How Insurance Companies Investigate Accident Claims
Insurance companies in Las Vegas take a detailed approach when investigating accident claims.
Adjusters start with the basics:
- police reports
- photos of the accident, damages, and injuries
- medical records
- driving records
Because Las Vegas is covered with surveillance cameras, they often use casino or street footage to confirm what really happened. Nevada’s comparative negligence laws make small details, like skid marks or timing, especially important.
Witness interviews are another step. Adjusters speak with drivers, passengers, and even bystanders. Since many accidents involve tourists, investigators sometimes have to track witnesses across state lines, slowing down the process. In bigger cases, they bring in accident reconstruction experts who use traffic models to recreate the crash.
Medical and financial records may get close scrutiny too. Insurance companies check for inflated billing from local health clinics and may order independent medical exams if injuries look questionable. In suspected fraud cases, private investigators are sometimes used. In Las Vegas – where staged accidents aren’t unheard of – these extra layers of review are a standard part of the process.
After being involved in a Las Vegas car accident, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are financially motivated to pay as little as possible for vehicle repairs and injury compensation. Nevada’s at-fault insurance system means the driver responsible for the crash (or their insurer) must cover damages, but insurers will still look for ways to minimize payouts.
To protect yourself, you need to understand how Las Vegas car insurance companies investigate accidents and handle claims.
Here’s what you should know as a car accident victim:
1. How to File a Claim After a Car Accident
After seeking medical attention (which is critical, even if injuries seem minor), you should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Nevada law requires drivers to report crashes involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750.
Las Vegas DMV SR-1 form for reporting an accident
When filing a claim, your insurer will ask for:
- Your car insurance policy number
- The date, time, and location of the accident (ex: car accident on “I-15 near Flamingo” or “Rainbow Blvd. & Sahara Ave.”)
- Description of how the crash happened
- The other driver’s name, insurance info, and license plate
- The police report number (if Las Vegas Metro PD, Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), or another agency responded)
Pro Tip:
Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning if you’re 50% or more at-fault, you cannot recover damages from the other driver. This makes fault determination crucial in Las Vegas and Nevada claims.
2. What Happens After an Accident Claim?
Once you file, a claims adjuster will be assigned to investigate. Their job is to verify coverage, assess damages, and determine fault.
Las Vegas claim adjusters will:
- Review the police report (especially if filed with Las Vegas Metro PD or Nevada Highway Patrol)
- Inspect your car (many insurers have preferred repair shops in Las Vegas). If you’re unsure, have an auto mechanic inspect it for you.
- Request medical records (if injuries are claimed)
- Check social media (insurers may look for posts that contradict your injury claims)
3. Medical Care & Vehicle Repairs
Your insurer may cover initial medical bills and repairs, but if the other driver is at-fault, your insurer will seek reimbursement from their company (subrogation).
For vehicle repairs in Las Vegas:
- You can use the insurer’s preferred autobody shop (sometimes called a “collision repair center”)
- Ex: Geico or State Farm collision repair center
- You can choose your own autobody shop, but you may have to pay the difference if their estimate is higher than the insurer’s offer.
- If your car is totaled, Nevada law requires insurers to pay the actual cash value (ACV)
When Is a Car Considered Totaled in Nevada?
In Nevada—including Las Vegas—a vehicle is declared a “total loss” (or “totaled“) if the estimated repair costs exceed 65% of its fair market value before the accident. This calculation is based on the car’s pre-damage value, not the replacement cost or any outstanding loan balance.
Key Points About Nevada’s Total Loss Law:
- 65% Threshold – If car accident repairs cost more than 65% of the car’s pre-accident value, insurers typically total it.
- Fair Market Value – Determined by the car’s condition before the damage, not what you owe or a new car’s price
- These rules apply in Las Vegas and surrounding areas
Injury Claims
- Nevada follows a fault-based system, so if the other driver caused the crash, their insurance should cover your medical bills.
- If they’re uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage (“UM”) can help
4. How “Fault” Is Determined
Insurance adjusters (and sometimes police) determine fault based on:
- Police reports (Las Vegas Metro PD and Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) reports carry weight)
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage (common on Las Vegas roads and highways)
- Nevada traffic laws (e.g., left-turn accidents are often deemed the turning driver’s fault)
If you’re found partially at-fault, your compensation may be reduced.
- If you’re 30% at-fault, you’ll only receive 70% of the settlement.
- If you’re 51% or more at-fault, you get nothing under Nevada law.
To ensure the best possible outcome, maintain thorough documentation—including photos, witness statements, and police reports. Additionally, keep a detailed record of all expenses and save your receipts. s statements, and police reports).
5. Disputing a Low Accident Settlement Offer
If the insurance company’s offer seems unfair, you can:
- Appeal to the adjuster’s supervisor
- Request mediation or arbitration
- File a small claims lawsuit (for claims under $10,000 in Nevada)
- Hire a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to negotiate or sue (hopefully you choose us!)
Key Takeaways for Las Vegas Drivers
✔ Report accidents quickly – Nevada has strict deadlines.
✔ Get a police report – Las Vegas Metro PD and Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) reports help prove fault.
✔ Be careful with social media – Insurers may check for inconsistencies.
✔ Know your rights – Nevada’s comparative negligence rule affects payouts.
By understanding how insurers investigate claims, Las Vegas drivers can fight for fair compensation after an accident. If you’re struggling with a claim, consulting a local Las Vegas car accident lawyer may be your best move.