Las Vegas Hit And Run Attorney

The Las Vegas streets are no stranger to hit-and-run accidents. Amidst the city hit-and-run, crashes happened every day, leaving accident victims feeling a sense of hopelessness that they might not be able to get compensation for their damages.

However, in a hit-and-run accident, a victim may only need the expertise and advocacy of an experienced Las Vegas hit-and-run accident lawyer to make a full recovery.

If you or a family member were the victim of a hit-and-run crash, call (702) 566-3600 today and receive a free initial consultation to learn about options you or your family can take to ensure maximum compensation.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident

In the car accident space, a hit-and-run accident is when a driver collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property and leaves the car accident scene without fulfilling their obligations, such as checking injured parties, exchanging contact and insurance information, and notifying law enforcement.

Hit-and-run accidents commonly occur due to:

• Panic and fear - Some drivers, immediately after a car accident, may experience panic and make the irrational decision to leave the crash scene.

• DUI - A driver under the influence may take to fleeing the scene to evade DUI charges.

• Being unlicensed or uninsured - Individuals without a valid driver's license or insurance coverage may hit-and-run to avoid legal penalties or financial liability for the car accident.

• Road rage - An aggressive driver may hit and run during their moments of rage on the road.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident

After a hit-and-run accident, you may be disoriented and shocked.

Having a plan of action in the event of a hit-and-run accident will allow you to handle the situation better while improving your odds of a higher compensation amount.

Our Las Vegas injury lawyers have provided eight simple steps you should take after a hit-and-run to ensure a chaotic situation doesn't get worse.

1. Ensure Yours and Others' Safety - The first action after the hit-and-run crash should be to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Then, check other possible injured parties involved in the car accident. Contact emergency medical services if injuries are suspected to be present.

2. Take Note of the Fleeing Vehicle - You may miss this step, but in the event of a hit-and-run, you should try to document the fleeing vehicle involved. This documentation may be the make, model, color, and license plate number. Ask any eyewitness if you cannot see the car clearly.

3. Contact Law Enforcement - Ensure you contact local police or Nevada highway patrol depending on where the hit-and-run accident occurred. Make sure to tell the police that the car accident was a hit-and-run.

4. Collect Evidence - On the hit-and-run accident scene, take quality photographs of property damage, injuries, and, if present, the unattended vehicle.

5. Seek Medical Help - Even if you feel fine at the scene of an accident, you should still seek a medical evaluation. This is because possible injuries may not be detected immediately and could not be included in your personal injury case.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company - After the hit-and-run accident, contact your insurance provider and notify them that you were involved in a hit-and-run car accident. Ensure you provide them with adequate information.

7. Consult With a Hit-and-run Lawyer - Go on the offensive and enlist the help of a hit-and-run accident attorney in Las Vegas. An experienced Las Vegas-run hit-and-run lawyer will inform you of your rights while representing you in legal proceedings.

8. Keep Updated - Hit-and-run cases can develop quickly, so watch for any developments in your hit-and-run crash.

By following these eight steps provided to you by a hit-and-run accident lawyer, you put yourself in an advantageous position for a strong recovery.

How Is The Hit and Run Driver Found

In the aftermath of hit-and-run accidents, many people question how the hit-and-run driver will be found. Despite challenges caused by the absence of the other driver, there are methods to track and find them.

Commonly employed methods to track down the hit-and-run driver are:

• Witness Accounts - Eyewitness statements will be crucial in finding the fleeing vehicle. A witness can provide information on the other driver involved, such as direction of travel, motor vehicle features, and additional valuable information.

• CCTV Footage - Surveillance cameras are prevalent in the streets of Las Vegas and can significantly assist investigators when tracking down the at-fault driver. Common areas where cameras are located are nearby businesses, traffic intersections, and residential homes.

• Physical Evidence - Auto accidents often leave behind debris such as paint, vehicle parts, and tire marks. This debris can be used to determine the exact make and model of the hit-and-run vehicle.

