If you’ve been involved in a boating accident on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, or the Colorado River, Nevada law requires you to report the incident within a specific timeframe. Failing to file a proper report could jeopardize your insurance claim—or even lead to legal penalties.
In this quick guide, we’ll cover:
- Exactly when you must file a report (Nevada’s legal thresholds)
- Where to file the report (specific agencies for Las Vegas waterways)
- Step-by-step instructions for official documentation
- How your report impacts a future injury claim
Reporting Requirements for Nevada Boating Accidents
Nevada law requires an accident report under the following conditions:
| Scenario | Reporting Deadline | Agency to Notify |
| Fatalities | Immediately | NDOW + Local Law Enforcement |
| Injuries requiring medical treatment | Within 48 hours | NDOW |
| Disappearance (drowning suspected) | Immediately | NDOW + U.S. Coast Guard (if on federal waters) |
| Property damage ≥ $2,000 | Within 10 days | NDOW |
| Total vessel loss | Within 10 days | NDOW |
Key Exception:
If law enforcement responds and files their own report (e.g., NPS rangers on Lake Mead), you may not need to submit a duplicate.
Where to File Your Boating Accident Report in Southern Nevada
- Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)
- Primary agency for all Nevada boating accidents
- Online form: NDOW Boating Accident Report
- Hotline: (775) 688-1500 (24/7 for immediate reporting)
- National Park Service (NPS) – Lake Mead & Lake Mohave
- Required if the accident occurs within Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- NPS Park Dispatch: (702) 293-8998
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Required only if:
- The accident occurs on navigable federal waters (e.g., Colorado River below Hoover Dam)
- The incident involves a death, disappearance, or serious injury
- Required only if:
- Local Sheriff’s Office
- The Clark County Sheriff’s Marine Unit handles boating accidents on:
- Las Vegas Bay (Lake Mead)
- Lake Las Vegas
- Colorado River near Laughlin
- The Clark County Sheriff’s Marine Unit handles boating accidents on:
Step-by-Step: Legally Documenting Your Accident
1. Gather Critical Evidence (Before Leaving the Scene):
- Registration numbers of all vessels involved
- Insurance information from other operators
- Photos/video of:
- Vessel damage
- Accident location (e.g., “Hemenway Harbor,” “Echo Bay”)
- Water/weather conditions
2. Obtain Witness Contact Information:
- Tour boat passengers often provide unbiased accounts
- Marina staff may have seen reckless behavior beforehand
3. File the Official Report:
NDOW’s report form requires:
- GPS coordinates of the accident
- Diagram of vessel positions
- Operator’s boating certification number (if applicable)
Pro Tip: If injuries occurred, include medical records with your submission. It strengthens any future injury claim.
How Your Report Affects a Boating Accident Lawsuit
The Insurance Trap:
Insurance companies often deny claims filed late or with inconsistencies.
Example: A Jet Ski crash at Callville Bay wasn’t reported within 10 days—resulting in a $15,000 claim denial.
Preserving Your Right to Sue:
An official report is vital for:
- Proving negligence (e.g., BUI, speeding in no-wake zones)
- Holding rental companies liable (common at Temple Bar Marina)
When to Lawyer Up:
Consult a boating accident attorney if:
✔ You were hospitalized
✔ Fault is being disputed
✔ You’re facing BUI charges (Boating Under the Influence)
Local Hotspots Where Accidents Frequently Occur
| Location | Common Accident Type | Reporting Agency |
| Boulder Basin (Lake Mead) | Alcohol-related collisions | NDOW + NPS |
| Cottonwood Cove (Lake Mohave) | Rental boat grounding | NDOW + County Sheriff |
| Black Canyon (Colorado River) | Wakeboarding injuries | U.S. Coast Guard (federal waters) |
Need Help After Filing Your Report?
Contact Paul Powell today for a free case review.
(702) 728-5500