when describing the accident:
“This is what I observed: [describe movements only]. I can’t speak to anything I didn’t see.”
Examples of safe statements:
“The light was green when I entered the intersection.”
“I was traveling within the speed limit.”
“I felt the impact from the rear.”
“I am not sure — I’d need to review more details before confirming.”
If injured:
“I may be injured. I need medical evaluation before I answer further questions.”
What Not to Say to Police (Avoid These Phrases)
Many comments feel reasonable in the moment — but insurance companies twist them.
| Avoid Saying This | Why |
|---|---|
| “I’m sorry.” | Sounds like admitting fault. |
| “I didn’t see them.” | Implies inattention. |
| “I might have been going a little fast.” | Used to assign you partial blame. |
| “I’m fine.” or “No injuries.” | Injuries like whiplash often show up days later. |
| “Maybe they came out of nowhere.” | Suggests uncertainty or carelessness. |
| “I think…” / “I guess…” / “Probably…” | Never speculate — uncertainty hurts your claim. |
Remember:
You can be polite without apologizing or admitting anything.
How Police Reports Influence Your Claim
The police report is often the first document an insurance adjuster reads. Even a single line such as:
“Driver stated they may have been distracted”
“Driver unsure of speed”
“Driver apologized”
can lead to:
Comparative negligence reduction
20–70% decrease in compensation
Or a claim denial
Your statement must be controlled and accurate to protect your rights.
What If the Police Ask Direct, Detailed Questions?
If you don’t remember, say so. This is allowed.
“I don’t want to provide incorrect information. I will share details once I’ve reviewed them and spoken with counsel.”
If they pressure you to estimate speed, distance, or timing:
“I don’t have enough certainty to estimate that accurately right now.”
Never let stress force you into guessing.
Should You Record Your Statement at the Scene?
No.
Wait until:
1. You are calm
2. You have spoken to an attorney
3. You have medical evaluation
Shock and adrenaline can distort memory. Insurance companies know this and use early recordings to dispute injuries.
The Role of Medical Evaluation
Even if you feel okay, always say:
“I need to get checked by a doctor first.”
Why?
Whiplash symptoms take 24–72 hours
Concussions may not appear for days
Adrenaline masks pain
If the report says “no injury”, insurance may refuse to pay for later treatment.
When You Should Call a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer
Call a lawyer before:
Giving a recorded statement to insurance
Signing anything
Accepting settlement offers
A lawyer will:
Communicate with police and insurance on your behalf
Protect your statement from being misinterpreted
Gather evidence (camera footage, witness reports, crash reconstruction)
Ensure medical documentation supports your claim
Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term treatment
How Insurance Companies Use Your Police Statement Against You
Adjusters are trained to:
Minimize your injuries
Shift partial blame
Reduce payouts or deny claims entirely
They often quote your roadside statement back to you, such as:
“But you said ‘I’m fine’ at the scene…”
“You said you didn’t see the other driver…”
“You said you may have been tired…”
Your lawyer prevents this.
Final Guidance to Remember
At the accident scene:
Stay calm
Provide only identity + insurance info
Describe only observable facts
Do not apologize or speculate
Seek medical care immediately
Contact an attorney as soon as possible
Injured in a Nevada Car Accident? Get Legal Support Before You Speak Further.
If you were involved in a crash, you only get one chance to protect your claim.
Our office helps accident victims:
Manage communication with police & insurance
Document injuries & future care costs
Secure fair compensation for your recovery
Do not navigate this alone.
Contact Edvin Law today for a free case review.
5 FAQs About Speaking to Police After a Car Accident in Nevada
1. Am I legally required to talk to the police at the scene?
Yes. You must provide your name, contact details, driver’s license, and insurance information. However, you do not have to answer detailed questions about fault or how the crash happened. Keep statements brief and factual.
2. Should I admit fault if I think I caused the accident?
No. Never admit fault at the scene. Fault in Nevada is determined by evidence, not personal opinion — and early statements are often made under stress or shock. Even if you believe you played a role, let the investigation and your attorney determine liability.
3. What if I tell police “I’m fine” but feel pain later?
This is very common. Injuries like whiplash, muscle damage, and concussions can take hours or days to appear. Always say:
“I need to be evaluated by a doctor before commenting on injuries.”
This protects both your health and your claim.
4. Can insurance companies use my police statement against me?
Yes — and they often do. Insurers review the police report first and may twist statements to claim you were distracted, speeding, or partially at fault. That’s why your initial statement must be careful, neutral, and factual.
5. Should I talk to a car accident lawyer before giving a detailed statement?
Absolutely. A Nevada car accident attorney will guide what to say, handle follow-up communications, and prevent insurers from misusing your words. Speaking to a lawyer first can significantly increase your compensation.
