Is It Illegal To Refuse To Give Insurance Details?

Nevada’s Legal Requirements

In Nevada, as in most other states in the country, it is against the law to not provide insurance details after a car accident. NRS 465.317 requires anyone involved in a car accident to provide their insurance details. Refusing to do so could result in criminal offenses and fines of up to $1,000. 

In addition, drivers are required to remain at the scene and notify the police. When property damages exceed $750 or any person receives personal injuries or dies, the accident must also be reported to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. 

Consequences Of Non-Disclosure

Some of the consequences individuals can face for non-disclosure of insurance information after a car accident include:

• Legal issues: Not providing insurance information after a car crash directly violates the state’s legal requirements. Non-disclosure of the information could result in suspensions of driver’s license and vehicle registration, fines, penalties, and criminal charges. In addition, the other driver could sue for their personal injuries and property damages.
• Car insurance issues: Insurance companies can increase premiums when insured drivers fail to provide insurance information after an accident
• Delay in claims processing: Non-disclosure can make it more difficult to process auto accident insurance claims and settlements in a timely manner. However, with assistance from a car accident lawyer, these delays can be minimized.

Auto Accident Situations

There are several things you can do to potentially obtain the insurance information in another manner after being involved in an auto accident where the other driver is refusing to give it to you, as follows:

• Remain calm: Understandably, you will be shaken and possibly injured after a car crash. When someone refuses to do what they are legally obligated to do, it can cause you to become even more upset and angry. However, take a deep breath and avoid a confrontation with the other driver. 
• Seek medical treatment: It is vital to seek medical treatment for any injuries you have sustained as a result of the accident, regardless of fault. Some injuries may not be apparent due to the adrenaline rush most people experience following a car crash. 
• Gather relevant information: Take pictures of their vehicle and license plate. Knowing the make, model, and year of the vehicle, along with the license plate, makes it easier to do a reverse lookup to track down their insurance details. You will also want pictures of your damages, the road conditions, and the location of the accident.
• Obtain witnesses’ contact details: Ask any witnesses for their contact details in case they need to be contacted later to give a statement
• Call the police: The police can attempt to get the other driver’s insurance information. They will also get statements and prepare a police report. 
• Notify your insurance company: You should still inform your insurance company about the accident but avoid going into too many details or offering excess information. Stick with the facts —  the date and time of the accident and the police report number. 

Expectations And Advice

After the accident, you should expect the claims process to take slightly longer. To help expedite the situation, there are several things you can do, including:

• Consult with a car accident attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can be a valuable resource for helping you obtain the other party’s insurance information. They also help ensure you receive fair compensation from their insurance company. 
• Keep detailed records: It is essential to keep all records related to the car accident, such as the police report number, hospital and medical records for any treatments, lost wages, and property damages
• Do not violate Nevada’s laws: It can be tempting to go on the offensive when the other driver refuses to provide their insurance details. You may refuse to give them yours. However, do not put yourself in legal jeopardy. Instead, adhere to Nevada’s laws, remain at the scene, and provide your insurance details. 

What If The Refusal Is Because They Don’t Have Insurance?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2022, approximately 8.8% of drivers in Nevada do not have insurance. As such, it is understandable that someone in an auto accident with no insurance might refuse to provide their insurance details because they are driving without insurance. Even though they will have to face the legal consequences of not having insurance, it does nothing to help you with your property damage and injuries. 

However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance coverage, then your insurance company will reimburse you for your losses. They will act like they were the responsible party’s insurance and reimburse you up to your coverage limits. 

Additionally, you could sue the other driver in civil court, provided they have any valuable assets. Since filing an uninsured auto accident insurance claim can be rather complex, obtaining assistance from an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer is still beneficial.

How Can Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, Help Me?

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our personal injury and auto accident attorneys in Las Vegas work tirelessly to help you obtain the other party’s insurance information. Once we get the information, we will file an injury claim against their insurance, take care of all negotiations, and ensure you receive a fair settlement offer. In cases where they are uninsured, we will handle all negotiations with your insurance and also take steps to sue the other party when they have any assets.