If you were injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere in Clark County, Nevada, you have a limited window of time to pursue legal action. Nevada law sets a strict deadline — called the statute of limitations — for filing personal injury claims. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently, regardless of how serious your injuries are. Understanding how long to file a car accident claim in Nevada is the first step to protecting your legal rights.
Nevada’s 2-Year Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Under Nevada Revised Statutes Section 11.190, injured victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. This applies to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other motor vehicle collisions throughout Clark County and the rest of Nevada.
Two years may seem like a long time, but the reality is that building a strong car accident case takes time. Medical treatment, investigation, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies all take months. Waiting too long to contact an attorney can put your case at risk.
When Does the 2-Year Clock Start?
In most Nevada car accident cases, the statute of limitations begins running on the date of the accident. However, there are situations where the clock may start at a different time:
- Discovery rule: If your injuries were not immediately apparent, the clock may start when you discovered — or reasonably should have discovered — your injury.
- Minor victims: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach age 18.
- Government vehicles: If the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle, you must file a tort claim notice within 2 years before you can sue — and the process is more complex.
Why You Should Not Wait to Contact an Attorney
Insurance companies begin investigating accidents immediately after they occur. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage gets overwritten within days or weeks. The sooner you contact Marathon Law Group after a car accident in Las Vegas, the stronger your case will be.
One of the most important reasons to contact an attorney quickly is that Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. Under NRS 41.141, if you are found 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will attempt to build a case that you share fault — and they begin that process immediately. Every day that passes without preserving evidence is a day that works in their favor.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the 2-year statute of limitations has passed, the defendant will almost certainly file a motion to dismiss your case. Nevada courts strictly enforce this deadline. With very limited exceptions, a missed statute of limitations means your case is over.
This is why contacting an attorney promptly after a car accident is so important — even if you are still receiving medical treatment or your case has not settled with the insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the insurance company is still negotiating with me when the deadline approaches?
Do not rely on ongoing negotiations as a reason to delay filing. If the statute of limitations is approaching and your case is not resolved, Marathon Law Group can file suit to preserve your rights while negotiations continue.
Does the 2-year deadline apply to property damage claims too?
Nevada has a 3-year statute of limitations for property damage claims under NRS 11.190. However, since most car accidents involve both personal injury and property damage, it is best to treat the 2-year deadline as the controlling date.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
You can still file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. The same 2-year statute of limitations generally applies.
What if I was hit by a driver from out of state?
You can still file your claim in Nevada courts as long as the accident occurred in Nevada. Nevada law and the 2-year statute of limitations apply regardless of where the at-fault driver lives. Marathon Law Group handles interstate accident claims throughout Clark County.
Does the 2-year deadline apply to minors?
If the injured person is under 18 years old at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled — paused — until they reach age 18. This means a child injured in a car accident has until their 20th birthday to file a claim in most cases. An attorney can confirm the specific deadline that applies to your situation.
If you were injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere in Clark County, do not wait to get legal advice. Contact Marathon Law Group for a free consultation. Our attorneys handle car accident cases throughout Nevada on a contingency fee basis — no charge unless we win your case.
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Why Choose Marathon Law Group for Your Nevada Car Accident Case?
At Marathon Law Group, we understand that car accident victims face physical, emotional, and financial hardship all at once. Our attorneys handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We work with medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. From the moment you contact us, our goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery while you focus on healing.
If the statute of limitations is approaching, do not wait. Our attorneys can file your lawsuit quickly to preserve your legal rights even while settlement negotiations continue. We serve clients throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and all of Clark County Nevada.