Las Vegas Uninsured Motorist Lawyer

How do I get compensation after an uninsured driver hits me in Las Vegas?

A Las Vegas uninsured motorist lawyer can open a claim against your own UM/UIM coverage, which every Nevada insurer must offer you under NRS 687B.145. After a crash on corridors like Boulder Highway or Flamingo Road, we deal with the adjuster, prove your losses, and protect the two-year deadline under NRS 11.190.

When the other driver has no insurance, you may be left wondering who will cover your medical bills and other losses. Fortunately, Nevada law may give you another option through your own uninsured motorist coverage, but handling a claim with your own insurance company can still be complicated.

The team at Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers has helped injured drivers across the Las Vegas Valley since 1977. For these types of claims, it helps to have a lawyer who understands Nevada insurance law, has trial experience, and works on a contingency fee basis.

Ed Bernstein opened the firm in 1977, and the firm reports a 95% success rate for injured clients. You can learn more about the firm’s case results and client testimonials. With contingency fees, you don’t pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you, and the firm is available 24/7.

What should you do first after a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver?

Call 911, get medical care, and gather everything you can before you leave the scene. What you do in the first hour shapes what you can recover later, and it matters even more when the other driver has no coverage to fall back on.

Here is how to protect yourself.

Call 911 and get an officer to the scene. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 484E, you must report any crash that causes injury or serious property damage. In the city, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responds and writes a police report at the scene. On I-15, US-95, or the I-215 Beltway, the Nevada State Police (Highway Patrol) handles it. If no officer comes, you must file an SR-1 Report of Traffic Crash with the Nevada DMV within 10 days.
Stay put and trade information. Nevada law requires every driver to remain at the scene and share their name, address, and insurance details. Write down the other driver’s plate number even if they claim to have no insurance.
See a doctor the same day. Adrenaline hides whiplash and concussions. Prompt records from a clinic or from UMC tie your injuries to the wreck and shut down the argument that you were not really hurt.
Photograph the whole scene. Get the vehicles, the signals, skid marks, and the exact intersection or highway marker. This is your proof, and it disappears fast once cars are towed.
Say nothing recorded until you have advice. This includes calls from your own insurer. In an uninsured motorist claim, your own company is the one paying, so its adjuster has reason to keep your number low.

What happens after a crash with an uninsured driver?

The first surprise is often finding out that the other driver has no insurance. The officer may discover it at the scene, the driver may provide an expired insurance card, or, in a hit-and-run on a busy road like Boulder Highway, there may be no driver to identify at all.

When the other driver’s insurance isn’t available, you may be able to turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. You would file a claim with your insurance company, but that doesn’t mean your medical care has to wait. Depending on your situation, health insurance, MedPay, or other options may help cover treatment while your claim is being handled.

Most UM/UIM claims are resolved through a settlement, but some may require additional steps depending on the terms of your policy. If your case cannot be resolved, an attorney can help determine whether litigation or arbitration may be appropriate and, when necessary, pursue your case in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas.

How much car insurance is required in Nevada?

Nevada is a fault-based car insurance state. Under this law, all drivers are required to purchase and maintain minimum amounts of liability automobile insurance. This type of coverage pays for the medical bills and property repairs of others after an at-fault accident.

According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, the minimum required amounts of insurance in Nevada are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $20,000 in property damage liability insurance. Anything less than this is a violation of the state’s car insurance laws.

What types of coverage protect you from uninsured drivers?

Several parts of your own policy can fill the hole left by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage in Nevada usually covers this type of accident, but it is not your only option. Knowing which one applies is often the difference between a small check and a full recovery.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, including in a hit-and-run. Under NRS 687B.145, your insurer had to offer this in an amount equal to your liability limits, and you could only decline it in writing. Many drivers have it and never realized it.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the other driver does have insurance, but not enough. If your bills reach $80,000 and their policy caps out at $25,000, UIM can bridge the rest up to your own limits.
Collision coverage repairs or replaces your vehicle, no matter who was at fault, which helps when the other driver has no coverage.
Medical Payments (MedPay) covers medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of fault, with no deductible.

If none of these apply, your health insurance may absorb some of the treatment cost while your no insurance accident lawyer looks for other responsible parties.

What happens to drivers who skip insurance in Nevada?

Driving without insurance in Nevada is a misdemeanor under NRS 485.187, and the state tracks coverage electronically through its NVLIVE system, so a lapse rarely goes unnoticed. There is no grace period. Even a one-day gap can trigger a registration suspension.

The penalties climb with the length of the lapse and the number of offenses:

A first offense brings a registration suspension and a reinstatement fee starting at $250, with fines that rise with the length of the lapse.
A lapse longer than 90 days forces the driver to carry an SR-22 certificate for three years, which sharply raises their premiums.
A third offense within five years labels the driver a habitual offender and adds a minimum 30-day license suspension.

However, none of this puts money in your pocket. A citation against the other driver does not pay your medical bills, which is exactly why your own UM/UIM coverage and the right uninsured car accident lawyer matter so much.

