Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Las Vegas? Here's What to Do

You did everything right. You were driving safely, and then another driver crashed into you. Now you learn they have no insurance. It's a frustrating, scary moment, especially when you're hurting and the bills are starting to arrive. The good news: in Nevada, you often still have options. Here is what to know if you're hit by an uninsured driver in Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere in Clark County.

How Common Are Uninsured Drivers in Southern Nevada?

Nevada law requires every driver to carry liability insurance, but plenty of people drive without it. Policies lapse, drivers skip payments, and some never buy coverage at all. In a busy area like Southern Nevada, with heavy tourist traffic and long commutes, you are more likely than you'd think to run into one. It isn't your fault, and it doesn't mean you're out of luck.

Step 1: Protect Yourself at the Scene

Whether or not the other driver has insurance, the first steps are the same:

• Check for injuries and call 911.
• Ask the police to come and file a report. Don't agree to "just handle it" privately.
• Get the other driver's name, license, plate number, and contact details.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.
• Collect names and numbers of any witnesses.
• Get medical care right away, even if you feel "okay."

Don't accept a cash offer on the spot or agree to skip the police report. Hidden injuries often show up days later.

Step 2: Check Your Own Policy for UM/UIM Coverage

This is where many Nevada drivers find help. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is part of your own auto policy. It pays you when you're hurt by a driver who has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses. Learn more in our guide on being hit by an uninsured driver in Las Vegas and our Guide to Nevada Car Insurance Laws.

UM/UIM coverage can help with:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other losses caused by the crash

In Nevada, insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, and you must reject it in writing if you don't want it. So if you never signed a rejection, you may well have it. Pull out your policy or call your insurance agent to find out.

Step 3: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your own insurer promptly. Policies usually require timely notice, and delays can give the company a reason to push back. Stick to the basic facts. Be careful about recorded statements, because your own insurance company can still look for reasons to reduce what it pays.

Why a UM Claim Can Be Harder Than You Expect

It may seem like your insurer should be on your side. But when you make a UM claim, you're asking your own insurance company to pay, and it may act much like any other insurer. Common problems include:

• Disputing who was at fault
• Arguing your injuries aren't related to the crash
• Questioning whether your treatment was necessary
• Offering far less than your claim is worth

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partly at fault, your payout is reduced. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you may recover nothing. That's why clear evidence matters.

Other Options When the Other Driver Is Uninsured

UM/UIM coverage is usually the main route, but there may be other paths:

• Medical payments coverage (MedPay): If your policy includes it, it can help with medical bills regardless of fault. See our article on Medical Payments Coverage.
• Health insurance: It can cover treatment while your claim is pending.
• The at-fault driver personally: You can sometimes pursue the driver directly, though collecting from someone with limited resources can be difficult.
• Other responsible parties: If the driver was working, driving someone else's vehicle, or a bar or other party contributed, other sources of recovery may exist.

Don't Wait Too Long

Nevada generally gives you two years to file a lawsuit after a car accident, but your insurance policy may require much faster notice. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Why Talk to a Lawyer?

Dealing with an uninsured driver case means dealing with your own insurer, and that can be tricky. An attorney can review your policy, gather evidence, handle the insurance company, and push for a fair result while you focus on healing. At Cap & Kudler, our attorneys personally manage every case, including smaller claims, and we explain things in plain English.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, call the personal injury lawyers at Cap & Kudler for a free consultation with an attorney. Call us at (702) 878-8778 or visit lasvegaspersonalinjuryexperts.com.