Your Guide to Obtaining a Las Vegas Police Report After a Car Accident

If you have recently experienced a motor vehicle collision in Las Vegas or the surrounding areas, obtaining a copy of the Las Vegas car accident report from Metro police is likely one of your top priorities.

Knowing what to do after a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing, which is why many people are unsure about the proper steps to take. However, it is well within your rights to request the relevant LVMPD police reports whenever you are involved in an accident.

At SJW, we understand the importance of acquiring these crucial documents for our clients. That's why we have a team of experienced accident and injury attorneys, along with knowledgeable staff members who excel in gathering and analyzing all the necessary information pertaining to your accident.

If you require guidance on how to obtain these documents or simply need assistance in obtaining a police report from the Las Vegas Metro PD, we invite you to reach out to us for a free case review. You can call us at (702) 291-8007 or contact us online.

Ensuring the Filing of a Las Vegas Police Report

To obtain a police report after a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus accident in the Las Vegas area, it is essential to confirm that a report has been filed.

A police report will only be available if law enforcement personnel responded to the scene or if someone reported the accident directly to the police at a later time. Typically, this reporting is done by one or both of the drivers involved.

In fact, according to Nevada law, most car accidents must be reported by the drivers involved if the police did not respond to the scene, even if the drivers called the police and they failed to arrive.

The report can be filed in person at the appropriate local law enforcement agency. Las Vegas has multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the Henderson Police Department, the North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Nevada State Police (formerly known as the Highway Patrol).

The specific agency where the report should be filed depends on the location of the crash.

Alternatively, the report can be filed using the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Report of Traffic Crash form (https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/sr1.pdf). Nevada law mandates that a traffic crash report be filed if the property damage amounts to $750 or more or if the accident resulted in injury or death.

When filing the form in person, it is advisable to bring the following information, if available:

• Date of the crash
• Time of the crash
• Location of the crash
• Names of the individuals involved
• Information about each vehicle involved
• Description of the accident
• Description of the damaged property
• Description of injuries
• Estimated cost of vehicle repairs
• Requesting the Las Vegas Area Police Report

To request a police report near you in the Las Vegas area, follow these steps:

1. Identify the agency that responded to your incident. Las Vegas has multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the Henderson Police Department, the North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Nevada State Police. Ensure you know which agency responded to your incident so that you can contact the appropriate one to request a police report.
2. Gather information about the incident. To request a police report, you will need to provide specific information about the incident, such as the date, time, and location. Additionally, you should have the names of the involved parties and any other relevant details.
3. Complete a request form. After identifying the agency and gathering the necessary information, complete a request form. Many agencies offer online forms that you can fill out and submit electronically. If an online form is unavailable, you may need to visit the agency in person to complete the form.
4. Pay any applicable fees. Certain agencies may charge a fee for providing a copy of the police report. The fee amount can vary based on the agency and the report's length. It is important to inquire about any fees before submitting your request.
5. Wait for processing. Once you have submitted your request and any required fees, you must wait for the agency to process your request. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the agency's workload and the time it takes for the responding officer to complete the report.
6. Obtain the police report. Once your request has been processed, you will be able to obtain a copy of the police report. Depending on the agency's procedures, you may be able to pick up the report in person or have it mailed to you. Some agencies may also provide electronic copies of the report.

Is it Possible to Obtain a Las Vegas Police Report Online?

Yes, it is possible to request a Las Vegas police report online, eliminating the need to visit the station or wait for traditional mail delivery. It is important to note that after a report is filed, you may need to wait up to 10 business days for the report to become available for dissemination from Las Vegas Metro Police.

If you wish to obtain a police report for an accident that occurred in Las Vegas, you can do so by contacting the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). The LVMPD offers various methods for requesting a copy of your Incident Report, Traffic Collision Report, or Arrest Report filed within their jurisdiction.

Here are three ways you can request a copy of your LVMPD accident report:

1. Online: Visit the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau website at https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/RecordsandFingerprintBureau.aspx and follow the instructions to request a Las Vegas Metro Police accident report online. Accepted online payment methods include bank-issued debit cards or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
2. In Person: Visit the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau located at 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Building C in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bureau is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
3. By Mail: Request a copy of the police report by mail. Send form 548, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the $11 fee to the following address:

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Attn: Correspondence Section

400 S. Martin Luther King Boulevard Building C

Las Vegas, NV 89106

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional identifying information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location, as well as the names of those involved.

Cost of Requesting a Police Report in Las Vegas

It is important to note that there may be fees associated with obtaining a copy of your Las Vegas car accident report or incident report. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of report being requested. As of May 2023, the non-refundable fee for either a traffic collision report or an incident report is $11.

Required Documentation to Obtain a Police Report in Las Vegas

Before requesting a police report, ensure you have the necessary documentation to receive a copy of your requested report.

One of the following forms of valid photo ID is required:

• State ID, Real ID, or driver's license issued by the DMV
• United States Passport
• Passport issued by another country
• Permanent Resident Alien Registration Card
• Military ID
• Consulate Matricula Identification Card

If you are picking up the report for a juvenile dependent, you must provide:

• Original or certified copy of his/her birth certificate
• Original or certified guardianship paperwork issued by Family Court Services

If you are picking up the report for a friend or family member, you must provide:

• Completed, signed, and notarized Authorization Form

LVMPD will release eligible reports based on the case status and the involvement of the person requesting the report. LVMPD ensures proper redaction of all documents before release, in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes.

Some reports may require additional documentation prior to authorization for release. These report types may include:

• Homicide reports
• Sexual Assault reports
• Child Abuse/Neglect reports
• Dead Body reports
• Fatal Traffic Collisions

When requesting a copy of an Incident Report, Traffic Collision Report, or Arrest Report, have the following information available:

• LVMPD Event number
• Your full name and date of birth
• Your phone number with area code and valid email address
• Involved person's name(s)
• Date and time of the incident (or report filed on date)
• Address or location of the incident
• Vehicle license plate state/number (Traffic Collision Report)

If you have any further questions about obtaining a Las Vegas police report after a car accident, we encourage you to contact Sandoval James & Walkenshaw today. Our team of expert injury and accident attorneys in Las Vegas is here to assist you!