Which Injuries Show Up Most in Uninsured-Driver Crashes?

The injuries in an uninsured-driver wreck are no different from any other serious collision, and insurers dispute them all the same way. The most common ones we handle include whiplash, brain injuries, spine damage, and lasting emotional trauma.

Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries. The most frequent crash injury, caused when the head snaps forward and back. Symptoms can take days to appear, and insurers love to call them minor.
Traumatic brain injuries. A concussion or worse can follow the head striking a window or airbag. The cognitive and mood effects can last for months and need full documentation.
Spinal cord injuries. Herniated discs, nerve damage, and, in severe cases, paralysis. These often mean surgery, long rehab, and permanent life changes.
Psychological injuries. PTSD, anxiety, and a fear of driving are real, compensable harms that deserve the same weight as a broken bone.

Who pays when the at-fault driver has no coverage?

In most cases, you pay through your own UM/UIM policy, and then your insurer may go after the at-fault driver to recover what it paid. But the at-fault driver is not always the only party who owes you. A careful look at your crash can uncover other sources of recovery, including:

An employer, if the uninsured driver was working at the time of the wreck.
A vehicle or parts maker, if a defect such as failed brakes caused or worsened the crash.
A government body, if poor road design or a missing signal on a corridor like Charleston Boulevard played a role.
A bar or restaurant, if it over-served a drunk driver before the crash.

Finding every responsible party is often what turns a partial recovery into a full one.

Tip From Our Attorneys: Does UM/UIM Cover Passengers and Rideshare Riders?

Here is a point many drivers miss. UM/UIM coverage follows the person, not just the car. If you were a passenger in a friend’s vehicle, riding in an Uber or Lyft, or even walking when an uninsured driver struck you, you may be able to claim under a policy you did not know protected you. Rideshare companies also carry UM/UIM coverage that can apply while you are in the car. These overlaps get complicated fast, and sorting them out is one of the first things we do. If your crash involved a rideshare, our Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyers can walk you through it.

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What Damages Can You Recover After an Uninsured-Driver Crash?

With the help of a trusted lawyer, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. The type of coverage you tap does not change what those damages include.

Economic damages cover your out-of-pocket losses:

Emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Future medical costs for ongoing care
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Vehicle repair or replacement

Non-economic damages cover the harm that has no receipt:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of the activities you loved
Loss of consortium with your spouse

Insurers routinely lowball the non-economic side. A large part of our job is building the records that make those losses hard to wave away.

How Much Time Do You Have to Take Legal Action in Nevada?

For a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you generally have two years from the crash date under NRS 11.190(4)(e). Miss it, and the court can throw your case out no matter how clearly the other driver was at fault.

A UM/UIM claim works differently. Because it is a claim on your own insurance contract, Nevada treats it as a breach-of-contract matter with a longer window that runs from the day your insurer denies the claim, not the day of the crash. That extra time is real, but it is not a reason to wait.

Pitfall Alert: Do Not Settle With the Other Driver Before Calling Your Own Insurer

Here is a trap that quietly kills UIM claims. Say the at-fault driver has a small policy, and their insurer offers you the full limit. It feels like a win, so you sign and cash the check. The problem is that most policies require you to get your own UIM carrier’s written consent before you settle with the at-fault driver. Settle without it, and you can wipe out the UIM claim that was your real path to full recovery. Before you accept any offer, let an attorney review it. One signature can cost you far more than it pays.

What Does the Claim Process Look Like From Start to Finish?

A claim with our firm generally moves through six stages. Most settle before trial, but we build each one as if it will go to court.

Free consultation. You tell us what happened. We tell you honestly whether you have a claim and what coverage may apply.
Investigation. We pull the police report, request camera footage, interview witnesses, and gather your medical records.
Medical treatment. We encourage you to finish treatment before settling, so the claim reflects your full recovery and not a guess.
Demand package. Once your condition is stable, we assemble a detailed demand and send it to the insurer.
Negotiation. We handle every exchange with the adjuster and decline offers that fall short.
Settlement or trial. When the carrier will not pay fairly, we take the case before a Clark County jury.

How Do You Choose the Right Attorney for Your Uninsured Motorist Case?

Whether you are looking for an uninsured car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run, or you were simply struck by a driver with no insurance, look past the billboards. The right lawyer for a UM/UIM claim has Nevada insurance experience, knows the local courts, and is honest with you about your options.

Do they handle claims like yours? Ask whether the firm regularly works UM/UIM and hit-and-run claims, not just standard crashes. Our attorneys have represented Nevada accident victims since 1977, and our case results reflect that range.

Do they know Clark County? A lawyer who understands the Eighth Judicial District Court and how local insurers negotiate brings a real edge. Ed Bernstein has practiced in this community for nearly five decades.

Are they ready to try the case? Firms that settle everything get offered less, and insurers know which ones those are. We prepare each claim for trial from the start.

What do our clients say?

“I will recommend this firm to anyone that may need an injury lawyer.

