Unfortunately, Las Vegas, known for its bustling energy, also sees its fair share of car accidents. While most drivers involved in collisions stop to exchange information and check for injuries, some make the reckless decision to flee the scene. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run car accident, an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer at H&P Law can ensure you know how to handle the situation and what rights you have.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Nevada
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing contact information or assisting injured parties. This can include accidents with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or property. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 484E outlines the legal framework for hit-and-run offenses.
Every driver involved in an accident must stop immediately as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic. Stopping is required regardless of fault. Drivers are required to remain at the scene until they have:
- Exchanged contact information with all other drivers involved, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information
- Rendered reasonable assistance to any injured person, including calling 911 if necessary
- Filed a report with the police if the accident results in property damage exceeding $750, injury, or death
Legal Consequences of Fleeing the Scene of a Car Accident
In Nevada, there are legal consequences for fleeing an accident scene. These consequences depend on the severity of the accident and any resulting injuries. Potential charges include:
- Misdemeanor hit-and-run: Leaving the scene of an accident that only involves property damage is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and six demerit points on your driver’s license.
- Felony hit and run: Fleeing the scene of an accident that results in bodily injury or death is a category B felony with harsher penalties, including two to 20 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and restitution to the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Civil lawsuits: Victims of hit-and-run accidents can retain the help of a car accident attorney in Las Vegas to file a civil lawsuit against the fleeing driver to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurance Issues in Hit-and-Run Car Accidents
Fleeing drivers and victims may have insurance issues after a hit-and-run. If the fleeing driver is not identified, the victim may need to rely on their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to recover damages. Drivers convicted of hit-and-run offenses can expect significant increases in their insurance premiums or even cancellation of their policies.
Challenges of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents present several unique challenges for victims. These challenges complicate the process of seeking justice and compensation, often leaving victims feeling frustrated and helpless. A skilled car accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help you overcome the following challenges after a driver flees the scene of your car accident:
- Identifying the driver: Without knowing who the at-fault driver is, filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action becomes significantly more complex.
- Proving fault: The burden of proof falls on you, the victim, to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the collision. Without a witness or clear evidence of the other driver’s actions, this can be difficult.
- Recovering damages: Without readily identifiable insurance information, securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs can be a significant hurdle.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a hit-and-run collision, there are critical steps you should take. Taking these steps can protect your rights and help in a civil lawsuit. If the driver who hit you flees the scene of your accident, take these steps:
- Ensure your safety: Your safety and the safety of others involved are the first priorities. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
- Gather evidence: If possible, memorize details about the vehicle that fled, including its make, model, color, and license plate number. Note down any descriptions of the driver if you can see them.
- Look for witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the car accident, get their contact information to help corroborate your version of events.
- Report the accident to the police: File a police report regardless of the severity of the damage. Provide the police with any details you can remember about the accident and the fleeing vehicle.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if you were not at fault, your insurance might cover some damages depending on your policy.
- Seek legal counsel: An experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney can advise you on your legal options, help you file a car accident claim in Nevada, and potentially pursue compensation for your damages if you were injured.
How a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A skilled Las Vegas car accident attorney from H&P Law can make a substantial difference in navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, as evidenced in our prior case results. We can give you peace of mind to focus on your recovery. Here is how we can assist you:
- Investigating the accident: We will work diligently to gather evidence from the scene. We can use resources to track down the fleeing driver, including working with law enforcement and private investigators.
- Building your case: Even without a readily identifiable fault, we can build a strong case based on available evidence, traffic laws, and accident reconstruction techniques.
- Negotiating with your insurance company: Many car insurance policies offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can compensate for accidents involving hit-and-run drivers or drivers with insufficient insurance. We can help you navigate the complexities of your insurance policy and negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance provider.
- Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, we can file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if they are identified. We will handle all aspects of the legal process, including gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and representing you in court.
- Protecting your rights: Throughout the process, we will ensure that your rights are protected and that your insurance companies and other parties involved treat you fairly.
Take Action and Protect Your Rights
Hit-and-run car accidents pose significant challenges for victims. With the assistance of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer at H&P Law, you can effectively address the obstacles you face, ensuring your rights are protected and your path to recovery is supported.
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys today to learn how we can guide you through this challenging journey and help you secure compensation for your injuries.