• Vehicle Database - If a plate number was noted during the hit-and-run accident, Las Vegas police could search the plate in an advanced database to find the fleeing vehicle.

• Social Media - Las Vegas police are no strangers to social media platforms and often use these platforms to communicate with the public about ongoing investigations. If the police utilize social media in your hit-and-run case, a member of Las Vegas may come forward with a tip or information.

• Autobody Shops - It's important to inform local body shops of the hit-and-run accident, as the fleeing driver may be naive enough to seek repair at one of these shops.

If a couple of these investigative methods are used in your Las Vegas hit-and-run case, you should have no problems in tracking and bringing to justice the hit-and-run driver.

Punishments For a Hit and Run in Nevada

In Nevada, hit-and-run crashes come with punishments that vary on factors such as the severity of the incident, whether injuries occurred, and the amount of property damage.

An overview of the punishments resulting from a hit-and-run accident is discussed below.

Misdemeanor Hit and Run Accidents

If the hit-and-run accident resulted in only property damage and no one suffered injuries, the hit-and-run charge will most likely be classified as a misdemeanor offense.

According to NRS 484E.080, penalties for misdemeanor hit-and-run can be fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

Felony Hit and Run

If a hit-and-run car accident results in someone being severely injured or even dying, the hit-and-run will be considered a felony and will carry heavy criminal penalties.

Again, following NRS 484E.080, penalties for a felony hit-and-run can be fines up to $5,000 and/or jail time for a minimum of up to two years and a maximum of 15 years, depending on the severity of the hit-and-run automobile accident.

Penalties for DUI Hit and Run Accidents

In Las Vegas, if the hit-and-run driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, additional penalties will apply.

These penalties can be fines of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months (NRS 484C.400).

However, for DUI hit-and-runs that result in injury or death, penalties can include fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for 2 to 20 years (NRS 484C.430).

Civil Liability

Adding to criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers will almost always face civil lawsuits filed by the victim seeking fair compensation for the injuries, property damage, and other losses caused by the negligent driver.

The amount of money the at-fault driver will need to pay to compensate the victim will depend on the experience of the victim's personal injury lawyer.

Driver's License Suspension

A hit-and-run charge often leads to the suspension or revocation of the driver's license. Seeking to regain a driver's license may require taking courses or meeting other conditions set by Nevada law and the DMV.

Hit-and-run accidents not only make for severe personal injury cases but also criminal ones. Knowing these punishments may allow victims to ensure the negligent driver is brought to complete justice.

How To Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you must be equipped with the knowledge of how you can receive compensation and find resolution.

Below, we cover a few ways you can pursue compensation after a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident:

1. Consult With Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys - Consulting with an experienced Las Vegas hit-and-run accident lawyer will open the opportunity to work with someone who will conduct investigations, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your justice.

2. Uninsured Motorist Coverage - If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as a part of your insurance coverage, you can use that as a possible route to compensation. UM coverage is meant to cover damages caused by a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or cannot be identified.

3. Personal Injury Protection - Personal injury protection coverage covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a motor vehicle accident.

4. Medpay - Medical payment coverage can cover medical bills caused by an auto accident.

When seeking compensation after an auto accident, we recommend you explore law firms in the Las Vegas, NV, area and work with experienced accident attorneys.

What Can You Be Compensated For After a Hit and Run Accident

After experiencing a hit-and-run, you'll be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses

• Lost Wages

• Property Damage

• Pain and Suffering

• Permanent Disability

• Loss of Consortium

• Funeral and Burial Expenses

• Legal Fees and Costs

Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer

If you have suffered from a hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas, NV, and you are seeking justice, schedule a free consultation with a hit-and-run lawyer from our firm today.

With over 20 years in Nevada personal injury law, our accident attorneys have the resources and knowledge to deliver you the maximum compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, call (702) 566-3600.

Frequently Asked Questions