Nina Amico was my legal assistant who was so diligent and worked very hard to get me the best health care recovery and settlement in a timely manner. Thank you Nina I will recommend this firm to anyone that may need an injury lawyer.” –Dawne Williams

“Professional, polite and concerned.

We have an ongoing case. Thus far, their demeanor has been responsive, professional, polite, and concerned.” -Don I.

“I really appreciated the “can do” attitude they exuded from the start and the professionalism they continued to demonstrate. I had a small request for some legal advice and Edward M Bernstein & Associates more than delivered! I was not only given advice but the team actually took the issue head on for me and I was left worry free. In a few days everything was settled and things afterwards could not have been more thorough. I received e-mails laying out every detail of the action the team took and what responsibilities I still had in resolving everything on my end. I really appreciated the “can do” attitude they exuded from the start and the professionalism they continued to demonstrate. Highly recommend Ed Bernstein & Associates.” -Roger Sandoval, Jr

You can read verified reviews on our testimonials page.

Disclaimer: Client reviews reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of any particular result.

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What Results Have Our Attorneys Recovered?

Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers has represented Nevada clients in serious car accident and uninsured motorist cases, focused on securing the funds they need for care, lost income, and long-term recovery.

$1.5M Settlement – Motor Vehicle Accident (Ejected from the vehicle)
$1.5M Settlement – Motor Vehicle Accident (Wrongful death)
$750,000 Settlement – Motor Vehicle Accident (Brain Injury)

More outcomes are listed on our case results page.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a future outcome. Every case is unique and depends on its own facts and legal circumstances.

Where Do We Help Injured Drivers?

Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers represents crash victims across Southern Nevada, including:

Las Vegas
Henderson
Summerlin

Our offices sit at:

10801 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 520, Las Vegas;
400 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor, in Downtown Las Vegas;
1489 W. Warm Springs Rd., Suite 110, in Henderson.

What Local Resources Can Help After a Las Vegas Crash?

The resources below may help after a wreck in Las Vegas or Clark County. Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers does not endorse or profit from any of these organizations.

Medical Care

University Medical Center (UMC), Nevada’s only Level I trauma center, 1800 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102, (702) 383-2000

Crash Reports and Records

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, for reports on city streets. Most collision reports are ready within about 10 business days for a small fee.
Nevada State Police (Highway Patrol), for crashes on I-15, US-95, and the I-215 Beltway
Nevada DMV, for the SR-1 Report of Traffic Crash and insurance requirements

Insurance Help

Nevada Division of Insurance, for consumer questions about UM/UIM coverage

Courts

Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89155

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best uninsured motorist lawyer in Las Vegas?

The right Las Vegas uninsured motorist lawyer is licensed in Nevada, works on contingency, knows the Eighth Judicial District Court, and will try your case if the insurer will not pay fairly. Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers has represented injured Nevadans since 1977. Contact us for a free review.

What does a Las Vegas uninsured motorist attorney actually do on my claim?

Because your own insurer pays a UM/UIM claim, the attorney takes over that contact, confirms what coverage NRS 687B.145 required the insurer to offer, gathers the LVMPD report and your medical records, values your losses, and negotiates. If the carrier will not pay fairly, the attorney files suit in Clark County.

Can a lawyer help if a hit-and-run driver hits me?

Yes. A hit-and-run is treated as an uninsured motorist claim under your own policy. Nevada’s physical-contact rule in NRS 690B.020 can complicate no-contact cases, so proof matters. Our Las Vegas hit-and-run attorneys work to preserve camera footage and witness accounts fast.

Do I have to file through my own insurance, and how does that work?

Usually, yes. You report the crash to your own carrier, open a UM or UIM claim, and submit proof of the other driver’s lack of coverage along with your losses. Your insurer then reviews and pays up to your limits. Do not give a recorded statement before you have advice.

How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in Nevada?

A lawsuit against the at-fault driver falls under the two-year injury deadline in NRS 11.190. A UM/UIM claim is a contract claim, so Nevada allows up to six years, and that clock starts when your insurer denies the claim, not on the crash date. Your policy may still set its own shorter notice deadlines, so act early.

What is the average settlement for an uninsured motorist claim in Nevada?

There is no reliable average, because every claim depends on its facts. The severity of your injuries, your available UM/UIM limits, your lost income, and your future care all drive the number. Minor cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, while serious injury cases can reach far higher.

Talk to a Las Vegas Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today

If an uninsured or underinsured driver hurt you in Las Vegas, do not wait. Your own insurer is already looking for reasons to pay less. Let us handle it for you.

We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fill out our online form, and we will call you right back. There is no fee unless we win.

Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers 10801 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 520, Las Vegas, NV 89135 | 702-710-7973 | Free consultation, available 24/7

This content is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts.

Attorney Review and Office Information

This page was prepared for review by Nevada-licensed attorneys at Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers to reflect current Nevada law, including NRS 485.185 (minimum coverage), NRS 687B.145 and NRS 690B.020 (UM/UIM coverage), and NRS 11.190 (statute of limitations). Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed in the State of Nevada.